Since we’re going up to Charlottesville this weekend, our fridge is completely bare and I decided not to go to the grocery store for a one-item trip. I almost went for some fresh veggies today until I realized I had leftovers for lunch and could think of something for dinner. Here’s what was in stock:
I got an email to try these chicken patties a few weeks ago and admit that my first instinct was to turn them down. I do get a lot of free products offers, but I try to only accept them if they are foods that I might actually buy (read: real food, or as close to it as one can get). I’m really not a big breaded chicken eater, but because I love the Applegate Farms brand of deli meats, I decided to give these a try.
WOW were we ever impressed!!!!!! Both Matt and I kept saying through dinner, “Gosh, this tastes so good, doesn’t it!?” I could do without the soybean oil in the ingredient list, but at least it’s natural and everything else looks fine to me. Check ‘em out here: Applegate Farms Chicken Patties.
We baked them per the box instructions, topped with a slice of cheese, dollop of ketchup, sprig of basil and served on a piece of Dakota toast. Absolutely delicious!!
The side dish was kind of strange, but also really good. Don’t be afraid of canned or frozen greens – they are so easy to prep compared to fresh and are great when your fridge is bare.
I combined a can of collard greens, a tomato, 1/2 a cup or so of edamame and a tbsp of this new Dean + Deluca mustard (a thank you from the source!) plus a drizzle of maple
Insta-side dish
Big knife, little fork
Pickley on the side
The movie of the night was Ladies in Lavender. I really enjoyed watching it (literally) but I didn’t think it was the greatest movie. I loved their little English cottage though! Made me want to go to England ASAP. Anyone have any other historical or British movies? I loved Atonement, Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen.
Once I put Matt to bed (hee hee – he’s got a 2:50 wake-up call tomorrow!) I came down for some KILLLLLLER dessert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG GENA IS A GENIOUS!!! As promised, this post changed my life.
I present 100% natural banana ice cream – topped with some chocolate ganache!
I froze 2 ripe bananas earlier this week and was waiting for the right night to make this.
I followed her instructions to a T, timing exactly 5 minutes. First I thought the processor was going to break, then the bananas turned into a huge ball of dough hunkin’ around in there, then the magic happened.
I actually think I could have ended sooner than 5 minutes because in my 80* kitchen this stuff was melting fast. If you like slightly melted soft serve, this recipe is for you.
I had a nice bowl and put the rest in the freezer to see if it comes back out OK another day
Upon opening the freezer, our ganache (from my birthday) fell out and cracked, so I took that as a sign to add some while I transferred containers.
This would be equally as delicious with a little peanut butter on top!
I had a few more tastes during the transfer 😉
Will absolutely be making both of these recipes again!
***
One product I have a love/hate relationship with is my Eye-Fi card. It goes into spells when it doesn’t work at all. It was great during the month of May but all of a sudden it’s broken again. I’ve tried all kinds of troubleshooting and keep getting an error. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!
***
Can I add that I’ve picked up my iPhone to “check my budgets” about 5 times tonight even though I obviously know I haven’t spent anything!? Nerd alert! I like feeling organized with gadgets 😉
***
Tomorrow: Some work in the AM, a workout, packing, departure for Danville at 2pm where we’re spending a night on the way to Charlottesville at Karen’s friend’s farmhouse. Saturday we’ll be there for the 4th (have a big blog lunch planned!) and then we’re heading home on Sunday. We decided to skip the trip to Norfolk / VA Beach, as it’s probably not our top choice and will save lots of driving and an extra hotel room.
Goodnight all!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) says
I never see canned greens in my supermarkets. Isn’t that weird? I’ve been seeing that banana whip dessert on other blogs recently – gotta make me some!
Priyanka says
The banana ice cream looks delicious. I remember making something like this when i saw a similar recips on Roni’s website!
The side dish looks delicious!!
Have a great weekend!
Casey @ DoubleScooped says
I LOVE Applegate Farms!
Any Ice Cream is a winner in my book – AND SLIGHTLY MELTED SOFT SERVE?!! drool.
Alison says
I made Gena’s banana whip this week to and OH MY GOD it really has changed my life. I don’t ever need to buy ice cream again!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) says
Yum! I made something that tastes similar to chunky monkey ice cream a few weeks ago. Blend together frozen banana, splash of milk, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
Ellen @ Peace in Motion says
I never used canned beans, I’m always a little wary. Your recipes always make me want to try to create new dishes out of what I can find in my pantry.
Cait (Cait's Plate) says
Wow – that banana dessert looks amazing! And I agree 100% about the peanut butter. HOLY YUM.
VeggieGirl says
Ahh, I know!!! Gena’s recipes are EPIC!!!
