Out of the Christmas Closet
It’s November 1st. That means Halloween is out of the way (no offense to you Halloween lovers out there), so I can finally show my enthusiasm for Christmas with no shame…well almost no shame. My annual countdown is nearing the halfway mark, so I seized the opportunity to listen to a little holiday music today as I wrote my second (!) paper of the weekend; I have plans of watching at least part of The Grinch later tonight:) I realize, however, that my holiday celebration begins exceptionally early—when do you start getting in the holiday spirit?
The Grinch is calling my name, so let’s get to the grub!
Friday
Crappy picture. Delicious trio of fruits.
Saturday
Remember how much I raved about the TJ’s bran muffins a few weeks ago? I found another one in my freezer on Saturday morning, so I knew I had to make another muffin parfait. FAB.
Double hummus salad was on the menu for lunch, accompanied by some protein chips—which I happened to review earlier today.
I had plans of making this amazing pumpkin seed pesto recipe for dinner, but I didn’t have the most important ingredient: cilantro. Instead, I went for Plan B and made a version of my mom’s tasty Dijon chicken. I simply combined vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a bit of water to make a sauce. Spread over tofu, sprinkle with walnuts, and after 15 minutes in the oven, you’ve got dinner.
Straw-nana was the combo of choice last night.
Sunday
For breakfast this morning, I made some “Triple C” oat bran with leftover cranberry sauce, coconut, and cashews. (Reminiscent of my Alphabet Oats Challenge, no?) I cooked the oat bran in almond milk for extra creaminess.
Lunch was a burrito that was slapped together in about two minutes and scarfed down in about one—paper writing leaves no time for lengthy lunch breaks.
Before reluctantly heading out into the cold for chapter, I warmed myself up as best I could with some chili fries, Broccoli Hut style. I baked sweet potato spears and dipped them in some leftover vegetarian chili—DELISH. I also had some fruit and veg for a little extra nutrition.
Hope you all had a fantastic Halloween weekend. Be back soon!
Filed under: Meals
Hello and welcome! I have created this blog for people who love food, especially healthful, vegetarian food.
I have just graduated from Duke University with degrees in English and psychology. I plan to pursue a master's degree in nutrition starting in Fall 2010. Ideally, I would like to combine my love of food and the written word someday as a health writer.
i looove that TJ’s bean dip! it’s so flavorful and delish! i eat it with their pita chips, usually.
Love the looks of those Kay’s chips. I’m not a big chips fan, so a cracker/chip taste sounds great. Plus love the protein benefits!
Mmmm that muffin parfait looks SOO good!! I can’t wait to make muffins so I can mix them in with my greek yogurt.. yumm!!
I’m so jealous of your apartment lighting! Oh and you know, all the great meals! I wish I had a TJs muffin in the freezer
SO EXCITED for Christmas. We need a Christmas celebration the two of us filled with great tunes and yummy eats!
Mind sharing how you made that homemade cranberry sauce?
Looks delicious! I’ve always wanted to make my own.
YAY Christmas season!!! I love it!
Sweet potato fries–yum! I’ve been wanting to make some for awhile and just haven’t gotten around to it.
I am not a Christmas fan, Halloween is my favorite, so I am saddened by the instant switch over…and I feel bad for Thanksgiving.
At best, I start my Christmas celebration in December, after all my finals are done.
your tofu looks phenominal
Ooooh I was totally singing christmas carols today.. TIS THE SEASON! November first.. i start decorating. no joke.
hahaha I love that you’re celebrating already! The holidays go by SO fast, may as well start early! I want some of that TJs black bean dip..mm mm mmm. And your smoothies always look so good.
Love that parfait, looks delicious!
Have a great week!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
I don’t get into Christmas spirit until the very very last minute! I know, I’m getting old.
Dude, I’m ALWAYS in the holiday spirit, you know that, hahaha
ahh LOVE kays products, the apple cinnamon and honey almond cereal is my fav! I have those ones too beacuse I got thte sample pack from them, I still need to try them though!
great idea with those oats using cranberry sauce! it makes them such a pretty color
I must say, your eats are amazing. I think what makes your blog stand out in my mind is the amazing lighting.. so great for the pics!
Haha I, too, listened to some Christmas music yesterday while working on a paper. Silly!
Sweet potato chili fries sound sooo good
I usually don’t start until Thanksgiving when Santa closes down the Macy’s Day Parade…
My friend Lauryn (Making Moves blog) eats those bran muffins every morning!
I love this time of year too! Christmas it the best..ahh I’m so excited!!
I love those cranberry oats! My mom eats cranberry oats or cranberry muesli everyday!
It’s TOTES Christmas season in my mind! Your dippable dinner sounds tasty! I love the color of your pink oats
The parfait looks soo delicious!
I can’t believe christmas is so close! I think if I was counting down for 100 days, though, it would feel so much longer
I am glad that I am not the only person glad that Halloween is out the way- let the Christmas festivities begin!!! Favourite holiday
Love your chilli and fries!
Muffin parfait sounds delicious! I bought a bag of cranberries this weekend – need to make some sauce!
I’m ready to start celebrating Christmas right now too! I mean, it is technically next month already
I definitely share your entusiam for Christmas! I listened to a few songs yesterday while I was on the elliptical
I saw my first Christmas commercial today! Woohoo!
I’m totally cool with this Xmas countdown of yours. As long as it involves delicious wintry recipes and meals along the way..
promise?
okay great.
What about Thanksgiving? It’s kind of a bummer to decorate for but I really do love a holiday that’s pretty much all about the meal. After Thanksgiving I start going nuts for Christmas. Actually as soon as the meal is over we usually watch Home Alone which is always on T.V. that night. Get’s me right in the spirit.
I do not accept Christmas into my life until December 1st. I do love Christmas, but I don’t need to be bombarded with it as soon as Hallowe’en is over!