First week of school and it’s been fun and hectic. My schedule is in a bit of a dilemma and I’m hoping to get that fixed! It’s frustrating to have my classes–or lack of classes–up in the air. I just want a set schedule, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed and doing what I can. On the bright side, I’ve been catching up with friends and having fun!
Vanilla cinnamon oatmeal + mango + pomegranate arils + coconut oil + cashew butter
Deliciously creamy yet refreshing. These past couple of days have been absolutely beautiful. I always feel at my best when the sun is shining and I can go out without piling on layers of clothes. I guess it’s soothing to my clutter-free ways.
I also sampled some dark chocolate.
When the generous folks over at Newman’s Own sent me an incredible package, they also included their various chocolates. That day I decided to try their 54% dark chocolate. This was really very yummy. One thing I’ve come to love about dark chocolate is how you can just let it melt in your mouth and savor it. Life is like a box of chocolates–lots of little moments to savor. What chocolates would be in your box?
After breakfast I did all my morning things like taking Matilda out on her walk and organizing some things around my place. Then I got ready to finally go to the new gym on my campus with my friend. I think she described it perfectly, “it’s like a mecca.” Here are some pictures I took from their site.
Part of the pool area! They also have a hot tub, lap, and vortex pool
The second level has an indoor track field and even more equipment + racquetball courts
There’s also an indoor turf for soccer and other sports, flat screen TVs, different exercise studios, and crazy digital lockers (that you don’t have to pay for woo!). My friend and I went exploring and goofed off a bit on the machines. Then we went into one of the group exercise rooms and stretched. Next time we’re bringing some speakers though so we can dance… until they kick us out.
And get this... in the center of it all is a giant rock climbing wall!
I haven't had chickpeas in awhile!
I cooked these in coconut oil, cinnamon, and garam masala. I also had the rest of my delicious sweet potato mash from “The Conscious Cookbook” (the one made with cashew cream) and boiled rutabaga with cinnamon. I also drizzled the rutabaga and chickpeas with maple syrup.
Let the adventure begin!
Afterwards I met up with my friend and we were on the hunt for a big room I could dance in. I want to find a space bigger than my room and with mirrors. I’m still on the search! But when we went on our search for the room we explored one of the forgotten buildings on my campus. That picture above was the anatomy room.
We also snuck into the old pool which is now shutdown since my school completed the new gym.
After we explored that building we decided to walk down some streets and go into all the places we always passed but never stepped in. It was so much fun! I came home and cracked open “The Conscious Cook”…
Gardein "steak" sandwich with watercress, red pepper, and horseradish mayonnaise
I got to try another Gardein product. Last time I had steak I could count my age without using all of my ten fingers. So I can’t honestly say if it tasted like steak. My roommate and our friend said that it smelled like it! I must say that it was very flavorful and didn’t have the chewy texture I remember steak having–which is better. Not to mention, I don’t think I’ve seen very many “steak” products around. I would recommend it if you’re an omnivore trying to make some vegetarian meals, or if you’re a veg-head that likes fake meat products. As for the recipe itself–wow! This had a kick but it was complimented by the mild sweetness of the red bell pepper, and savory “steak”. I couldn’t find a small loaf of focaccia so I just went to Panera and got a sourdough bread roll and seasoned it accordingly.
Check it out now!
A great breakfast for the first day of a new semester!
My roommate’s boyfriend had a special wine that he let me have the rest of. Why was it special? Well, have any of you tried chocolate red wine? That’s right! Chocolate red wine. I made my usual bowl of oats with cinnamon and coconut oil. Then I topped it with peach slices, the last of Bekah’s scented almonds, and the last of the Chocovine. I admit, I felt slightly tipsy after this breakfast.
Since it was a warm, sunny day I decided to have a refreshing lunch.
I had my spiced chickpeas + more coconut oil + avocado + shallot + romaine + a most delicious homemade honey-lime dressing.
The weather wasn't the only thing out of the ordinary that day...
Recently, I received a sampler package from the people over at Popchips. So what was unusual here? Well, for some reason I felt compelled to try the sea salt & vinegar flavor first. Let me just note that I do not like salt & vinegar chips. I ate my own words with this bag. I actually liked these a lot! There was no overwhelming acidic aftertaste from the vinegar. I also really enjoyed the texture of these babies. They seemed to be a bit thicker than normal potato chips. Crunch crunch crunch. Yum yum yum.
I also had a couple of these amazing raw blonde macaroons.
I kid you not–these are now one of my favorite things. Thanks so much Liz for sending me these! Like I said, girl’s got incredible taste! I’d also like to congratulate her for making it on one of the Top Health Blog lists. You go girl!
Blood orange!
I met up with one my bests at the center of campus for some coffee and tea.
I tried something new! A tomatillo.
Tomatillo dressing with fresh cilantro.
I hope this keeps my cilantro green for longer!
My first attempt at making a timbale--not too shabby.
