Tonight’s evening entertainment included:
- Laundry
- Cooking
- Grooveshark Popular
- GLEE!!!
This afternoon I worked on my project while I snacked on a granola bar homemade by Emily‘s husband Casey! From the sound of it, he mushed together several cereals, dried fruit, peanut butter (or PB2?) and some binders and baked them. It was GREAT! A little sweet for my palate, but great chew and filling! Go hound Emily for the recipe 😉
Once home I set out on two massive projects:
1) 3 giant loads of laundry (being kicked out of the house postponed my weekend loads!)
2) A Clean Food masterpiece!
I was recently sent the cookbook for review! I don’t accept many cookbooks, but having seen this on several blogs I knew it jived with my style. LOVE that it is organized by season. Totally convenient. And it features all my favorite foods!! Some of the ingredients are kind of weird, but I think most of the weird ones are kind of optional.
Kombu, for example (go to Ashley‘s recipe page for more info on kombu! I had never heard of it until she used it)
So I turned straight to the recipe that drew me to the cookbook: Lentil Apple Walnut Loaf.
And lucky for y’all, the publisher send me a copy to share with you all!!
The only con to this recipe is it’s rather hands-on. And involves cooking lentils before you even start!! I was actually planning to make this last night for Karen until I realized I would need a good 2 hours. So I went ahead and prepared the lentils last night so I could save time tonight 🙂
I found the kombu at EarthFare. It was SIX DOLLARS but I decided to give it a try. And like Ashley says, it will last a while. I do think it added a lot of flavor to the lentils! It’s very salty and not very fishy, so I think you all will like it.
So the recipe called for onion, celery and carrot. I only had carrot and red bell pepper, so that’s what I made instead. I also was too lazy to clean the grater or Cuisinart so I just minced the apple. And I did not peel it because I don’t peel things out of laziness either!
But DOH – I had to use the Cuisnart to make the breadcrumbs (Great Harvest bread!!) so I could have grated after all!
I didn’t have plum vinegar so I just used balsamic, and I also used this basil + oregano flavored rice vinegar Nakano sent me a while back. It served a perfect purpose tonight!
I never would have thought to add vinegar to a saute (I’m not a huge vinegar fan in cooking) but the aromatic on this was awesome!!
So what DUMMY do you think packed up her loaf pan months before moving out of her house?
DOH #2.
Improvise with a muffin tin!!
The GLAZE!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO SO good!!! Next time I would DOUBLE THE GLAZE because there needed to be more!! (I also realized I didn’t have arrowroot or cornstarch, so I just added a bit more ketchup to thicken it on the stovetop)
I reduced cooking to 30 minutes because of my muffin tin….
Mmmmmmmmmmmm!
SO glad I did the muffin tin!! Muffins are so much more fun than loaves!
[Lotsa, lotsa leftovers too]
While the oven was hot, I roasted up a bunch of veggies I had intended to roast on Sunday.
Broc, carrot, brussels, parsnips, sweet tater
WOW this was so gooooood!!!
The muffin method worked perfectly. The glaze was so flavorful. LOVED the chunks of walnuts and apple and raisins!! The lentils (I used green lentils) were the perfect texture, and the ones on the top crisped up. The muffins did fall apart pretty easily, so I don’t think I would have had success in a loaf form. Another great reason to use muffin cups 🙂
I love embarrassing the beer glasses with sparkling water 😉
But you know I didn’t eat by candlelight all alone
After the photoshoot I took my plate to my computer for a dose of GLEE (I’m officially hooked!) I found episodes 9+ all over the internet, but episodes 5-8 are no where to be seen, so I ended up paying $1.99 to Amazon on Demand to watch it. Yes, I could have waited on Netflix, but spending $4 on good entertainment is no different then going to the movies or getting a glass of wine in a restaurant!
Going to sip this Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride while I ice my foot and am wrapped in a hot towel out of the dryer. [Foot is doing OK during training, but it is not without some of its usual aches and pains]
Tomorrow I’ve got to BE in Rock Hill at 6:45AM. I’ve got overnight oats in the fridge and am setting my alarm for 4:45AM to get in a pleasant breakfast before I could. I could just make a PB+J to eat in the car, but that wouldn’t be very fun now, would it?
Nite!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Kath, have you found that grooveshark is putting spyware on your computer? Because I think it is on mine. 🙁 I have antivirus stuff, but it keeps coming up with a TON of spyware found.
