So I know we food bloggers like to use the title “The Perfect ____” a lot but I truly mean it this time!! This lunch had a little of everything and was so enjoyable to eat.
I started with a Smoked Salmon Sandwich. A wheat bun, about 1.5-2oz smoked salmon, a few tsp of goat cheese (that I softened in the microwave), capers, honey mustard and spinach leaves. I stuck the whole thing in the oven until the bun was slightly crispy. Mmmmm!!
On the side I had a salad: spinach, carrot, bell pepper, pickle, craisins, wheat germ and balsamic vinegar (the good kind). I found the wheat germ in our fridge (the husband uses it for baking) and really enjoyed it on the salad!
Lastly, I had my two favorites: kashis and chobani (with blueberries + more wheat germ)
With seltzer
I decided I wasn’t in the mood for a workout this morning and hopped in the shower instead. I was glad to be clean! I might still workout this afternoon, but probably not. But if I’m in the mood, I’ll go. (But probably not!).
I’ve got to pick up our CSA delivery and work on some stuff around here.
Tomorrow, we’re headed to the mountains for 2 nights! My parents rented a cabin for their wedding anniversary (31 years!!) and invited us up as their personal chefs
We’re leaving in the morning and coming home on Saturday. I should be able to upload from Panera both days, so I’ll be blogging. We’re hoping to get in some biking, hiking and/or canoeing while we’re there too.
VeggieGirl says
Oooh, can’t wait to see the contents of your CSA delivery!! 🙂
Sounds like a fun 2 days ahead of you!!
Ange C says
Melissa and Majrhoulihan-
Thx so much for the Breck recs….i really appreciate it!
Justy2003 says
I love toasty buns! 🙂
I just realized that when I start my grad program next week I’ll have access to their gym…which is 1.3 miles away from my apartment (aka close enough to run/walk to). Yay! 😀 I haven’t worked out in a gym for quite a while! Sorry, just got excited and had to share…
Kim says
balsamic vinegar (the good kind), what kind is that? I searched your site, I remember you saying before that you purchased it from williams-sonoma but they have four listed online. Which is yours?
Acetaia Malpighi Tradizionale Vinegar
Giusti Balsamic Vinegar
Villa Manodori Balsamic Vinegar or
Fini Balsamic Vinegar
Thanks! Kim.
Megan says
Hi Kath,
I saw this and thought of you. Enjoy!
http://www.eatingoutloud.com/2008/08/creme-brulee-oatmeal-brunch-or-dessert.html
hk says
I would definitely call this a “perfect” lunch in my book 🙂 all of my favorites for a light, filling, and tasty meal!! Enjoy the day..and weekend- sounds great!
Jess says
Mmm, that lunch looks ridiculously yummy. Quick question – what’s the brand of your bun there? I’ve been looking around for wheat hamburger-type buns, but can’t seem to find any that are 100% whole wheat/corn syrup-free. Thanks, Kath 🙂
Jess says
Ah! Never mind, just scrolled down and saw em’. Sorry!
stacy says
QUESTION FOR KATH AND ALL THE OATMEAL OBSESSED LIKE ME!!
oats: organic or regular?
i always have organic, but o started wondering about all you guys and what u think?!
Heather says
That’s so cool that you’re going to be personal chefs this weekend! Have you planned a menu yet?
And I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who puts pickles on their salads 🙂
ModelBehavior says
I just got back from a long weekend in the mountains, very relaxing! Tis the season for mountain vacays! Enjoy!
Fleur says
Wow, that salad looks amazing. I tried kashis for the first time today, picking them up from the store this morning. Delicious!
Sounds like your weekend should be fun too.
Justy2003 says
Woo-hoo! Just got home to find my box of Honest Foods planks and a bar! 😀 Thanks again Kath/Matt!!!
Stacy: Sometimes I get organic oats and sometimes I get just the regular old fashioned (usually the store brand instead of Quaker cuz it’s cheaper!). I don’t notice a difference in taste or texture, so I don’t really have a preference. I just get whatever’s available when I run out. Ideally, I’d love to get organic (everything!) all the time, but my budget just doesn’t allow it.
Erica says
That is so wonderful that your parents invited you guys along- what an honor to be their personal chefs! I hope you have a blast :
C says
That lunch looks pretty darn good!
For the organic oats question, I buy organic whenever possible but I do buy regular from time to time. I only have access to the organic ones at the health food store which is a half hour away whereas my regular store is 5 minutes. I do like the organic ones better but I think that is because they are but a little thicker so I like the texture better.
