Warmer weather and salads

I must admit that with the warmer weather that I haven't been writing as much as I'd like.

I have noticed that when the weather is warmer that I don't feel like eating hot bowls of ramen or stews. I am back to craving salads. I had on last night for dinner and it hit the spot.

Yep, I'm also trying to eat a bit better. As much as I love noodles and pasta, it's also nice to not get into a carb coma and nap after a huge bowl.

I made a one-skillet chicken dish with green beans and mushrooms. It turned out nicely. It was my first time following this recipe.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Shakshouka

Today, I made Shakshouka for the first time. It worked out well. It's essentially sauteed onions, red bell peppers, garlic, and spices, with tomatoes added in and simmered. You then add eggs and have them steamed with a lid on.

Here's my plated result:

I am thrilled that it turned out well. It's so easy to make. I'd make it again.

Weekend thoughts about cooking

Just like that, the weekend is over.

On Sunday, I made beef burger soup and meatballs with sauce. They both turned out well. I'm happy that I have leftovers that should last for most of this week.

I find cooking enjoyable on Sundays. It's simply sad that weekends tend to be shorter than we'd all like!

Lunar new year is next week. I placed an order for some snacks. I get to pick them up this Friday. Yay!

Meatballs and soup

As I wait for my hair to dry from washing it, I am thinking about what I want to cook later on today. It's enjoyable and a way for me to unwind.

My original thought was to make meatballs in sauce. The plan is still there, but I'm making fewer meatballs.

What I am doing instead is taking some of the ground beef to put in a burger soup. I am in soup mode that I think making a burger soup would be fun.

I made a huge batch of zuppa toscana last weekend and it was great having it for a few meals. I love soup, especially when it's colder outside.

Cooking, baking, and the long weekend ahead

I spent Sunday cooking and baking. I made cornbread muffins, and brussels sprouts with maple syrup and parmesan.

It's the last workweek before Labour Day weekend. I don't have any travel plans, but hope to get together with a friend and pick up a couple of orders.

Here's to a good week ahead!

Cooking and the ex

The weekend has come and gone. Why are they so short?!

I spent my Sunday cooking and relaxing. I pan-fried pepperoni. I haven't done that before. It tastes so good. I added it to cheesy angel hair pasta that low in carbs. Yum!

The ex wrote to me. He wants to meet and grab a bite to eat. I am not feeling it.

Weekend and cooking

I feel like I need another weekend. This one blew by too quickly.

I tend to cook on Sundays. I made french toast and chocolate banana muffins. I also made turkey salad and made wraps.

All were low-carb. I find that I sleep better when I cut back on carbs and sugar. It's cool.

Cooking and week 2 of vacation

I spent Sunday cooking. I like taking leftovers from Christmas and making other yummy meals out of them.

I made turkey stew for lunch and salted caramel French toast for breakfast. I am pleased with how they turned out.

My first week of vacation is over. I have one more week to go. It goes by quickly, but I am enjoying the downtime.

Le Creuset fry pans are awesome!

I am going into my last week of work before my two-week vacation. I do need a break.

I recently bought a couple of Le Creuset fry pans. They were on sale. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bought them.

The fry pans are great. I made breakfast in the smaller pan and it's amazing how evenly things cook in it compared to my T-Fal.

They are an investment. I'm so happy with them.

Spiralized butternut squash is yummy!

I cooked up a storm on Sunday. I don't normally enjoy eating squash. However, I bought some spiralized butternut squash and made a stir fry with it. It turned out great and I liked it!

I'm not big on eating zucchini. I find the spiralized version tolerable, but it's not my favourite. I'd rather have spiralized cucumbers or carrots. I can now add butternut squash to the list. I am wondering whether I'd feel the same away about butternut squash soup.

Weekends are far too short. It's back to the grind.

Saturday, Sunday, and self-spanking Saturdays?

I had a nice Saturday. I slept in a bit. I visited a couple of new businesses during the day. It was relaxing and enjoyable.

My area has re-entered stage 2. It means that dining in at restaurants is shut down again. Movie theatres and gyms are closed again. However, takeout and patio dining are still okay. It's important to support local businesses, especially during this pandemic.

Although I didn't get around to my self-spanking yesterday, I am thinking that I should dub Saturdays as self-spanking Saturdays and see if that motivates me more. I don't that it'll happen weekly, but you never know.

Later on today, I'm cooking up a storm. I love Sunday cooking.

Thanksgiving plans

Thanksgiving long weekend is coming up. Normally, it's the perfect time to plan a small road trip. With the pandemic happening, I still don't feel comfortable doing one.

Instead, I'll be roasting a turkey, complete with all the fixings. I am a planner at heart. I like looking forward to a good meal with lots of leftovers left over.