Kath says
No, not that I’ve seen or heard
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
I’ve never even heard of Kombu. How interesting!
And those rested veggies sound perfect
Marissa says
I have the clean food cook book.. and I must say that i absolutely love it! It has so many good recipes i cant wait to try them all ( I loved how in the beginning they give you an explanation of all they different types of vggies and fruits, etc !) The lentil apple walnut loaf looks like it came out great! I am excited to try the tofu pumpkin pie recipe it looks delicious!
Gabriela says
What a great looking dinner! I love the idea of savory muffins instead of bread. So adorable! Enjoy your night!
Danielle (Coffee Run) says
The lentil “loafs” sound so good 😀 I’ve made a faux ‘meat’ loaf before and had the same problem with it falling apart. That’s a good idea to use cupcake tins!
I’ve heard such good things about Glee- maybe I should check it out. Have a good night Kath 🙂
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
That cookbook does sound amazing! I really need to get a copy myself. LOVE the looks of the recipe… perfect dinner Kath!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
Oh wow that looks soooo good!!! I love the concept of eating clean. I’ve never had lentils though! What are they like? Beans?
And holy wow is that an early morning! I also make time for breakfast too though, so worth it.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
What an incredible looking dinner!! I have to make that!
I LOVE that you used a muffin tin! Perfect portion sizes!! 🙂
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
I just bought this cookbook last weekend!!! I love it! I’ll have to give that recipe a try, because it looks awesome!
Monica (Musings of The Granola Girl) says
That cookbook sounds awesome! The muffins look great 🙂
kelli says
I have read about kombu, and cooking with it and it aids in digestion of beans/legumes…helping with gas. I just got that book from the library yesterday, and I so need to try this recipe after reading your rave reviews and amazing pictures!
Mara @ What's for Dinner? says
I CANT WAIT FOR NEW GLEE!!!!!!!!!!
That is all 🙂
Alyson @ Nourished Fitness says
I love ‘Clean Foods’! It’s written by a graduate of Integrative Nutrition, the program healthy counseling program I’m currently in. I love how they separate it by seasons and I totally got a kick out of the random items in the glossary.
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Totally *love* the sound of both the cookbook and this particular recipe. I’m a huge fan of lentils because they’re oh-so-versatile and healthy. 😀 I’ll have to try this out!
And how cool that they sent you a copy of this cookbook! I’ll have to check it out at the bookstore. 😀
Jenn @ Livewellfit says
That loaf looks INCREDIBLE!
A girlfriend of mine and I will be trying a few of your recipes at our girls night next week! Woohoo!
Nicole @ Making Good Choices says
I NEED to make those muffins! I wonder if they would freeze well? Let us know if you freeze them how they hold up. again glee is AMAZING!
Abby says
those loafs look good and so very cute. And cute food is always fun!
Julie says
Ha! Cristin of Eat Like Me is always eating quick, boring breakfasts in the car and it’s completely depressing!!! I love how you plan your breakfasts and carve out time to enjoy. You keep things so creative, fun and fresh — it”s so inspiring. I love that you still take time to eat well even though you’re busy. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us and not eating pbj in the car !!
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self says
I second this opinion! I get so many delicious, creative ideas from bloggers, so I appreciate when they try to keep it interesting! I know it isn’t easy, but it’s appreciated 🙂
emily says
I agree as well, I really appreciate all the ideas I get from Kath and all the time she clearly invests in making the blog great. HOWEVER, it’s a bit sad to bash a blogger on someone else’s site. If you have a problem with ELM e-mail Self.
Karla says
Interesting! I made a lentil loaf this week, it turned out great!
Yours looks tasty!!
Teri [a foodie stays fit] says
I made that recipe last week and the glaze seriously is awesome. I agree – it definitely needs to be doubled. And I love the muffin tin idea; I think I’d like that even better than the loaf form!
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
great dinner idea. Cute little muffins tins.
Jen says
I just made a lentil loaf this week, but that recipe looks amazing – love the glaze idea!
christina cadden says
Dinner looks good!
Lauren says
Ohhh I’ve been trying to figure out what I wanted to have for breakfast, and now I’m totally going get some overnight oats ready. Thanks for the inspiration!
Mary (Food & Fun) says
yum!!! Your dinner looks fantastic! Even the simple roasted veggies look great. hope you enjoy your overnight oats tomorrow morning!
