Veggie Extravaganza

Hi Kids!

Quick post tonight, as the ladies figure skating and USA hockey are both starting shortly!  Have I mentioned that I am addicted to the Olympics this year?  The USA is kicking some serious heiny too, which makes it even more fun. 

My Tuesday started out with a yoga class.  Yep, you heard right.  I attended a yoga class after a too-long hiatus.  My body was craving it from the cardio and strength training, I was neglecting my tight muscles.

I didn’t really have time to eat before the gym (few banana bites, and half mini bagel with PB) so by the time I completed:

• 42 minutes of cardio (arc trainer for 30 + stair climbing box thing for 12)
• 1 hour of yoga
• errands after the gym {including a trip to the grocery store on an empty stomach}
• I was basically famished

My savior

Cottage cheese, mango, cinnamon, granola

Look (below) what I found at Kroger?  Finally!  These buggers are hard to find. Of course, I had a coupon…at home.

 RiceWorks Brown Rice Crisps – new flavor for me. I like the Salsa Fresca kind and Sea Salt too, as they are the only ones I’ve ever found and tried.  Looking at the website, they have Baked Cinnamon flavor!  I need to get my hands on those babies stat.

Lunch was the last of the Turkey Veggie Chili, Rice Works, grape toms, and a pickle

Not gonna lie, I’m glad that chili is gone.  As good as it was, a girl can only handle so much of the same thing.

AFTERNOON SNACK

   Fage 0% + Better ‘N PB

Add: dense crunch

Perfecto!

Stir.

310 calorie snack at 4pm may not have been the best idea, cause I did have a veggie-full dinner planned. 

Paula over at bell’alimento made this amazing looking Cauliflower au Gratin that made today’s Foodbuzz Top 9, not surprising at all!  Ironically, I bought a cauliflower today at the store (before reading the recipe), I love when things work out like that

Cauliflower au Gratin (from bell’alimento)

1 lb bag of Cauliflower
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 tsp ground nutmeg
s/p
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano - grated

What to do:
Into a saucepan add about 1″ of water (enough to steam your cauliflower)  over med-high heat bring to a boil. Season with salt. Add the Cauliflower and cook until tender (just a few mins). When tender, drain & set aside. WHILE the cauliflower is cooking, into a small sauce pan melt the butter over med-low heat. When melted add the flour and whisk until combined. Gradually add in the milk, whisking as you go. Add in the nutmeg & continue whisking until sauce thickens.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a small-medium ovenproof dish with cooking spray. Place the cauliflower into the dish. Pour the sauce over. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top. Season with s/p. Sprinkle the Parmigiano Reggiano ontop. Bake for approx 30-35 mins until bubbly & golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Buon Appetito!

Read more: HERE

I halved the recipe since I was making it just for me, still yielded 2 large portions.

The nutmeg was definitely there, along with cheesy goodness, yet not overwhelming.  A nice blend of ingredients.

Remainder of dinner included this HUGE plateful of veggies!  (and leftover kielbasa from last night that tasted dry and therefore did not get eaten)

Kale Chips

Cauliflower au Gratin

Brussels Sprouts (again, leftover and mushy – did not eat)

grape toms (for color and sweetness)

Cottage Cheese on the side

Kale Chips are god’s gift.  They crunch like potato chips.  This is how I made them:

• 375* oven
• cut kale into 2in x 2in pieces
• Toss with a bit of olive oil (enough to cover all kale, but not drown in it)
• Add any spices you like, I did sea salt, pepper and garlic powder
• Toss again
• Lay on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, watching when they start to turn brown.  They are not burning, just browning, which is when you know they are done.  I flipped them once during cooking.  These look brown-burnt, they were not, and tasted heavenly

 

MaraNatha Giveaway!

Who doesn’t LUV nut butter?  MaraNatha is one of my favs.  Simply Savor is giving away 4 free jars!  Don’t delay, the drawing is tomorrow! 

A fab evening of ice sports ahead for me!  Adios!