When I don’t feel like doing much in the kitchen after a long day, I make quesadillas for dinner. Fortunately Casey and Cooper really like quesadillas so I haven’t totally tired them out (YET) with my I don’t really want to be making dinner, I’d have cereal if it was just me, but here’s dinner in a form of a quesadilla trick. Sometimes I feel guilty about the lack of variety, so I try to switch it up and put actual THINGS in the quesadilla besides just cheese.
Here’s what this past week looked like:
“TAKE A PICTURE OF ME HUGGING A DONUT!!!” This kid is definitely mine.
There’s a new episode of the Joy the Baker Podcast!!! THERA-PIES. In this episode, we’re all about transparency! We talk about blogging, the truth behind sponsored posts and how crazy September feels in blogland. It gets a bit weird at times (ahem, Ryan Gosling cough cough Real Doll). GO LISTEN!
The Usual Bliss made my Spicy Zucchini Frittata
Someone should totally make this pumpkin grilled cheese sandwich….
Murphy’s Law says that if I am trying to watch what I eat, my coworker will bring indulgent things into the office like raisin or jalapeño focaccia from Liguria Bakery. These things, I cannot resist. But now, it’s time to fight fire with fire. Little does he know I’m the one bringing in the Raisin Focaccia now.
Let’s back up! A few weeks ago my dad and I ventured into Liguria Bakery to get some different kinds of focaccia and this cold lady told us curtly that we missed the window for having raisin focaccia. She scoffed at us for trying to buy it an hour past her cutoff and it was followed by a huge “Pssshaw!!” I actually did a web search and found THIS PICTURE. HAHAHA. That’s the lady! If Seinfeld was back on, I’d suggest they create an episode called The Focaccia Nazi. You should have seen her face when we politely asked if she could cut our focaccia in half, as we were splitting it. Oof. Too much!
The only problem is that their raisin focaccia is really really good; definitely worth a trip if you’re in San Francisco. Make sure you go early in the morning or you won’t get their beloved raisin focaccia. Pleasantries don’t work. Even killing her with kindness won’t get a smile from her. Just get in and out with that focaccia! The raisin focaccia is light, fluffy and the raisins are juicy and plump. It’s a bit savory and a bit sweet. It’s perfection! To avoid another encounter where I missed the cutoff, I took the bull by the horns and made my own. And for you, I’d gladly cut you a slice or three.
For the past few weeks leading up to my juice cleanse I’ve been going to my local Whole Foods and making this salad for my lunch at work. I learned to bring my own cucumber, walnuts and dressing in my purse so I can get my salad for about 3 bucks. Over the years, I’ve learned what weighs down a salad bar salad. Stay away from cherry tomatoes, cucumbers (WHY DO THEY CUT THEM SO BIG?) hardboiled eggs, chicken & beans. They’ll tip the scales for sure.
I like to call this salad The Reset Button Salad because it’s filled with goodness. The biggest impact comes from the red quinoa. It’s totally nutty and makes it more of a meal. I’m less inclined to want a side of bread or (cough cough) french fries as a result. Just this salad has the tendency to fill me up! The shredded carrots & beets add a nice crunch while the green onions give it a good onion flavoring without overpowering. For extra oomph, I added toasted walnuts (because I adore them!) and some crumbled feta for contrast. Arugula…well…you know me… My arugula obsession continues, but I find that it works really well here. It’s the type of salad that will help RESET your brain into remembering that healthy food can be so satisfying. And if you have an avocado just lying around, I promise that it would be a great addition to! Omit the feta and it’s a vegan dream.
Later this week, I’m gonna bring you a foccacia recipe which will probably spur you to eat this salad even more. Cuz, BALANCE.
There’s a new Joy the Baker Podcast coming up soon! But did you listen to last week’s episode? I talk about my experience seeing Oprah!
Rosewensian made my Peach Arugula Corn Pizza
Victoria Sponge Pease Pudding also made my Peach Arugula Corn Pizza but with whole wheat flour!
Geek Domestique adapted my Goat Cheese Arugula Tomato Pizza
A Teaspoon of Happiness made my Tomato & Artichoke Penne
Bea’s Bites made my Honey Lime Drumsticks
