Hey strangers…long time, no chat, eh?
By the time I got home last night, made dinner, and finally sat down to chill for the evening, I just didn’t have in me to write. I was wiped and really just needed to veg out with my boys and watch some mindless television…it was perfect.
I really don’t know why I was so wiped yesterday though; I mean, I didn’t get that much less sleep the night before? But I guess maybe the busy day from before was just catching up with me. Who knows. But since I had allowed myself to sleep in yesterday until, umm, the very last possible second, that meant that I left myself zero time to make a lunch. So on my lunch hour yesterday, I took care of that issue no problem, giving me the first highlight of my day.
Oh, Panera. How I love you.
I went with the always-favorite “You Pick Two,” including half of my new salad obsession, the Chopped Chicken Cobb with Avocado.
My number two of the “You Pick Two” was actually new to me: the Black Bean soup…which, seriously, looks like sludge doesn’t it? Yikes.
Thankfully, the soup tasted phenomenal, quickly proving that its looks just do not do it justice.
*****
The second exciting highlight of my day yesterday was, because it was Thursday, that meant that I got a new delivery from Field Goods!
I actually still have a couple of items left from last week’s haul, so I wasn’t sure if I should continue with this week’s order; but when I saw the “what’s in the bag this week” email on Monday, it looked too good to pass up.
Included this week were some frozen green beans and corn (they were wrapped in insulation and bubble wrap and had only slightly thawed),
Golden delicious apples (my faaaaaavorite!),
Fresh garlic (YUM),
White potatoes, purple top turnips, and only one new-to-me veggie…
…and that veggie would be celeriac. Have you guys ever heard of this one before? I had to laugh, because even in the email that we received, it was described as “the ugliest vegetable you will ever love.” Umm, yes. I think they were spot on with the ugly part. ;)
Apparently, celeriac tastes like a blend of celery and parsley and can be fried, baked, or boiled. I’m going to have to do some research on this one, but it seems pretty darn interesting.
*****
So last night’s dinner? Definitely a highlight from my day, and ohhhhh man was it good. Well, for one, I roasted brussels sprouts for the first time EVER.
A co-worker of mine recently found out she can’t eat them, so she offered to give them to me after I had told them I’d never made them myself. I roasted them in a blend of balsamic vinegar, EVOO, salt, and pepper, and they weren’t bad. I can’t say they’re my favorite, but I liked them and I’d be willing to try cooking them again a different way (perhaps the way another co-worker of mine said he does them, with candied nuts and bacon…ummm, yes please?).
To go along with my brussels sprouts, I actually wound up using one of my Pinterest recipes! I had originally planned on following it exactly, but I wound up veering totally off course and went with a little version of my own.
I didn’t have time to write everything up this morning before work, but I’ll have a recipe for you guys later this afternoon.
I promise…I reeeeally think you’re gonna like it. :)
Question for the Morning:
What’s an “ugly” food (i.e., sludgy looking soup or weird veggies) that you really enjoy?
Melanie says
Brown lentils…they are highly unattractive but OH SO GOOD! I’m very jealous of the fresh golden delicious apples—definitely my fav too. Have a great Friday!
Melanie says
And remember, it’s so normal to be tired. Your body is working hard to create baby tooth. :smile: Take care and rest up this weekend!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I LOVE brussels sprouts roasted. For Thanksgiving I did a mix of brussels, butternut squash, onion, apple and cranberries in a mix of EVOO, balsamic, salt, pepper and cumin. It was SO good!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Brussels sprouts roasted are my absolute favorite! I love the little extra crunch and flavor. Happy Friday Court!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Black bean soup is one of my favourites – even though yes, it does look hideous! Green smoothies are eaten pretty regularly too, even though the boyfriend usually makes a comment along the lines of “Shrek vomit.” Brings a lovely picture to mind, doesn’t it?
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
I love that Panera soup – I actually made a copycat version last week and it was pretty dark close – and easy!
My Neon Running Shoes says
I am WAY excited for this recipe because brussels sprouts are my favorite!!! Yay for using a pinterest recipe! I know you’re busy but maybe you could invite people to do a pinterest challenge? I’m sure there are some really amazing recipes we’ve pinned but haven’t quite gotten around to making!
Lindsey says
Green Monster smoothies! The spinach/blueberry combo I make looks like sludge but they are very tasty~
Beks says
For me, it would probably be green monsters. I put algae supplements in mine, on top of the fruits, spinach and kale, so it REALLY looks swampy when I get done with it. But they make me feel so good!
