Craving Brussels Sprouts… What!?

When I asked you guys about foods you used to hate but you now love a couple of days ago, Brussels sprouts were mentioned and a craving was born. (Oh my gosh, did I really just say I was craving Brussels sprouts? I give you permission to hate me.)

Brussels Sprouts

I’ve only ever enjoyed Brussels sprouts after tossing them with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasting them. I love the crunchy lil’ leaves too much to try them any other way. If anyone out there has other Brussels sprout recipe recommendations, feel free to send ’em my way.

Gettin' My Greens

Ryan and I enjoyed the veggie with Bantry Bay mussels in a tomato and garlic sauce. We bought these mussels when they were on sale (buy one get one free!) and we have been so impressed with how tasty these lil’ babie are. You’d never know they’ve been frozen.

Muscles

To keep the seafoodie theme goin’, Ryan and I also slurped down a hot bowl of light New England clam chowder.

Chowdah

Delish dinn-ah!

Gourmet Caramel Apple Free Sample

Click here to receive a free sample of an Ivan Mog gourmet caramel apple.

Ivan Mog's Walnut Cranberry Caramel Apple

You may select from a variety of topping/flavors ranging from the classic peanut-topped caramel apple to the pistachio turtle dark (my choice) caramel apple.

Gotta love freebies! 😀

Sometimes You Just Want a Sandwich

I often prep my lunch and Ryan’s lunch for the following day while dinner is cooking at night. I kill two birds with one stone and have an activity to keep my attention so I don’t hover over the dinner pan and sneak bites every 1.5 seconds.

Yesterday I was making Ryan’s typical lunch sandwich. He always eats a chicken, turkey or ham sandwich or a salad for lunch, so his meals come together in a flash since I don’t really put too much thought into what he’d want to eat. He can eat the same food day in and day out.

I like a little more variety, but yesterday his simple chicken sandwich called to me. “Eat me, Julie!” (It really said that. Honest.)

Easy, peasy lunches are great and sandwiches are a personal fav.

Though I generally prefer subs to a plain ol’ sandwich, today this simple sandwich suited me perfectly.

Simple Chicken Sandwich

I topped an EarthGrains whole wheat “Thin Bun” with:

• Deli-sliced rotisserie chicken
• Plum tomato
• Spinach
• Spicy mustard
• Laughing Cow light Swiss cheese

Tomato Topper

Open-Faced Sandwich

Wednesday's Lunch

The EarthGrains Thin Bun was tasty! I think I prefer Arnold sandwich thins because they’re more doughy, but I love this lil’ quote from EarthGrain’s Web site:

“Sometimes it’s not what you put in, but what you leave out.”

They’re all about all-natural products and I think the above quote says a lot. Yay for simple,tasty food!

What’s your favorite kind of sandwich?

I tend to order roast beef subs and sandwiches when I’m getting a sandwich at a restaurant or deli. I adore French dip sandwiches (I get this from my mom). If you’re a French dip-lover and are ever in Orlando, you must go to Houston’s. Their French dip sandwich is $18 and worth every penny.

Of course I also love the ol’ sand by: peanut butter and jelly.

Why Not to Go Shopping Hungry

Why you should not go shopping when you’re hungry… Exhibit A:

Goodies

Ryan and I stopped by Walgreens before dinner yesterday with the healthiest of intentions. I needed to buy a battery for my heart rate monitor and ended up with that plus some tasty extras… like Oreos… and Boston Baked Beans… and M&Ms. Hey, I just had to try the new coconut M&Ms! (They’re fantastic, by the way.) This is why I cannot go shopping when I’m hungry. My sweet tooth controls all!

What foods can’t you resist at the grocery store when you’re hungry?

I seem to gravitate toward the bakery section or cake mixes and ice cream when I’m shopping on an empty stomach.

Breakfast

Some of the candy from our Walgreens run ended up in my breakfast this morning.

Candy Yogurt

Into my Oikos Greek yogurt cup went coconut M&Ms, Boston Baked Beans and honey roasted pecans.

There’s nothin’ like candy in the morning! 😀

Wednesday Breakfast

I enjoyed my candy yogurt with a hot cup of Yogi triple echinacea green tea. I’m on my second cup already, but not because I’m thirsty. I’m downing hot tea because I’m freezing.

Hope you’re all stayin’ warm today.