Homemade > Store-bought

Just as the name says, I like things "Made from Scratch" better than things from a box or bag.  Even if it takes a little extra work.  I like to know where my food comes from and what's all in it.  I have been itching to make hummus from scratch for a while now (I've had a jar of tahini sitting in the pantry for months) and today, I finally did.  I only have regret: I didn't make it sooner!

The flavor isn't anything special, just your classic hummus, but sometimes simple is better.  Although, now that I know how well it turns out, I'm excited to try some different flavors - roasted red pepper, spicy, etc.

You can find the recipe here.  If you try this recipe or another flavor variation, please, share your ideas below!

Happy Spring Break to Me!

Yes, spring break has finally arrived, although here in Wisconsin, it certainly does not feel like it.  I think Mother Nature forgot to change her calendar because it's nice and sunny, the birds are chirping, but it's only a chilly 29 degrees outside.  I need some warm weather soon or I might just go crazy!!

{Thinking warm thoughts.}

I found a recipe for sweet potato chips on Pinterest earlier this week and I've been dying to try them.  They are from Undressed Skeleton.  If you haven't checked out her blog yet, do so!  It's very inspiring; her transformation is incredible!  She also has several recipes to browse as well as healthy eating tips that she has learned along the way.  

Anyway, I was finally able to make them for lunch today since my last class of the day was cancelled (surprise!).  I followed one of her recipe suggestions but then made another flavor of  my own.  Click here to check it out.

Is anyone doing anything fun over the weekend?  David and I are joining a group of friends for a day full of brewery (and even a distillery!) tour-hopping.  We are starting out with New Glarus followed by Minhas Brewery and finally their distillery.  I'm not a big drinker so I'm a little nervous, but regardless, it's bound to be fun!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Shopping by season

I know some people hate it, but I love grocery shopping.  I really do.  I could wander around in there for hours.  Going up and down the aisles, looking at all different varieties of the same product.  It's kind of is fascinating... but maybe it's just me. 

Recently, I made a new goal of trying to stick to recipes using in-season produce.  Tonight was the first recipe I made with that goal in mind.  The dish: Green Pizza.  Test it out for yourself and let me know what you think!  

I also decided to make a chart so I can easily check which fruits and vegetables are in season during which month.  I wanted to share it here to help anyone else with the same goal.  I apologize for the tiny font (and the fact that December is cut off) but I wanted to get it posted.  I will try to make some adjustments soon to make it easier to read. 

Tomorrow is Wednesday, that means we are halfway to the weekend!  I hope everyone is having a great week!!

Words of encouragement

It's been a stressful week so far to say the least.  But that's what happens in college, right?  Even though I hardly feel like the typical college student.

Stress factor #1: This nasty cold/sinus infection I've been fighting knowing that my half marathon is in three short days.  In cold, possibly rainy, weather.  And the fact that, because I've been sick, I have done zero workouts this week.
Stress factor #2:  A pharmaceutical drug presentation in Chemistry, but as of today, that is DONE!  Hooray!
Stress factor #3:  My first Microboiology exam of the semester coming up tomorrow.

Stress factor #4:  The fast-approaching deadline for my UW application.

For some, this might not seem like a lot.  But when it comes to schoolwork, I get anxious quite easily.  I'm truly afraid of giving myself an ulcer.  I know I need to relax some, so in times of need, I give myself little pep talks.  Normally, just little phrases to keep myself going and ensure myself that I will make it through!  

Some of my favorites...

• Take it one step at a time.  Or one day.  Or one assignment.  Or one class.  You get the gist.
• Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming. :)
• I also like to remind myself that I'm not the only one in this boat.  And actually, compared to some others, my boat is pretty darn awesome.  So many other students are working three jobs, plus going to school full time.  Or have kids at home to take care of.  I have me.  (And David, but he's pretty self-reliant.)  If those people can do it, I can do it.

It's kind of nice seeing my personal "cheers" written down, I recommend making a list of your own for when things get hectic.

My favorite blue tang, Dory.

One thing helping me out this week, besides my Chem-class friend, are big, make-ahead meals.  I stayed home from class on Monday in case my face exploded from the sinus pressure, and I was surprisingly productive.  I made a big batch of this veggie quinoa salad I found in my Women's Health magazine.  They used wheat berries but I couldn't find them at the grocery store.  So instead, I substituted quinoa because I've cooked with it before and like the taste.  It says it makes four servings, but those would be some big servings.  I figure I can get about seven out of it.  I brought this salad with an apple for lunch yesterday and was plenty full!