Also, roasted brussels sprouts. Definitely gonna have to try them with the balsamic vinegar next time I make them. :-)
Natalie @ Free Range Human says
I actually thought the soup looked pretty good, but I new it was Black Bean which I love!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says
That vegetable delivery looks great! Can’t wait to find out what the heck celeriac is all about (how do you even pronounce that?). Your dinner looks pretty fantastic too, I’ve still never cooked brussel sprouts either. I have a memory of hating them as a child so I haven’t gone through with it yet, but I should try them!
Lindsay says
I agree – Panera’s black bean soup does not look appetizing, but it is my favorite on the menu! I can’t help but dip the bread in it. So good. I also never thought about using balsamic on brussels sprouts, but I am really going to try that. I make Brussels a few times per week – they’re my favorite!
Lauri says
That Panera soup is my favorite – looks horrible, tastes amazing!!!!
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
Dinner looks amazing! Love roasted Brussels! Celeriac makes an amazing soup, or roasted with curry powder as wedges!
Khushboo says
Oatmeal isn’t the prettiest but lord knows its delicious!
colleen @ thegiftofmondays says
i LOVE brussel sprouts!!! our whole family does even my 14 and 8 yr old sons. we steam them and just season with butter and sea salt. they are a fave around here! but i know it’s an acquired taste. like me with lima beans. no thanks. i’m good. thanks for asking!
LaurenM says
Celeriac (aka celery root) is great mashed with potatoes. It’s a great, subtle way to taste it for the first time!
http://www.marthastewart.com/341446/mashed-potatoes-and-celery-root
Jillian @ Sprinkle Massacre says
As soon as I saw corn, green beans, potatoes, and turnips, I thought… Shepherds Pie!!!
Josefine says
Your delivery looks really good! In Denmark “celeriac” is just celery and I love it in soups but also grated with grated apples and fresh lemon juice and maybe some raisins :-)
Karen says
I heart Panera Bread, so craving it now. I would say some of the Chilis that I make can look really ugly but they are SOO yummy!!
Katie @ KatieEnPursuit says
Panera does have awesome black bean soup! Yum! I like to combine as many things as possible into a bowl so often have some gross looking concoctions! They always taste delish though :) Happy Friday!
Rachel @ RMinNYC says
I get the Winter Suns Farms frozen goodies! They do a winter CSA in the city! Best frozen green beans I’ve ever had!
Steph @ StephSnacks says
There is only ONE Panera in all of New York City! One of these days I’m just going to have to make it a point to go there for lunch!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Seriously?? Only 1? That is baffling!
alyssa @ life a la wife says
I’m not a huge fan of brussel sprouts either but roasting them definitely helps!! Candied nuts and bacon can make anyyyything taste good – but possibly take the health factor away :)
Linz @ Itz Linz says
celeriac?? never heard of that! interested to see how you’ll use it!! whenever i have pancake fails (which is quite often) they are pretty ugly!
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
LOVE roasted brussel sprouts, probably my favorite vegetable! And I always think chili looks gross, but it’s my fave!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Girl, you are tired because you are preganant! Take it easy, relax!!
You have me craving Panera! I want to try there egg white and turkey power bowl. I just don’t have it in me to go in the morning! You tempted me last week with the salad and I’m thinking maybe lunch today!! However I need to be really good, I think I ate to many almonds for breakfast! :)
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
I am obsessed with Panera’s Black Bean soup! It’s not pretty but it sure does taste good :)
Angela @ Health's Angel says
I need to get myself to Panera and try that salad. I’ve been craving avocado in a bad way. And I have the remained of a gift card to use up. :) I’ve only had that black bean soup once and it was alright. My friends commented on how it looked like poo or something along that line. Awesome. My favorite is still the garden veggie!
Sarah @pickyrunner says
I always get Panera mac and cheese. It’s my absolute favorite thing to have there. Yum. I need to get myself there, now that I think about it. That dinner looks amazing and I can’t wait to see the recipes :)
michelle kim says
Oh, my! Those brussel sprouts look SO YUMMY!
And I made OIAJ and offered some to my boyfriend, but he said it looks like someone yacked in the jar :P
NYC Fit GIrl says
Cream of Brocolli Soup!!
Gabrielle says
Celeriac is SOOOO good! My mom makes a side dish with it, it’s called Celeriac Remoulade and here is a link to one recipe http://www.soscuisine.com/en/recipes/view/celeriac-remoulade?sos_l=en
its not the exact one my mom follows but by looking at the ingredients it sounds similar! You can always use light mayo or maybe even greek yogurt would work! Seriously I love this dish!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I was never a fan of brussels sprouts until I tried them roasted. Holy.yum. And as for celeriac, it tastes great in soups or even mashed up with potatoes. Sometimes my mom slices them into little rounds, coats them in egg, breadcrumbs, and spices, and then bakes them like you would chicken strips. They come out surprisingly delicious and crunchy!