I'm now drooling.

Taking it easy and cooking this weekend

It has been a relaxing weekend. I went out to fetch groceries and run errands yesterday, which I enjoyed. Today, I have been lounging around. I made breakfast and lunch, which I like doing on an easy Sunday.

I made banana bread french toast this morning. It turned out nicely. It was my first time making it.

I overdid buying dessert yesterday. I have Japanese-style cheesecake and cheese tarts, and banana bread. I'm glad that I thought about making banana bread french toast. It would be more difficult doing it with cheesecake!

Long weekend is over and I am relaxed

This long weekend went by quickly. I frankly didn't do a whole lot. I played it by ear. It was nice to simply relax.

I enjoyed cooking over the weekend. I also attended a photography session online on Monday night.

Sadly, the next two weeks at work will be busy. We'll see how things unfold.

Have a great week ahead!

National Takeout Day

Wednesday was National Takeout Day in Canada. Each Wednesday, we are encouraged to get takeout, either by picking it up at the eatery or have food delivered. It's to support local restaurants during this pandemic.

Ever since I have been working from home due to COVID-19, I have been ordering takeout on Wednesday nights. After work, I'll order some food through an app and pick it up. I also do groceries while I am out and about. Getting takeout twice a week gives me a bit of a break from cooking.

Technically, I don't need such a movement to support local restaurants. I'm doing it. However, it's good if lots of people join in.

Last summer feel when it's practically autumn

Saturday felt like a warm summer day. I took advantage of the day by heading over to a park in Port Perry and getting ice cream.

Last weekend, I was doing work. This weekend, I am focusing on relaxing and unwinding. It's quite the contrast.

It's nice that I am cooking more these days. On Saturday, I made myself breakfast, consisting of an omelette, bacon, and perogies. On Friday, I got a new container for my Vitamix where I can whip up mousse and more. I need to find a recipe and give it a try.

Hungry and cooking

It's past midnight and I'm hungry. The debate is whether I am truly hungry or if I need to drink some water.

I know that if I have something to eat now that it will keep me up longer. I will see if it will go away.

On Sunday, I made tuna salad. I also fried up an entire package of bacon, which will last me the whole week. I also sauteed brussel sprouts.

I enjoy cooking on weekends. It's unfortunate that weekends are so short.

Thoughts, winter storm, and cuddles

I have a lot to say. The problem is that I said a ton on Monday at work that I am too tired to write about it right now. I'll give it a try in a future post.

In the meantime, a winter storm is brewing. It starts in a few hours. When weather forecasters recommend that you work from home, you do just that. It's estimated that 15 to 20 centimetres of snow will fall. Add to this mix strong winds and freezing rain, and it makes sense to just stay at home.

On Monday night, I went to the grocery store to stock up on food. I enjoy cooking at home these days. I make the time.

My guy is still in India. He is fortunate to not endure all this wintry weather. He told me that he prefers sleeping, especially on snowy days. I like the thought of cuddling up next to him on a snowy day. I wish we had a fireplace!

Updates on my eye, Valentine's Day, cooking, and my guy

I have a few updates on various things.

On Friday, I went to see my ophthalmologist. My right eye is still doing well. I had my eye injection. I still see him every fourteen weeks, which is my favourite number.

He asked me an interesting question. He asked whether I have any new year's resolutions. I'm not the type to declare them. I have goals that I feel are attainable, such as decluttering in phases.

Then, there's Valentine's Day. One of my students indicated that she was bummed out not having a boyfriend to enjoy this day. I had to tell her that the day is overrated. Love happens all year round. Valentine's Day is just a reminder to those commercializing on this day to get flowers, candy, and hit a nice restaurant. It also tends to alienate those who are single. They need to know that they are loved by friends and family.

I cooked up a storm on Sunday. I made broccoli cheddar soup for the first time in my life. The recipe called for eight tablespoons of butter. Really? That seemed like way too much butter. I put in four tablespoons and felt that it was a ton.

My guy has made it safely to India. I have a feeling that he will have a tough time adjusting to the timezone, which is normal for him. I hope to hear from him when he isn't working or sleeping.

Reflection on my final vacation day

Today is my last vacation day before I go back to work. It has been a well-deserved period of rest.

Naturally, I have reservations about going back to work. I dread dealing with a new employee who isn't the sharpest learner.

On a good note, I managed to reorder contact lenses, so I ensure that I can see for the better part of this year. I have roughly a two-month supply before placing my reorder, so I wasn't exactly cutting it short.

I have enjoyed cooking more while on vacation. I hope to do more of it on weekends. I find it relaxing and fun.