One reason why I love food blogs is because I get to learn about different foods and associated cultures around the country and even the world. It seems like I have something to teach too!
Introduction to A Gravy
Lots of people wondered why I was calling the red tomato sauce from my dinner a version of “gravy.” Isn’t gravy brown? Well, yes, but it’s also red! Perhaps it’s just an Italian or R.I. thing, but a gravy is also a red tomato sauce prepared with meat and served with macaroni. I’ve never actually made a gravy, but it takes all day and requires a lot of meat. It starts, like many good things, with olive oil and garlic and ends with tomatoey goodness. The meat that is prepared includes meatballs, sweet Italian Sausage,and pepperoni thickly sliced . The quick version I made has no meat and no tomato paste. It’s a little lighter in flavor and texture. Everyone thinks their mom/grandma’s gravy is the best! It’s the reason why I would never order meatballs or lasagna at a restaurant.
The other question was about the Eggplant Chips. They are very easy. Just take an eggplant and slice verrry thinly. Then put paper towels on top and bang with a rolling pin, which will get out the bitter juices. Next, spray a cookie sheet w/ olive oil spray and line up the eggplant. Drizzle with EVOO and pepper. Cook at 400* for about 20 minutes. I flipped them half way through. Please make them and enjoy the crispy goodness. I dunked mine in the sauce!
Alright, so much chatter and no pictures makes the crowd uneasy, so here is the low done on some eating highlights from my day.
Breakfast was a packet of Kashi Oatmeal given to us by Mark’s co-worker and Hangry Pants enthusiast, Frank. I of course added Almond Butter (don’t forget the contest!) I used to love the Go Lean Crunch, but then I realized it tastes like sweet cardboard and hurts my jaw. This was better than that because it was soft and hot. Thanks Frank.
Then I hits the gym for some elliptical and returned home for some Yoga Downloads.
I also had my first blood orange. I was totally freaked out by the color. It was sweet and very juicy, but I prefer regular navel oranges.
Then I went on a job interview and to the library. I got lots of great things…
I was super excited after that because I went shopping for the Valentine’s Blogger Exchange! It was such fun. At one point I was debating between two specific items and I called my mom to ask her opinion and she said, “Well, what does she like?” and I laughed and said, ”Well, I don’t actually know this person,” but I think I could sort of answer the question anyway. Let’s hope I’m right!
Let’s see, what else? Oh yes, when I got back from shopping and book borrowing I ate some Organic Oregon Trail Mix containing, among other things, hazelnuts and chocolate chips. It really does have other good things in it, but if you eat the hazelnuts and chocolate together it tastes like a Ferrero Rocher.
For dinner I had more Mixed Brown Bread, Roasted Cauliflower and some defrosted Pesto Vegetable Soup.
Lost is soon, but I am feeling so snacky today!
Budget Month is Over!
I kind of forgot to talk about this because I’m obsesses with my potential half marathon! The month is over, and this week, I managed to spend under $50 on groceries! I still think $40-$50 per week is reasonable for us, but I would like to get it lower. I noticed a lower cost week usually follows a higher cost week. I’ve learned that planning meals really doesn’t work for me all that well. I like to have a couple dishes in mind, but I really prefer going to the market and seeing what is on sale and going from there. I also now know what is a “good” price for something, whereas before I had no idea!
I’ve learned that a lot of expensive things can be made at home for much cheaper, and it’s ok to be creative. My bean dip, although not technically hummus, was still tasty! Beans and bread are other things that are simple to make and are dirt cheap.
Mark estimates that is saving anywhere from $15-$25 a day because he brings food from home to work and eats dinner at home most nights! So, this is definitely something we will keep up and I will try to post about from time to time. Blogging about it definitely kept me in check and prevented me from running to get one or two thinks I thought I needed on a whim.
We have a new challenge in mind, but aren’t quite sure how we strict we want to be, so we need to continue thinking about that. It should start mid-month. We gave a hint here, but no one got it!
And, THANK YOU everyone for the half-marathon encouragement and tips. I am so excited and I hope the excitement lasts during my “training.” I’ve gotten a lot of great advice and will take any additional tips you might have. I’ve been harassing some of you with questions, so thanks for being kind and patient with me! Muah Muah – love you bloggies.
