16 February 2007
So, last week I mentioned that I had torn this photo from an old issue of MS Living. I was inspired by that image, not to try the recipe, but to eat in that fashion. I'm always trying to get the most 'bang' for my 'buck' when it comes to food -- meaning a lot of food and a lot of variety, but not a lot of calories. The resulting Variety Plate Theme was a huge success for me, and I hope maybe you'll be inspired by the following photographs, as I was that original one.
Monday: Black beans, rice, steamed broccoli and asparagus, spinach salad with sesame seed dressing and citrus, apple bread.
Sunday evening, I did a little preparation for the week. I made a batch of brown rice and a batch of black beans (sauteed with onions, garlic, and chili powder) and put them in containers in the fridge. I also chopped up a grapefruit and a blood orange for with my salads. I didn't mind having the rice and beans in most of my meals, because other things varied. If I had insisted on completely different plates every day, this week would have been impossible (and expensive!).
Tuesday: Black beans, rice, steamed broccoli and asparagus, 1% Greek yogurt with honey and granola, sliced pear.
I won't lie -- eating fresh veggies and demanding a lot of variety in one meal WAS more time consuming. Even with my prepared rice and black beans, even though I steamed the broccoli and asparagus in the microwave, it still took more time than many people are willing to spend. But there's nothing fancy going on here; it didn't take a lot of effort. Surely it takes more time to preheat the oven and cook a tray of french fries!
Wednesday: Grilled Tofu, rice, steamed broccoli and asparagus, spinach salad with sesame seed dressing and citrus, sliced apple.
The very fact that I get excited about simple cooking feats probably proves what an amateur I am, and it's true -- although I'm completely happy creating new cookie and bread recipes, it's only recently that I've begun to feel I can play around with the savoury, cooking side of things. For my tofu, I sliced off two pieces from the block, wrapped them in paper towel and pressed under a cutting board to get out the extra water. Then I marinated them in a quick mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, chili powder, and minced garlic. I love tofu in most forms, but I really loved this! And the best part -- I made it in my panini press!
Thursday: Burrito with black beans, spinach, sour cream, and salsa, green beans, blood orange segments.
The above meal was actually the least satisfying of the week. The burrito was really tasty, but it seemed like there was so much. . . white space on the plate! One of the things I discovered this week is that the number of foods makes a difference, not the quantity of those foods. The amount of rice I had with my meals, for example, was quite small, but it still left me with the feeling of having et rice. I know it sounds a bit wacky, but it was more satisfying and felt more filling to have a little of a lot rather than the other way around.
Friday: Grilled tofu, rice, steamed broccoli and asparagus, Greek yogurt with honey and granola, butternut squash.
I've never willingly et squash as an adult, and I've certainly never prepared it, so this was an experiment for me. I halved the squash and scooped out the seeds and baked both halves for 30 minutes (at 350F). Then I sliced and peeled it, chopped it up, tossed it in a mixture of olive oil, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, and I roasted it (at 400F) for maybe 15 minutes. Yum!
Rob was grumbling the other day, because he spent years trying to get me to eat the things he loves -- namely, oatmeal, dates, and hummus (not together, mind you!). I dug in my heels and always refused, and in the last month or two, I've suddenly discovered that I like all those things. So now I'm trying to discover what else I've been wrong about.
One last thing: If you'd like to try my apple bread, you can download the recipe by right-click-and-saving here. Since I made myself keep track of changes as I made them, I haven't had anybody test this out yet, so do let me know if you spot any mistakes!
They are gorgeous! They are like bento box food.
Check this site out really pretty food.
www.cookingcute.com
posted by Gemma at February 16, 2007 09:16 PM
GORGEOUS photos!!! What camera do you use?
And YUM! Those dishes look amazing. I'll definitely have to try those combinations.
posted by Tomoe at February 16, 2007 09:45 PM
Aha. So this means you're going to try strawberry jam, cheese and peanut butter sandwiches on toasted wholemeal bread next. Finally.
posted by Grumbling Rob at February 16, 2007 10:37 PM
It all looks beautiful and delicious!
posted by Kristin at February 16, 2007 11:45 PM
I must say that this post has stirred something within me. I've been on a quest to eat healthier for a while now. And I've been doing a decent job of it, too. But I think I'm stuck in a meat-eating frame of mind and I'm also stuck in the typical combo of starch, meat, salad - which becomes quite dull after a while. I love how you've added a bit of fruit to each meal! And I know it must sound ridiculous but I'd never thought of having so many different veggies in one meal. I know it's a no-brainer but sometimes it takes beautiful pictures like yours to shake up your notions of what a meal can be. Thanks for that.
posted by Carmen at February 17, 2007 10:13 PM
Wow - the photos are amazing, and the food looks fabulous too. I'd love to try something like this - I think you're right that it seems like a bit more work, but you've inspired me - thanks!
posted by Jenn at February 18, 2007 12:53 AM
Carmen -- So happy I could inspire you! I'm veggie, of course, but I've always thought I could never go vegan. Then I realized how little dairy I ate in these meals (and how easily the dairy I did eat could be replaced), and it wasn't missed!
posted by Anna at February 18, 2007 12:54 AM
So pretty! I always find that by the time I realize I'm hungry I need something NOW and it is waaaay too late to do any thoughtful cooking. Maybe having some images like these in mind will help me to prepare ahead and be able to enjoy my food aesthetically and gustatorially instead of just wolfing. I think I'll have to nearly double the portion sizes though... ;)
posted by Villain Extraordinaire at February 18, 2007 05:19 AM
Hello Anna,
I'd like to send you a huge thankyou - thanks to "The Crafter's Companion" I have become incredibly inspired, have discovered the world of the crafting and sewing blog, and have started my own! Many thanks to you and the rest of the crafting community! The book is fantastic, and I am busily planning new projects.
posted by Lara at February 18, 2007 09:22 AM
I would never have thought of putting the tofu in the press! brilliant! do you think that would work for tempeh as well? hmmm
posted by Miss Dot at February 18, 2007 01:14 PM
Hello Anna! I like your new blog format! I have 2 questions: how did you "grill" your tofu that makes these marks? And - would you mind if I draw/paint your kitty photo sometime? I collect inspirational animal photos for future reference. Thanks!
posted by Paula at February 18, 2007 02:31 PM
Paula -- I grilled it in my panini press, which has turned out to be useful for so much more than just paninis! And yes, of course, you may use my photo for reference (thanks for asking) -- let me know if you ever paint it!
posted by Anna at February 18, 2007 03:58 PM
this is my favourite kind of food! love lots of little bits of different things to try.. yum :)
posted by emerald at February 22, 2007 12:00 PM
Your food always looks so delicious! I really need to take better care of myself - thanks for the inspiration.
posted by meg at February 23, 2007 01:45 PM