Outside eating weekend

We had such awesome weather this weekend (status quo for Nor Cal, but still worth noting) so we really made the most of it.  Lots of outdoor time!

IMG_1781 

Friday morning started with Earth Butter-ed toast and a fried egg. <— yup, that’s a bite mark out of the toast

IMG_1912 IMG_1916

For lunch I had a big salad with greens, quinoa, carrots, tomatoes, and peanuts with peanut soy dressing.  Since I finished off the rest of the PB I just made the dressing in the jar.

IMG_9584 

I broke up P and his girlfriend Sophie for an afternoon walk and by the time I got home I was ravenous.

IMG_1920

I had planned on doing Mexican for dinner (burrito night) so I got things started a little early with chips and guac. 

These chips are so so, but since we shop at the Co-op now, our pantry hasn’t had 365 tortilla chips in a while.  Sad.

IMG_1921 

Kyle was still at work and before I knew it my little appetizer hour turned into a full on meal… 

I finished off the Sabra guacamole.  By myself.  Oops!

Fortunately I had another one in the freezer, so I quickly pulled it out and submerged it in tepid water to thaw in time for Kyle to get some on his dinner.  I swear I did not mean to hog it all to myself but Sabra’s guac is SO GOOD!  Kyle even made the same comment out of the blue during dinner.

IMG_1930

Speaking of dinner.

IMG_1933 

I ruined my appetite with the chip and guac fest, so I waited until I got hungry later on. 

But when Kyle got home, he had a burrito with cheddar cheese, guacamole, and a rice/lentil/salsa mix I made.

IMG_1926 IMG_1924 

For the FODMAPs people, lentils are actually considered safe (although canned is preferable because they’ve had longer to soak).  I made these from dried lentils in the rice cooker.  Same with the mixed rice.  Then I combined both with lots of salsa.

IMG_1932 

Easy peasy burrito filling (leftovers make a great savory breakfast burrito or you can serve with a fried egg on top).

IMG_1936

I had some of the filling plain and then decided to just honor my true craving (more guacamole with chips). 

IMG_1922 

Aaaand so I finished off the rest of the (second) Sabra guacamole.  Game, set, match.  FTW.

The rest of the night we played with our little one.

I wish I could sleep in on the weekends, but I can’t seem to snooze past 7.  I wake up at 6:30 on the dot, which probably has to do with the fact that I go to bed between 9 and 10 pm.  Oh well.

IMG_1938 

Eggs for the leftover burrito goods.

After breakfast, Kyle’s parents arrived.  They were in Sac for a few days before they headed over to visit us.

We gave them a tour of our casa and then headed over to the farmer’s market downtown.

IMG_9601 

Monkey face fell asleep while we picked out some goodies for later that night (green onions and goat gouda). 

IMG_9597

For lunch Kyle got a veggie corndog from The Hotdogger

IMG_9598

I was going to get the same until I checked out the menu at Fat Face.

IMG_9599

Please devote your full attention to the Goat Classic.

IMG_9603

Perrrfection.

I added sriracha too.  I’m obsessed with the stuff lately.

IMG_9605 

We hung out for a while before going to the Co-op to pick up the rest of the groceries for dinner.

Between lunch and dinner we didn’t do anything but chat and take a mellow stroll to the park.  Kyle showed his parents his work shop while I nursed, and then we dipped into some appetizers.

IMG_1943 

Lots of local goodies, including Fiddyment Farms pistachios, Central Coast Creamery’s goat gouda, Milton’s & Mary’s Gone crackers.

IMG_1962 IMG_1991 

Enjoyed in the backyard. 

IMG_1940

I just HAD to try the goat gouda, and holy #$%^ was it tasty.  It was salty and flavorful and basically the best stuff ever.  Way back when (like years ago) I planned on seeing how I tolerated goat products because they are noted to be easy for lactose intolerant people, but then I never really did it because I didn’t think I even liked goat cheese.  My sisters are both lactose intolerant and eat (and enjoy) goat cheese.  Now I’m second guessing my taste buds.  This stuff is legit!  And the best news of all is that I had no reaction to it at all (although the amount I had was very small).  I’m super excited to see where these leads me in terms of FODMAPs experiments.  Anyone tried goat’s milk kefir?  Or goat’s milk yogurt?  What a bummer that I’ve been missing out on such yummy-ness all these years…

IMG_1941 IMG_1942

Anyway.  In between playing hostess with the apps and vino and nursing my baby, I started to get dinner ready as well.

On the menu…

IMG_1986 

Miso Tamari Glazed Salmon
Cold Quinoa Summer Salad
Steamed Green Beans

The quinoa took the longest, considering I had to cook it and then let it cool.  But aside from that, the rest of the assembly is super simple (like everything I make).  Same with the salmon.  The marinade comes together in minutes and it only takes 10 minutes on the BBQ.  I started grilling the salmon at the same time as I started steaming the green beans and they were both done at basically the same time. 