Safe travels this weekend!!
valerie says
I cannot wait to try the banana ice cream! It looks amazing!
Kristen says
Gena’s soft serve takes the blog world by storm! I wish I had a food processor. 🙁
Rebecca says
Those chicken patties look amazing!
My go to frozen meal is usually a veggie burger with broccoli but I’ll have to add these to my freezer!
Anne K. says
That dessert looks fantastic! I need to make that 😀
Kori (All Things B.) says
Kath- check out the Masterpiece Theater version of the Dickens novel “Bleak House.” It’s one to watch in a few installments, but it’s amazing!
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
I LOVE Applegate Farms everything!! They make nitrate-free turkey hot dogs that are only 45 calories each and 280mg sodium! Superior products for sure.
I also love the frozen banana “ice cream” — brilliant!
Jenn
Joelle (Chasing Pavements) says
OMG I love Dean and Deluca! That store is incredible inside. Ps. that banana ice cream looks divine.
Steph says
Hey Kath!
So this might be a really dumb question, but does the “ice cream” have a strong banana taste? I like bananas, but don’t really like the strong banana flavor. Does the taste change at all when whipped into soft serve?
Thanks!
~Steph
Katie says
I tried the banana soft serve the other night…FABULOUS! 🙂
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
Such a professional looking dinner Kath! Totally delicious!
And LOVING that dessert. Haha, perfect timing with the ganache… are you sure you didn’t do that on purpose? 😉
Madelin @ What is for Breakfast? says
Oh wow I have to try that banana ice cream! I have heaps of bananas at home. Yippee!
Caroline says
MUST try that banana ice cream recipe–I bet it would be pretty fantastic with coconut butter.
Glad I am not the only one who uses canned greens!
Bec says
what a great meal from an empty fridge! Have a great weekend aways!
Amanda says
Wow! The ice cream looks great.
As far as British/historical movies, I am guessing you have seen Pride and Prejudice? Another fun one is Bridget Jones (not exactly historical or authentic British acting though, haha)
Kathy W. says
I second the “Bleak House” series. Be sure to get the new one with Gillian Anderson, not the one from the 80s. It is incredible!
(The “Little Dorrit” series is also great.)
Sues says
That ice cream looks absolutely amazing!! And the ganache….mmmm! Though your whole dinner looks fabulous really!
I still haven’t seen The Other Boleyn Girl, but I LOVED the book!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Those Applegate Farms chicken patties sound so good! I’ll have to see if I can find them! I’ve had Applegate Farms hot dogs before and those are really good!
Great dessert!
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) says
Oh, Kath, I love you. I’m giggling over the “not turning down free food,” the ganache falling from the heavens and the iPhone budgeting addiction. And now I want banana ice cream again…even though I already had it today…
Stacey says
Sort of a historical British movie… Check out Shakespeare in Love. Funny, romantic, attractive lead actor, yay! I think it won Best Picture the year it came out, too.
MarathonVal says
Thanks for the shout out to canned green beans! I feel like frozen have a weird flavor and texture, but I’ve always loved canned green beans.. they are extra juicey and taste as if they have already been sauteed. Yum!
Kori (All Things B.) says
I just looked through my collection and these are a couple more to see (if you haven’t already) “Becoming Jane” and “Miss Potter.” I loved both, but jane Austen and Beatrix Potter are two of my favorite authors, so go figure! My cat is even named for the latter (although we call her Bee). Enjoy!
Lynna says
hey kath,
I was wondering what are the downsides to soybean oil since you mentioned you could “do without it.” How does it compare to canola and vegetable oil? I’d be interested because I feel like I hear a lot about olive oil but not much about the health benefits/ costs of these other popular oils.
Thanks!
Damjana says
Hi Kath, yesterday was the first time I came across your site. I absolutely love it! I like oats a lot too and I was glad to get some fresh yummy ideas here! You and Matt are so cute<3
Love
Jessica says
What app do you have that does budgets?
-Muffy
Christie @ Quit Your Diet says
I heard of doing that with bananas years ago, I think they were calling it a banana whip. I have never tried it; I may try it in my kitchenaid blender. My favorite smoothie of all time is just frozen banana, milk and vanilla extract so I bet I would love the whipped banana!
Happy travels to C-Ville, I can’t wait to see where you go for lunch. C-ville is one of my favorite towns on earth!
Pam says
I’m definitely trying this banana deal! Quite interesting. I get such good ideas from the blogs!
Krissy (Single Serving) says
That chicken looks delish. And there’s nothing not to like about chocolate ganache. Sounds like you have a great weekend planned. Safe travels to you!
Lauren says
I’ve been wondering about those Applegate Farms chicken patties, and I’m glad you reviewed them! Sounds like a good product to have on hand for a quick, tasty, and healthy meal.