Monica says
Have fun on your vacation! There is nothing like a couple of days away to really appreciate the beauty of the mountains 🙂
Andrea says
ummm here’s an idea… can you be MY personal chef!?!?!?! haha i would be in total paradise 😉 sounds like a fun time! i love kayaking and canoeing – takes a lot of arm strength!
Volumeeater says
Hi Kath! I have a random question. Did you think CalorieKing was worth using? I was thinking about using it, but also wondering if it’s just easier to track my nutrition on my own for a while. I know I’ve heard you mention the forums. Did you ahve a little group? I’m thinking that’s maybe what made it worth it?? Hmmm….any input you have would be great, but just thought I had heard (read:) ) you mention it before :). Thanks!! Love your blog!!
Alicia says
That looks like one delicious lunch indeed and I would love to be going on a cabin holiday or any holiday for that matters!
Enjoy yourself and have fun 😛
Allyson says
Stacy-
I’m with C and buy organic whenever I can. I don’t think the non-organic ones are that different, but small changes can lead to a big difference, ya know? They’re a little bit more expensive, but worth it.
I buy Bob’s Red Mill Organic Extra Thick Rolled Oats
Hope this helps!!
goalie30 says
Isn’t that funny; I have parents who always invite us to out to dinner w/ them on their wedding anniversary. My brother and I have bought them nice gift cards for a nice dinner out for at least the past 5 years and every time my parents have invited us along. I tell them “NO! It’s for YOU both to have fun out by yourselves!” I guess they miss seeing my brother and I since we’re adults now and live out of town; your parents must feel the same way! 🙂 Have a blast cooking and enjoying outdoor activities!
Andrea says
how bout the perfect… BLOGGER 😉
Kath says
Kim,
Hmmm…that’s not one of them. Here’s a photo of ours.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_vAm-JweCH74/RtmiWj5ReMI/AAAAAAAAAE8/VIS1ZG-gyKo/s1600-h/Balsamic.JPG
It was $19. Do you have a store nearby that you could taste them in? Ours is aged 10 years in barrels – anything comparable is probably just as good. I actually bet there are some in the regular grocery stores that are just as sweet and syrupy, I just have never tried them (the WS one was a wedding gift).
Megan ,
YUM!! that’s kind of like my Baked Banana Oatmeal recipe but single serving. I’ll have to try it that way sometime. I’ve always wanted a creme brulee torch just so I could torch oatmeal 🙂
stacy ,
I can’t really afford organic foods most of the time, so I say regular. The only thing we always buy organic is milk, we try to with yogurt (Stonyfield brand, but I don’t think Fage/Chobani is) and make a good effort with meat. I should try more with the Dirty Dozen of fruits and veggies, but oats….well they’re probably last on my list. If I was a millionaire? I’d buy organic oats.
Volumeeater ,
I was worth using for me for sure. I’m type A and organized and LOVE lists and especially online organization tools like calendars and to-do lists. So for me, digital food journaling was a perfect match. I loved how user friend the CK diary was and the NET calories concept made it so I didn’t have to think beyond entering in a food. So you have to think about your personality and if you’re around a computer a lot and would enjoy that sort of thing or would find it a drag. Some people are more suited to a beautiful little notebook or dayplanner to food journal, some would rather take photos with their cell phones. Some don’t want to count anything! But for me, it worked well. I do think the support of the blogs really helped as well. I made some good friends who I still follow (even though I’m no longer blogging there) (Hi Chels and Elle!) so that made the whole experience more fun. I could spend $50 in a heartbeat going out to dinner or a haircut, so I think for a whole year it’s a good investment.
Andrea ,
Too kind, too kind!
Kath
Amy13 says
Volumeeater, I use Calorie King and I LOVE IT. The community is SO SUPPORTIVE, the food database is awesome and the food diary and resources on the website are amazing. Look me up if you decide to join! 🙂
On another note, Kath…I know you have answered this before but I can’t find it–what brand of smoked salmon do you use? Is it canned or in a pouch? I have tried the pouch kind and it was kind of gross, so I am looking for a new variety because I love smoked salmon! Thanks! 🙂
Kath says
Amy13 ,
It comes in a plastic sleeve type thing. Definitely not in a can. It’s like on a cardboard backing. I’m trying to think of another food that comes the same way. Kind of like prosciutto comes?? It’s slimy.
K
Rose says
Ah, wheat germ on salad! I love the idea. I normally throw mine in or on top of oatmeal (almost daily) so this seems like a good change!
john says
i’m always baffled by food pics! you have such patience to take the time to snap a pic before digging in! and everything is so neatly presented! i’m thinking that pics of my domino’s pizza box wouldn’t be quite the same as your salad with spinach, carrot, bell pepper, pickle, craisins, wheat germ and balsamic vinegar (the good kind)!