Last week we payed a visit to the new Trader Joe’s that opened up the street. We have been to one in California, maybe (or maybe not?) Vegas, Boca and now this one in Coral Springs. We always end up buying JUNK, which is really not my MO. I did find some vegan chicken-less spice which I will use in soup and a bag of marinated olives that added some kick to the weekend happy hours. I also bought some Miyoko’s fishless lox cream cheese (made from cashews) which, while it doesn’t taste or look like lox, was quite yummy on a bagel, for a weekend treat. While I am certain there are lots of great vegan and non vegan items, it will take a few trips before I have my Trader Joe’s groove on. Last week I was also turned on to Bamba, by my friend Debbie, who brought me a bag to try (from Publix) and then later in the day, by Pete and Krista, who had a bag of the Trader Joe’s version. I am not saying it’s healthy, but what a great snack and full of protein. If you have never had it, think peanuts marry a Cheeto. I know that sounds weird, but I really love them and think they are an awesome treat that kids of all ages can enjoy–they kindof melt in your mouth so great for toddlers. They can be found in the kosher section of your grocery store or at Trader Joe’s and they are accidentally vegan!
Last night for dinner, I roasted some baby potatoes, stringed beans and butternut squash. The squash was cut up in “zig zaggy french fry” shapes. I forgot to take a picture, but when I was prepping the tray to cook, I thought, “what kid wouldn’t want to try these?” The shape was so much fun, just as spiralized zucchini is so much fun. I also bought some spiralized butternut, to add to my pot of soup this week. Shapes matter and if you are having a hard time getting your kids (or grands) to eat healthfully, I highly recommend mixing up the shapes. When I throw the spiralized zucchini in the soup (at the end) it looks and acts like there are noodles in there. Not just a trick for kids, but for us as well.
I also made some crispy breaded tofu cubes. A little bit of breadcrumbs, mixed with some cornstarch (I also mix in nutritional yeast and garlic powder) that I roll cubes of drained tofu into. Last night, I marinated the cubes for about an hour, in olive oil and soy sauce (I use Braggs Amino Acids but it is the same as soy sauce) before rolling them in the “breading”. In a 420 oven, I cooked the veggies and the tofu at the same time, for the same 40 minutes.
When thinking about a pic to go with this blog, I thought of the spiralized zucchini, the actual spiralizing tool, the Bamba, the finished product tofu and more. In keeping with the idea of fun with food, I decided on this pic of my Summer girl. We included this food tray in her Halloween scavenger hunt and I do believe it made eating a little more fun. I think she likes it!!
I have taken up more than enough of your time, this morning. Have a marvelous meatless Monday. Come back tomorrow for some fitness! I am heavy on the Pilates this week. It’s my challenge of the week. What’s yours?