IMG_1980 

Cold Quinoa Summer Salad [vegan, gluten free, FODMAPs friendly, nut free]

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup corn
  • 6 green onions (or scallions), thinly sliced (green parts only for FODMAPs people)
  • 1 tbsp tamari
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • salt & pepper (to taste)

Directions:

Cook quinoa and then let it cool.  Add green onions and corn to quinoa and mix.  Add avocado, lime juice and tamari and gently toss until evenly distributed.  Salt & pepper as desired.

IMG_1970 IMG_1973 IMG_1977 

Such a light crisp salad, packed with yummy flavors.

IMG_1971 

I washed and chopped the ends off the green beans beforehand and then waited to cover them and start boiling the water until the salmon was on the grill.  I like them on the more done side, but most people like them just barely fork tender, so I left them that way.  With a little crunch. 

IMG_1944 

Miso Tamari Glazed Salmon [FODMAPs friendly, gluten free]

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon filets
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 tbsp hot water
  • 2 tbsp tamari
  • 2 tbsp miso paste

Directions:

Combine coconut sugar, water, tamari and miso paste in a small mixing bowl.  Place fish in a pan.  Brush sauce over filets (there will probably be extra so feel free to reserve in the bowl).  Let fish marinate (mine sat for ~30-45 minutes).

Grill fish for ~10 minutes, periodically brushing extra marinade on fish (from either the pan or the mixing bowl).

IMG_1945

Before (above) & after (below).

IMG_1982 

It all came together really nicely.

IMG_1985 

Yummmmm.

IMG_1997 IMG_1975

After everyone finished we just stayed outside drinking, talking, and soaking up the perfect weather. 

IMG_1983 

I went to bed before dessert.  No bueno on my part.  But I did steal a few squares the next night. 

IMG_1972

Kyle and I were the first ones up the next morning, even before his parents and the little man. 

IMG_2003

Coffee for three, decaf for one. Wah wah.

IMG_2004 

I made a cranberry coconut quick bread for breakfast.

IMG_2009 

Good with nothing, but great with Earth Balance. 

IMG_2008 

Gluten free and fab-u-lous.  And look at the sun pouring through the kitchen window! 

IMG_2011

We started to go on a walk after breakfast, but it was really windy and P seems to be coming down with a cold so I decided it wasn’t a good idea.  Kyle and his parents forged on, but I turned back with the stroller babe.

We said goodbye to our weekend guests a bit later.  And then I randomly decided to go for a run.  I was slow as balls and it was pathetic and I don’t really even care.  My fitness has taken a total backseat and it is what it is.  What can I say, my priority list has athlete way way way below mom.  Poor atrophied muscles.  Ha.

It did work up my appetite though (as if I need it, I’m an eating machine). 

IMG_2035

For lunch I made a big salad with the quinoa salad leftovers (on a bed of greens and carrots).

IMG_2038 

With Mary’s Gone crackers too.  And almonds.  And then more crackers. 

Kyle headed to work for a couple of hours after I ate, but once he got back home we drove to the fun downtown part of Sac.  Just because.  We didn’t have anything to do, but the weather was so nice and it was the weekend, so why stay in the house all day?

photo 

Kyle got fro-yo at yogurt a go go and we met up with a friend.  Good times.

IMG_2039 

On the way home we got dinner at Pluto’s.  I wasn’t that impressed.  Their employees are apathetic and it shows.  Not that it’s normal to be passionate about salad making.  Oh wait.

The ingredients available are hardly impressive.  No avocado.  No tofu.  No egg.  No peanuts. 

They did have candied walnuts on the list, but when I asked for them, she couldn’t find them.  Then she realized it was because the bowl was basically empty.  So she poured 3 nuts and a bunch of sugar dust into my salad and counted that as one of my 7 ingredients.  No fair dude!  I also got potatoes, carrots, strawberries x2, bean sprouts, and corn.  With a carrot miso dressing.  The dressing saved the salad, honestly, otherwise I would have given the whole meal a C at best.  In the end it was fine, but I don’t think I’ll go back.

IMG_2040 

I had two bowls of Udi’s GF blueberry cashew granola clusters for dessert.

IMG_9608 

Laundry fun to end the fun weekend. 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Comments (24)

  1. holly

    My Granddaughter loves Sophie. Such a simple toy and they love it!!!

  2. Nicole

    Wow, everything looks delicious! I bought ingredients to make your yummy bread this morning from the last post.
    What are your thoughts about how to pick out good salmon?

  3. Elise (Post author)

    i dont know much about fish so i use the guide from the seawatch program: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx

    heres the specifics on salmon:
    http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_factsheet.aspx?gid=49

    aside from that, always wild (not farmed). and then i ask the people at the fish counter what their thoughts are on whats freshest, what im eating it with and stuff like that.

  4. Brigid

    I need to pick your brain at some point about baby gear. I feel totally clueless.