Megan says
Oooh, that looks tasty. I’ve been eyeing the bag of lentils in my cupboard for a while now… might have to bring them out for this recipe! Officially bookmarked. Thanks Kath!
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle says
I need to make those muffins next week….if not sooner! That looks so delish!
Heather says
yay for Glee! love it!
Stacey says
..and it wouldn’t be very fun for us oatmeal picture lovers either ;D Those “muffins” look greeatttttttttt
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
Oooo I’m saving this recipe since i have some lentils I don’t know what to do with. Thanks for the tip about making it muffins too.
Tara says
OMgosh that looks so great. I absolutely love Glee. I know I have commented about this before but I love it so much I could sing it!
Martha says
KATH- fastpasstv.com has ALL of Glee… for free… If you don’t mind streaming, it is the BEST. I hope you didn’t buy all the episodes already…
(I am totally hooked on the soundtrack. LOVE Rachel)
Kath says
Thanks!
emily says
Oh, Glee is also available free on freeonlinepisodes.net. It is probably illegal, but there are no commercials! 🙂
Kath says
Cool, Thanks!
Eileen says
Excellent improvisation! This looks delicious to me; I looooove lentils!
I’m glad you like Glee. I’m a total Gleek. 🙂
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
Cute lentil cups! Love this idea, it sounds delicious and I love lentils. That cookbook sounds awesome, too! 🙂
Jenn
Sara says
I got this cookbook for Christmas and was overwhelmed by the odd ingredients (I’m so new to this type of eating). I love that you improvise, it inspires me to. I love that the cookbook is divided into seasons, too! Great to use when the farmer’s markets open back up!
Lizz @ leadingthegoodlife says
I have a little bit of a cookbook obsession…this one might end up on my wish list!
jaclyn@todays lady says
I want that dinner! I am bookmarking this page right now!! I love the muffin tin method, instant portion control (and it looks cute!).
Kelly @ Local Foodie Fight says
Clean Food looks right up my alley–will have to check it out!
And this made me laugh: I love embarrassing the beer glasses with sparkling water
hehhe
Ashley says
OH man oh man!! I’m soooo glad you liked the lentil loaf!! I call it lentil pie because I hate the word “loaf” hehe. Your muffin idea was genius. YUM. I just love that cookbook. I don’t mind AT all that there are no pictures. The organization is superb. I love that there is ONE recipe per page. Looove it 😉
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
clean food is terrific – i got it for my bday!
Ariffa says
eek im glad you like glee! but who couldn’t really, cant wait for April! new episodes!!!
Laurel says
Kath, I wanted to relate a story about my dinner tonight. I was starving, exhausted and thisclose to eating Nutella on a banana for dinner. Instead, I thought to myself, what would Kath do? I rooted around in my fridge and assembled a massive salad from items I found inside: organic baby spinach (just bought the other day after seeing it on your site), Romaine lettuce in the salad spinner, leftover chicken “meat”balls, a cheese stick cut into bits, some dried cranberries, carrots, cucumber and a few croutons. I dressed it with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey. My meal was truly enjoyable and I didn’t feel hungry or tempted for sweets I didn’t need afterwards. Thank you so much Kath, for all the hard work you put into your site. It’s very much appreciated and looked forward to daily.
Kath says
Wheeeeeeeee!!!
Lilliah says
Yeah, sea vegetables seem like they cost a lot, but they last a long time – I’m surprised you haven’t used any yet! Wakami is my favorite, and I also love arame- wakame is greaaat in miso soup. Everyone’s eaten Nori, but the others don’t get enough love! 😉
Kath says
I don’t care much for store-bought nori. I’m excited to try some of these others! Can you make sushi with anything else?
Lilliah says
Ha- you know, I don’t even know because I don’t buy Nori, either, hence I kinda gave up on making sushi a long time ago. But I figured it was because I wasn’t preparing it quite right or something- it always ended up way too chewy. This was right before everyone had a computer, so I never bothered to research it 🙂
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
I didn’t know about the Grooveshark Popular option – saweeeett!
Sarah says
Roasting veggies is the best, I got mu husband to eat and LIKE parsnips this way, just last night.
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
Yep, I’m making that this weekend – looks INCREDIBLE!!