BakingSuit says
LOVE Brussel Sprouts. Seriously one of my favorite veggies. My favorite prep is either olive oil, a dash of lemon juice, a bit of salt and dill OR white wine, Dijon mustard and bacon.
Let me know if you need other ideas. I often make extra to put on salads or to eat cold at lunch.
Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes says
I *love* Panera’s black bean soup! Whenever it’s offered, I always get it as part of the “You Pick Two” deal. :)
Nicole @ Fruit 'N' Fitness says
I love brussel sprouts, roasted or cooked in a frying pan with some garlic and lemon juice. yum! I love oatmeal but defiantly think its one of the less visually appealing foods out there. Green smoothies are also one of those crazy things that look nasty but can taste great.
Jenna says
I LOVE roasted Brussel Sprouts. I also love mashed avocado in my tuna salad, which gives the salad a bit of a brown coloring. But, it tastes amazing (in my opinion!)
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud! says
Mmm panera sounds so good right now!
green smoothies! it always grosses my coworker out.
Danica @ It's Progression says
most of my smoothies look terrible, but taste great!
Sarah says
LOVE celeriac! Though it’s great boiled and mashed, just like potatoes, I am an even bigger fan of it served raw in coleslaw dressing, like this: http://fritosandfoiegras.com/2010/11/its-complicated.html
Hope you try the recipe and like it – it’s one of my faves!
Sami says
so jealous of your weekly goods! :) i need to find a job like that. where do you work? you might see an application from me soon. hehe.
xo.
Danielle @ Truffles n' Treadmills says
Hopefully that veggie tastes much better than it looks! Let us know if you try it and how it tastes!
Sarah@makingthymeforhealth says
I actually just found a recipe that I wanted to make that has celeriac. I was like “what the heck is that?” Now I know! ;)
In case you are interested in the recipe: Lentils with Wine-Glazed Winter Vegetables
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lentils-with-wine-glazed-winter-vegetables-10000000223034/
Genelle says
you’re doing great! I hope I have half as much energy as you if I get pregnant!
Celeriac is quite ugly but you’ll find that it’s yummy in soup or roasted!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Panera always comes to the rescue when you need a quick, but healthy lunch! I cannot get enough of it.
I have never even heard of celeriac. I will be interested to see what you make with it :).
I am so glad that your first experience with roasting brussel sprouts went so well! They are one of my absolute favorite vegetables to roast. In fact, I am eating some for lunch as I type this.
cathy says
Go to the website for the TV show the Chew. Michael Symon just did a segment the other day on Celeric. :)
Cassie @RedLetterDaye says
I feel like a lot of the time, my food looks kinda gross, but it always tastes good. My coworkers will pass by my desk, and ask, “what’s that?!” Delicious, that’s what it is.
Brooke @ Running In Heels says
Yum!!! I love the pick two from panera! I could never choose between my salad or soup.. I need both!
Taylor says
Try roasting brussels sprouts in coconut oil – I promise you, they taste amazing!!!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
I’m actually going to grab dinner at Panera tonight and that salad looks perfect — I think I might need to give it a try!
Irene says
I actually really like roasting brussel sprouts with just olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic (sometimes I use garlic powder). I’m not sure the balsamic would be great with the brussel sprouts, so maybe try a simpler recipe first?
Miranda @ Biting Life says
If I was going to get the You Pick Two from Panera, those are exactly the same things I would’ve picked! I loooove their new Chopped Cobb, it’s delicious :) I always get mine without the bacon, though (I’m one of those rare bacon-haters… you can judge me, I’m used to it! ;) ).
Tyler Soj says
Yum! I loved roasted brussel sprouts. Usually I coat them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; however, last night I wrapped them in bacon for my husband’s birthday! They were delicious! I served them with a mustard-sour cream dip. Give it a try! Bacon makes everything better! :)
Bek @ Crave says
I love brussel sprouts, we usually have them steamed. I reckon candied bacon could make anything taste better haha!
Hmm an ugly food I like..sweet potatoes can be pretty ugly and dirty but they taste awesome!
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail says
That’s my fav Panera combo too and the bb soup is surprisingly filling! And, sleep! I hear ya girl–I need it more than ever now. Our bodies are baking babies! :)
Joy says
I love that soup! And the soup I made this week is ugly but so yummy it’s roasted red pepper tomato
Emily @ Hungry Delights says
The panera looks really yummy – you got some awesome veggies too – looks really fresh and delicious :)