Quinoa, Avocado, and Sweet Potato Timbale With Roasted Tomatillo Dressing
I am really enjoying attempting to make all the recipes from “The Conscious Cook”. I feel like Julie in the movie Julie & Julia! This was also my first time cooking quinoa. This was incredibly delicious and would make for a perfect summer dish. All the various textures and flavors worked so well with each other; the crunch from the tortilla bits, creaminess of the avocado, and the graininess of the quinoa were such a treat to my mouth. The tomatillo dressing added a wonderful zest to it all! Not to mention, I was proud of myself for making something so gourmet looking that tasted as equally delicious… if not more!
I wasn't the only one to enjoy this dish! Too good not to share, I say!
I also made butternut squash "fries" tossed in coconut oil and cinnamon + tamarind-date chutney for dipping.
What a great way to end the first day of the semester. We had a delicious meal that ended with dark chocolate and a refreshing walk with Matilda.
This is really random but I have a question for you all. Well first let me go off on a bit of a tangent. I have no problem expressing myself and showing who I am… except for when it comes to romance. It’s not that I still cover my eyes at the sight of people kissing. No, not like that. But it’s more so something I just struggle with personally. I really want to get over that and I think I have to start putting a conscious effort into taking down that wall. Brick by brick. So I was wondering if any of you have any advice on how to just be comfortable with expressing yourself romantically. Thanks!
Hehe Julie from “Julia and Julia”, that’s a fun movie. You definitely seem like her but all your recipes come out perfectly! That book is going on the wishlist I think (although are the ingredients all fairly easily accessible?) I also need DESPERATELY to find me some coconut oil, it seems like such a godsend and great healthy fats (shame I still don’t like avocado
)
Your really lucky to have such a great gym..indoor running track? climbing wall?
As for your question….I know what you mean about expressing yourself romantically it is something we have to learn to do, maybe you just have to keep working on feeling good about yourself and then it will get easier? Maybe you just haven’t found the right person to be romantic with yet?!
Loveeeeeee xoxo
Girl you are such an amazing cook!! U can cook for me anytime!!!! I love looking at all the amazing dishes you create, that is just awesome!!
Chocolate Red Wine!!!!!?? OMG!! Where did he get it? I must find that, sounds amazing!!!
The gym looks off the hook, rock climbing wall, indoor track, and more, that is great!!!
Hmmmm the romance stuff, well just be yourself, and if there is a spark or connection it will come naturally for sure, if not then maybe it’s the wrong person, you will know : ) and when you do meet a guy that you have that connection with, make him yummy meals!!! U will make one guy very happy one day!!!
can i please just be you for a day? Or maybe you want to make me food for a day?
what a funny idea to put some wine into the oats
makes the day start much brighter haha
i m already having pictures (&smells) of hotwine cinnamon oats…so christmas
tomatillo? does it taste like a “normal” tomato?
or is it more sweet/sour…? i must bring some nice colors to a salad…
as to the expressing yourself romance topic
i guess,i m not the best adviser
but from my own experience i can say this:
i often feel awkward ,or even afraid
but on days on which i have more self-esteem,love my self more,it becomes much easier
i guess first of all we have to accept ourself,realize that no-one is perfect,and that to be honest “we have nothing lo lose” aka. tell someone you like him,he doesn’t…shouldn’t be the end of the world! it’s something that happens to everyone,and at least you do know how the other person thinks and you are no longer torturing yourself,and somewhere/someday you will find the person who will respond you: I like you even much
and apparently the less you seek the more likely you are to find that person
That gym is like heaven!
I wouldn’t worry if I were you. I never had that problem with expressing my feelings to my bf in public, because I was so happy with him, and proud that I am with him. So when you find the right one, just forget about people around you, and enjoy the moment
What a great gym!
And that timbale is almost too pretty to eat, beautiful:)
About your question: just trust yourself and live in the moment. If you find someone that loves you the way you are (and that someone should!, because you’re such a special girl), it will all work out.
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Where do you go to school? it looks absolutely fabulous…….as well as all of your food, but we all know that.
all of your recipes are coming out fantastic!
Stunning!
your oats with wine.. so brilliant ! xox
im so glad you are enjoying school- i hope you are able to figure out your schedule and everything! all the eats look greatt, adn i surprisingly liked the sea salt & vinegar popchips too!! love the life is like a box of chocolates metaphor
xoxo
shelley
http://findinghappinessandhealth.wordpress.com
I know how you feel… but I agree with whoever said that it will come naturally if you’re with the right person!
You gym looks AMAZING. It would be difficult to not be motivated to hit the gym when it looks like that!