Frogs and Men@ Paris Food Blog says
that cookbook does look familiar….im sure i’ve seen it elsewhere
these lentil muffin things intruigue me but i am deterred by the addition of ketchup
hmmm
a bientot
the Paris Food Blague
Hannah says
I’ve often seen meatloaves made in muffin cups, but much prefer this veggie version! They look so cute! And you’re so right about $4 being worth it to watch Glee – people spend more than that on cigarettes/alcohol/coffee, and while I don’t deny they give people pleasure.. well Glee is less damaging to the system! 😛
Tina says
Clean Food is from my publisher! 🙂
christie @ honoring health says
This lentil loaf cups looks awesome, great idea!
Lily @ Lily's Health Pad says
I think Glee is a bit overrated, but I will say, when Rachel sings, I am completely blown away. Her voice is AMAZING.
Katy (The Balanced Foodie) says
I have “Simply Organic” and it’s the same concept, puts recipes in order by season! I LOVE it!! 🙂 I have to try the potato gnocchi soon. That dinner looks phenomenal, I may have to try that soon.
Ana says
Wow, the recipe for lentil loaf sounds sooo good! Great meal you had, I love roasted vegetables, one of the tastier ways to eat veggies in my opinion!
I will try that lentil loaf using red lentils, I have a bunch of them in the pantry and I have a feeling that it might help with the holding together issue, what do you think Kath?
And I also bake meatloaf in muffin pans too! (sometimes in the jumbo muffin tins) It is easy and convenient to freeze the leftovers!
The pumpkin oats on the above post looks amazing, gotta love some oats!!
Ana
Kath says
Red lentils would probably break down too much. I’m thinking that an egg might help. Or just enjoying them a little crumbly 🙂
Sabina says
An egg would help. The flax + water is a substitution for egg (to make the recipe vegan).
Tami says
Did you know there is a GLEE tour???? I am already to buy my tickets March 11 for the May 18th show in Arizona……I love that your a GLEE fan too, I’ve been hooked on it since the very first episode.
Kath says
With the cast!?
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale says
When I’ve made lentil loaves before, I’ve had to give it a couple of different trials with different amounts of breadcrumbs and / or eggs. Those two things seem to make all the difference when it comes to whether or not the thing stays together in loaf form!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
that vegetable medley looks AMAZING!!! (i just sang that in my head :)) sounds like such a great dinner…and that ashley really knows what she’s talking about, doesn’t she 🙂
Tara @ Geek Baker says
I love that cookbook! I’ve only tried a handful of recipes but have yet to be disappointed. And I love how it encourages us to use local, in-season produce!
Cyndi says
I feel healthier just LOOKING at that meal – wow!
I have that cookbook and really enjoy it. I just made the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies last night as a matter of fact. They come out looking like dense, ball shaped treats than flat round cookies, but they are delicious and easy to make. I would use slightly less oil than the recipe calls for – rolling the balls into shape feels like there is too much.
Emily B says
Can you give a quick overview of your ‘vegetable roasting’ method? I like the idea, but there are so many difference ways (healthy and unhealthy) and was wondering how you do it.
Thanks!
Kath says
Cut ’em up. Rub with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and roast at 400* for about 30 minutes.
Kristilyn (My 29th Year) says
I’ve never heard of kombu, either – what else would you use it with?
Love the roasted veggies – I’ll have to stop and pick up a few at lunch today for dinner tonight! I just can’t get enough! Those muffins look interesting, too … I glanced over the recipe and assumed it would be like a dessert, but was wrong! I guess I should have clued in when you said onions were needed. LOL!
K
Nicole says
Hi Kath, great recipe. Two questions: can I use canned lentils (I can hear the groans from all you foodies) and do you drain the flax before adding it, or add the water as well? I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the ideas!
Kath says
Yes, you can use canned!! (I just have never seen them).
I did not drain the flax, as the recipe didn’t say to.
Foy Update - Cook. Garden. Write. Repeat. says
I love roasted vegetables. They are my favorites.
kace@no guts no glory says
The money you spend on Glee will be the best money you ever spend-promise! And get the soundtrack while you’re at it, thats just as addicting!
melissa says
Thanks for sharing that recipe. It looks great.
I use Konbu a lot in Japanese recipes (great for stock). $6.00!!!!
You can find it a LOT cheaper in an Asian market. Do you have those in your area? It should cost half that or even less, and it lasts forever….
Anne P says
Wowwww that recipe sounds and looks amazing!!! I totally need that cookbook. Anything topped with ketchup rules 😉
Dronile H. says
I absolutely adore your blog, and have been following for quite some time now. In terms of Glee, when in doubt check tvshack.net. They always have episodes =]