Okay weird schedule ... you've met your match. The secret weapon was a breakfast smoothie! Quick, refreshing, and full of anti-oxidants a smoothie is a great way to start the day ... and pack in a few extra nutrient. Below is the recipe I used, but you can substitute any fruit you have around, throw in some wheat germ ... just about anything!
after5chef breakfast smoothie
1/2 c. non fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 c. fresh, frozen blueberries
1/4 c. orange juice
2 tbsps honey
1 cup ice
Just put everything in the blender, and mix until smooth!
AND this week's Sunday Dinner:
Jason is leaving on business tomorrow, so we made dinner reservations somewhere new for this week's Sunday Dinner. After two wonderful Thanksgivings we couldn't even think about eating any more turkey, and since J is going to be in Taiwan, Asian food of any sort was out (I was lobbying hard for sushi!) We settled on Mexican, and turned to yelp.com for the reviews. We weren't looking to drive too far, and in the after5chef style, obviously not too expensive ... which is how we ended up at Sol Azteca on Beacon Street in the Fenway neighborhood. We were seated right away, but despite the empty dining room the hostess sat us basically IN the kitchen door. We asked to be moved to the second section of the room where we couldn't hear the chefs yelling in the kitchen. Much better. Our server, I should point out, was absolutely wonderful. Attentive without being annoying, friendly, and polite. But, then there was the food ... we both had margarita; mine frozen and Jason's on the rocks. I ordered a mango margarita, got a few sips in, and knew something wasn't right. Jason tasted it too, and we decided that while it was supposed to be mango, it definately had more of an eau-de-floor cleaner. It tasted like chemicals. The (wonderful) server brought me a strawberry marg instead which was a little better, but still definately the cheap frozen mix kind - nothing like the fresh fruit margaritas at Agave in Portsmouth, NH! Entrees were next, and I was pleasantly suprised. The enchilada de mole poblano were definately not standard mexican-food fare, and I appreciated that they weren't smothered in cheese. Jason had the house special of the night. Neither of us can remember what it was actually called because after his first bite we referred to it as cat food... I'll leave you to imagine what it tasted like. Suffice it to say, we won't be going back to Sol Azteca. My date,though? He's a keeper!
With Jason getting on a plane tomorrow morning, there's a new twist in this weird schedule challenge I've been up against ... cooking for one! For me, part of the joy of cooking is seeing someone I love eat good, healthy food that I've spent time preparing. I love to cook (and eat!) but it doesn't always seem worth the trouble when you're the only one who's going to be eating. This week I'm hoping to find some more time to post, with suggestions on cooking for one while still adhereing to the after5chef asthetic; whole foods, quick preparation, and most of all ... FOOD THAT TASTES GOOD!
check back soon! but in the meantime ... whip up one of those smoothies!
enjoy!
Beth
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