Wine in your oatmeal sounds like a great way to start the day, love it!
hey katharina[: that breakfast looks amazing! chocolate red wine? that is so geniuuss! very creative! my gosh that gym looks amazing. swimming, rock climbing, aaah so fun
and about the romance? if you are happy and so is he, that doesnt matter! just be yourself, and keep doing what you are and everything will just stay amazing
have a great wednesday night!
xoxo soph
THAT GYM IS FREAKING AMAZING!!
mangos in oatmeal? hello, tropical deliciousness! that sounds awesome!!
girl- i used to be the SAME way!! I used to be all like “im so independent, i never will like a boy THAT much” haha… who was i kidding? once the right boy comes along and the time is right..you will progress to expressing yourself
ha I am the same way….but still haven’t find a guy that I like THAT much!!
haha awesome gym! i love the climbing wall! ive always wanted to go, but I know I am SO WEAK in my arms and have been too scared to embarrass myself. maybe if they had a good harness spotter to do 1/3 of the work for me!!!
the quinoa meal looks amazinggggg.
i’m glad your semester is getting off to a good start (despite the schedule stuff). as for the romantic thingy, sadly, i have little experience in this arena. therefore, all i can tell you is to be yourself and trust your intuition. you’re amazing and any guy should be very thankful to be with you!
I’m going to have to find that book!! All of your recipes from The Consciencious Cook sound so, so good!!
Where do you go to school? The Gym is absolutely amazing, and I’m eternally jealous!
The chocolate wine combination reminds me of zabiglone… (So delicious)
-Mae @ http://www.ohhmay.wordpress.com
1.watch out family, sam’s crazy for some chocolate now. Thanks Katharina. Now I’m going to shove my face with dark chocolate.
2. cilantro is possibly my favorite fresh herb…. tied with basil.
3. your timbale looks sensational! so glad your first quinoa experience was good. it’s such a good grain, possibly my favorite (in the dinner category)
and about your question…….. I wish I could help. I could use a little help in that too.
We are on the same page!!!! BREAKFAST is my favorite ever!!!!!!! I love making a yummy breakfast to start a beautiful day!!!! And yes I will check for the wine at a local grocer or wine store : ) yum, I think that would be the perfect wine to buy for Valentines Day! xoxoxo
yum, your squash “fries” look delicious!
I don’t like wine but I’m thinking that my opinion would change if chocolate wine were to come into the picture.
That new gym looks magnificent! I’m not a huge fan of swimming but I would definitely be hitting up the other areas.
As for the romantic stuff.. I think maybe when you’re with the right person it’ll come naturally. Maybe you just need to take baby steps. There should be no rush when it comes to love and romance.
To be honest, no experience in the romantic domain… But I do have something to say about watercress!
I tried it for the first time tonight and couldn’t really take it. Something about eating it raw made me feel like I was eating flowers or something. Eww. I hope it gets better after this. If not…I might have to call for drastic measures… a recipe! Dress him up, make him unnoticeable…
expressing yourself romanticlly? i think it all has to do with how much you love yourself, when you really love yourself than you canfully express that love to someone else as well. i am not saying that you don’t love yourself but maybe there are some parts that need to grow stronger so you feel more easy and comfortable with sharing this inner love with a person you know. maybe you can start by writing your feelings out on paper and then slowly to start expressing them to someone.
but one thing is for sure, your expressing of love through food is more than amazing!
love all the foods you make katharina,
msg me if there is anything you want to talk about
i’m always here
xoxo
I heart quinoa! That book sounds so fabulous! I also am LOVING the chocolate wine. Sounds like such an amazing addition to the morning oats…must hunt down!
1) Man you are definitely a good cook. All your food looks soooo good.
2) I would choose dark chocolate. So rich. So delicious. So good for you.
3) I LOVE popchips. I don’t buy them too often though because once I start, I can’t stop. Unless it’s the small bags. Thank god for portion control
wow that gym, that gym! i’m not even athletic and i want to go to there.
the Quinoa, Avocado, and Sweet Potato Timbale With Roasted Tomatillo Dressing is plated up to perfection…it’s like soooo perfect. NICE!
Box of chocolates. Oh I could never pick. I have too many chocolates, and slices of life, that are my faves
Expressing yourself romantically? some people never figure this out. The fact that you’re even asking at 25 shows that you’re already mostly there
It will unfold organically with the right person at the right time. That sounds lame but hey, it’s true i believe.
xoox
I honestly can NOT believe that is your school! Don’t you go to an art school? You are unbelievable hooked up! Good luck with your new semester!
KATHARINA! have i ever told you i am obsessed with your name? it just sounds so lovely. much like you. ummmm that quinoa timbale stack of love needs to get in my belly now! it looks amazing, gourmet and just so delicious!
your eats never cease to amaze me. one day, i want to eat a day of everything like you. yay for tomatillos, popchips, chocolate and all those fun goodies. those macaroons look TDF as does the chocovine. because i mean, chocolate + wine…how can you go wrong?
i love your free spirit, and i am probably not one to ask about being more romantically open because i am not so good at it myself, but i like to remind myself that to love is the purpose of life. to be swept up in the moment, just love and be has got to be a pretty good feeling. in other words…just go for it?
haha…i hope that helped. LOVE YOU
You savored those almonds miss Katharina! I will eventually post a recipe for those, but I basically just took slivered almonds, ground cinnamon+cumin (toasted in a dry pan), and probably like 1/4 cup maple syrup and baked in the oven for like 12 minutes. So simple!
Wowzas, that gym is a mecca!
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Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!