    That quinoa salad looks amazing! I haven’t eaten quinoa in forever since the husband is diabetic, and it spikes blood sugar more than other grains. One of my favorite lunches is quinoa salad with sauteed zucchini and corn, topped with tahini sauce. I need to bring it back into the rotation. Thanks for the reminder!

  5. Nicole

    This site looks great, thanks!

  6. josée

    ehm, just a note from the Netherlands… goat gouda????? my national pride needs to object to that, sorry.
    nice that you had nice wheather. it’s already may, soon june and the wheather here is still sucky.

  7. Sami

    Your recipes are officially taking over my food pinboards. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

    xo.

  8. Dee @ The Hungry Fit Chick

    Wow! All the food from your weekend looks so yum. I definitely want to try out your cranberry coconut quick bread. I’ve never tried making my own bread, so I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

  9. Nicole

    I’m making the quinoa salad tonight! Your meals always look so delish!

  10. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl

    There are so many good looking plates of food here that I can hardly choose what I want to comment on! 😉 I am loving the sound of the burrito filling that you made, though. I will absolutely be giving that a try. And let’s be honest…guacamole is like heaven on earth. I cannot blame you for finishing it off!

  11. Crystal

    Ok – since you are tolerating goat cheese you have to make this pasta: http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2011/04/ditalini-with-roasted-tomato-sauce.html

    It’s nothing fancy but there’s something about the melted goat cheese with the roasted tomato sauce and then add some more goat cheese on top so there are chunks. It’s AMAZING. Period.

  12. Mandie Marie @ The Fruitful Turtle

    The pictures look delicious! That quinoa salad has my name all over it! I love Mary’s Crackers too!

  13. Beth

    so jealous! My IBS won’t allow me to eat salads at this time. And it’s so hot out now, they would be perfect!

    Elise, when you fry your egg, do you use cooking oil, butter, and just spray your pan with some nonstick cooking spray?

    I remember one time you made it in the microwave, but I can’t remember how.

    You spoiled us with two posts in less than 24 hours. Love them!

  14. elizabeth

    Hi. I recently discovered your blog and love reading it! Thanks for all that you share. I am debating getting a rice cooker. It is such a big investment, but I have a feeling I would love it. Can you tell me exactly how you made the rice / lentil combination? Thanks!

  15. Ttrockwood

    So, you really are no longer allowed to compare your current excersize routine to the pre-baby excersize! Obviously you are still a very active person, with some ripped arms as evidenced in your tank top pic here. Don’t beat yourself up over not running as often/fast whatever- please.
    Years ago i tried a number of goats milk products and to me the astonishingly expensive goatsmilk and goats milk yogurt had a bit too much of a wet-goat-barnyard-funk. The flavor is very…..specific. The dairy did not upset my stomach yet i kind of disliked all of what i tried. The fresh goat cheese is VERY different from the aged and flavored kinds. Maybe go to a proper cheese shop and they will often let you taste a few before buying

  16. Elise (Post author)

    believe me, im perfectly happy with my current routine now. comparing would be a moot point because im in a completely different place right now. an awesome place too i might add 🙂
    and yes, my arms are totally ripped! i have a heavy boy and i love it!
    ok so now im thinking that the reason i *thought* i didnt like goat cheese was because i tried a different kind. i had always thought it was soft and creamy, but the gouda i had was hard, salty, and really flavorful. i guess it was an aged one since it was hard. is that how it works? geez, i dont know anything about cheeses. ill have to do some research…or head to a cheese shop…wet goat barnyard funk sounds awful!!! hahahaha.

  17. Elise (Post author)

    thanks elizabeth! glad you found me 🙂
    the rice cooker is the best thing ever and EVERYONE should have one. search my FAQ page for more rice cooker info. im obsessed w mine and think its one of my cheaper appliances. i use it daily. sometimes twice a day. sometimes more. its idiot proof too. you can use it for all dried beans and lentils and every grain.
    i didnt measure my lentil rice mix. i dont always measure things, so if i dont post a recipe it means i didnt measure.

  18. Elise (Post author)

    you can use any of the ones you mentioned. spectrum makes great cooking oil sprays. different oils are intended for different heats so just check that before using it for whatever purpose.

  19. Elise (Post author)

    done and done. 🙂

  20. Elise (Post author)

    thanks nicole! hope you enjoyed it 🙂

  21. Elise (Post author)

    awww..sorry josee! i know, its a crime for you to see such things!

  22. Elise (Post author)

    im very minimalist, so im happy to help! email me any Qs you have. ill tell you what we got and what we have needed since and havent. i will say, though, what i learned right away is that what one person deems an essential may be totally different from another person. it completely depends on your baby’s preferences. like, people SWEAR by those miracle mummy wrap blanket straight jacket things, but P never used them. we just swaddled. we have 20 aden and anais blankets and they were our saviors.
    anyway ask whatever and ill totally tell you anything you wanna know!

  23. Elise (Post author)

    PS super weird about the sugar spike from quinoa!

  24. Beth

    what do you use, Elise?

Comments are closed.