The other life-saving recipe I made this week was found over at Taste of Home.  It's a Greek pasta bake and is full of vegetables!  Plus they are huge portions so you definitely won't go hungry.  David really liked it too, it was hard to keep him away from it even after we were finished eating.

If you have a favorite (healthy) casserole dish, crock-pot recipe or other make-ahead meal I'd love to hear it!  I only have time for cooking about two nights a week so I need all the help I can get.

Back to the homework I go!

Did someone say salmon?

One of our local grocery store's had 5 oz salmon fillets on sale this week that I just couldn't pass up.  I picked them up today and  began contemplating what exactly I'd do with them.  Leave it plain and pair it with spicy broccoli?  Maybe some red potatoes?  Nah.  Add it to some left over pasta?  Boring.  Give it some Asian flavor and saute some veggies?  Yes, please!

I don't know about you, but I love Eating Well.  I really should subscribe to their magazine.  After doing a few Google searches, I was led to a "Honey-Soy Broiled Salmon" dish.  This summer I've been on somewhat of a (reduced sodium) soy sauce kick so this totally tripped my trigger.  Like the website suggested, I cooked up some zucchini and red bell peppers as a side.  Delish!

I followed the recipe almost exactly, but I did improvise for a few things.

I started with two, 5 oz salmon fillets.  I love getting individual portions because then I don't have to worry about over-doing it. 

Next I mixed up the marinade.  I used:

• 1 Tbs reduced sodium soy sauce  
• 1/2 Tbs honey 
• 1/2 Tbs white wine vinegar
• a fresh garlic clove, minced
• a few shakes of ground ginger  

I mixed up the marinade and put everything in a big ziploc bag then let it sit for about 15 minutes.  In the meantime I cut up the veggies.  Love the colors!

The salmon is ready to broil.  Not the prettiest fish to photograph, but it sure is tasty!

While the salmon was in the oven (smelled delicious, by the way), I finished up the veggies.  I didn't want to use any oil so I started with just the zucchini in a hot pan.  After a few minutes I gave one half of a lemon a good squeeze and continuously moved the zucchini around in the pan.  Once I could tell it was softened up some, I added the red pepper and a bit more lemon juice.  I kept stirring and let them cook a few more minutes.  I never really looked at the clock, just eye-balled everything.  I thought about adding seasoning but I just wanted to enjoy them as they are.  The seasoning possibilities are endless...

And dinner is served.  I scarfed that down like nobody's business.

Overall, it was a really easy dinner.  I will definitely be saving this recipe for one of the next time salmon goes on sale.  Hopefully soon!  (You can find the exact recipe here.)

I'm glad I was finally able to include some pictures in a post.  I really love using my camera so I hope to do that more often :)  Perhaps tomorrow?  I'm meeting up with a friend for breakfast for her birthday and then we're heading off to the city's farmer's market.  Can't wait to see what goodies we will find!

Hooray for the weekend!

School is in session!

I'm only a week in and I'm already exhausted!  This blog is all about balance though, so I will find a way to make everything work :)

I only have one class tomorrow so I just have one tiny piece of homework to worry about.  Which means I had time to cook!  David even got home in time to help.  It's always fun to cook together, the extra set of hands makes it seem like less of a chore.  We had extremely ripe tomatoes so we made some spaghetti with homemade meatballs and homemade sauce.  

yum. yUM.  YUM!


I had read over some old blog posts and found a cookie recipe I made back in April.  (You can find that post here.)  We have strong sweet "tooths" in this house so I decided to make them tonight for dessert.  Glad I did!  Except now they won't stop calling my name...Just say no, Ellen.  Just say no.

Earlier this week I decided to embark on a "veggie project" and so far it's going quite well.  We finally got our new batch of CSA vegetables so we're all stocked up.  In the meantime though, I had to get creative.  I've had fresh pumpkin in the freezer for almost a year now so I think it's about time that gets used up, huh?  Yesterday I had pumpkin oatmeal, which needs to be tweaked, it turned out pretty bland.  And today I made a pumpkin pie protein shake- which had a little too much flavor (I got a little cinnamon-happy).  So once I get those fixed I'll be sure to share recipes. :)

My second half marathon is coming up in just two short weeks!  I was feeling really confident up until last night when a friend and I tried an eleven mile run.  My stomach was upset and her knee was crippled.  We still made it a little over nine, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed.  Training is just so time consuming it can be hard to manage everything AND stay motivated.  That's why I have to just take one day at a time.
I realize this isn't the most exciting post, but as I've mentioned, I want to keep up with this blog.  Even if it means boring posts once in a while.  I promise, they won't always be like this.

Happy Friday Eve!