I also tried Gena’s banana soft serve – with excellent and yummy results. I know what you mean about thinking the food processor was going to break… the frozen banana slices were making the processor jump all over the place! Do you think it is dulling the blade at all? It just might be worth it ;).
Barbara(Blood, Sweat and Heels) says
Rent “Dangerous Beauty”..its a great movie set in the time period you enjoy.
Have a great safe trip!
B
Courtney (Courtney's Concoctions) says
I have a friend who is doing the raw thing and I am going to make this soon! Looks fabulous even for those of us who occasionally dabble in real ice cream. Yours was the first food blog I read, and now have my own (although food blogs often turn into life blogs, don’t they?). So thank you for the inspiration!
sara says
i highly recommend ‘berkeley square’. it is a 10 episode british mini series from 1998 and is absolutely fantastic. i couldn’t stop watching them!
Gena (Choosing Raw) says
Yay!! Chica, I am so glad it worked. Five min may have been generous! But in any case, I am thrilled you like it. I wasn’t joking when I said it’s my fave dessert.
With the exception of chocolate. Duh.
HeatherBakes says
Have a blast in Charlottesville! If you get a chance, you should stop by Arch’s frozen yogurt (and try the gooey brownie topping)- I still crave that stuff.
Christina says
I love Dean & Deluca. I used to work above their store and they have some yummy cupcakes!
Sam says
I cannot wait to try that banana fro-yo! It looks delicious!
Kath says
Thank you for all the movie recs!!
Steph ,
It tastes pretty much like fresh bananas – you just have to try it.
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy),
🙂
Lynna ,
Actually, I’ll admit that that was kind of an empty statement, but canola oil would have been much preferred.
Damjana ,
Thanks and welcome!
Jessica ,
See the post before this one.
Kath
Jen says
Sorry to hear you won’t be hitting VA Beach– I have a good friend that loves living there! We’re both from Los Angeles and have ended up East Coasters (I’m in Atlanta) and would never go back. If you happen to find the time, try out the VA area!
Nikki says
Hi, Kath.
I really liked the Elizabeth movies with Cate Blanchett. If you liked The Other Bolelyn Girl, the book was even better, though I know you have limited time to read.
Susan says
Reason #412 why I need a food processor!!!!!
Tracey says
Hi Kath!
Would the movie still count if it starts in Italy and then moves to England? A Room With a View is the greatest film I’ve seen in my life.
Have a great weekend!!
Natalie M. says
Kath you should definitely check out Elizabeth… Cate Blanchett is seriously ferosh! I didn’t see Elizabeth the Golden Age.. so I can’t vouch for that particular flick.
Totally not English but it was a wonder flick.. a tad long but still marvelous.. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I’m just a Cate Blanchett fan (a yummy Brad Pitt is also easy on the eyes lol)
Laura says
I’ve loved that banana ice cream since I first saw it on Fat Free Vegan – so delicious! 🙂 (She adds a drizzle of vanilla soy milk, which is also great)
Have you seen the miniseries “North & South” starring Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage? It’s great. I also loved “Wives and Daughters” starring Francesca Annis and Justine Waddell.
Terry says
The two best British films I have loved were “Enchanted April” and “A Room with a View”. Guaranteed to become your next favs. PLEASE try them. If you liked Ladies and Lavender ~ these should be your next picks! i have been an anglophile for a long time and have seen them all. Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Farrell as Mr. Darcy) stands apart from all other British films, if you haven’t seen it, it should be on your short list also. Enjoy, and let me know what you think of these films once you’ve seen them.
Marie says
Kath – made the banana soft serve last night and it was fantastic. I will definitely be making it again! My only problem is that the bananas don’t usually last that long!
Kath says
That’s so funny you guys mention Room with a View because my grandmother has it and when Larbs and I were young we would watch the nude scene over and over when the boys go swimming!! Sounds like I should rent it again 🙂
Kath
Dean & DeLuca says
Love the exciting way you used our mesquite and stout mustard. Very original and delicious looking salad.
Patty M. says
This is a bit late to add, but Emma Thompson’s version of Sense & Sensability (1995) is fantastic, as well as the BBC mini-series version of Pride & Prejudice w/ Colin Firth.
Ashley says
If you’re still looking for good British movies, you should see Mrs. Brown. Great movie! And I loved both Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age starring Cate Blanchett!
I also enjoyed Ladies in Lavender. I never realized how much I liked violin music before that movie and ended up buying the soundtrack (the violinist is Joshua Bell).
Happy viewing – Don’t burn the popcorn! ; )
-Ashley
Tim @ Food Processor Reviewer says
lovely and delicious. I have been looking for a promising recipe to experiment my new food processor I bought from a guide
Keep sharing useful recipies like this
THank you