A short break

I realize it's been awhile since I last wrote. I took a short break to get the virtual recipe box I mentioned last time up and in order - and I'm really proud of how it's coming out! I'm enjoying having a cataloged process, as well as pictures of the dishes I've made. Don't get me wrong, I'm not making any attempt to be a food stylist or photographer, but it's nice to have a sort of photo index card to remind myself how much I enjoyed a dish. Knowing that other people will see the results has also helped keep me on a healthy and nutritious track with my shopping. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun shopping for or drooled so much over groceries! Here are the results of my latest run:

It was something to be proud of as it went down the conveyor belt - and rang up at just over $90, which for the quality (all from Whole Foods), is great. There's basil, ciliegine mozzarella, shiitake mushrooms, dried cranberries, and, my new favorite, Yummy Bears, which are gelatin free! I'm loving my meals, and losing weight! :-D

Just today, Mike and I had melt-in-your-mouth pancakes for breakfast, hummus (the results of my Friday morning efforts, which was delicious! I like it thick, and it took quite a bit of messing with until I got it how I like it.) for lunch, and a summery fusilli alla caprese with four styles of crunchy sweet potato fries for Sunday dinner. As I write this, I'm enjoying a blood orange walnut sugar cookie, fresh out of the oven. You can find all the recipes (and pictures, of course!) in the vegetarian recipe box. Except for the pancakes - that you'll find on the back of the Bisquick box, haha.

I'm responsible for bringing the food for Tuesday night's small group meeting, and I've gotten very excited about it. I'm bringing the homemade hummus and chips, plain and blood orange walnut sugar cookies (mentioned above), and Thai vegetable lettuce wraps. I love that I have an excuse to try out some new recipes, and we all get to enjoy a meal and discussion with friends and loved ones. I'll be sure to post some pictures when I get them!

I hope you're all enjoying the start of your summer as much as I am! I'll have to catch you up on the summer of science before too long. Til then...