Leek, Eggplant, and Tomato Pasta

Now that school is back in full swing, things have started to get a little crazy. I'm finally starting classes for my specialty, pediatrics, and I couldn't be happier, but it is a ton of work and takes a ton of time. I just keep telling myself it will all be worth it to see PNP after my name!

I'm still trying to make time for things that I enjoy doing however, like making and photographing recipes for this blog. I also went bowling this weekend and bowled an abysmal 46 and 59. Yikes.

Anyway, this recipe was something new for me. I got the leek and eggplant in my bi-weekly delivery from Boston Organics and had no idea what to do with them. I don't think I've really ever cooked with these two ingredients. But I was down for a challenge. I also got cabbage and butternut squash in my delivery that I am still trying to figure out.

While I know that I like everything I got in my box, they are not things I would normally buy for myself. That's one of the reasons I enjoy getting the delivery - it forces me out of my comfort zone and forces veggies into me since I don't want to waste anything.

Recipe Redo: Carne Bistec

Originally posted in April of 2012, I thought this recipe could do with a little picture update!

Well, time seems have gotten away from me. Sorry about that, but I'm back. Trying to balance school and work has proven to be a difficult task. But I have finally gotten into graduate school, so I'm not nearly as worried about everything as I was.

This recipe comes courtesy of Skinnytaste, by far one of my favorite websites and my blog inspiration. It is delicious, just make sure you are on the heavier side with the spices. I served it with brown rice, but Gina suggests serving it with a sunny side egg on top. With a side salad, it is a complete and delicious meal!

Tuscan Style Garlic Spinach

I was never one of those kids that hated spinach. I watched a lot of Popeye, so maybe that had something to do with it, but spinach has always been one of my favorite vegetables. I'm also quite partial to broccoli.

I also love the combination of spinach and garlic, so when I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It combines the two perfectly, and would make the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

It's pumpkin (and apple!) season!

But first, let me explain my absence over the past week. As I've said before, I moved last weekend. The apartment was quite a mess when we got here and we had to do a lot of cleaning, etc. to make it ready. All of my furniture was moved in last weekend, but I planned on moving the smaller items over in several trips over a few days. 

Well, on Tuesday, my car decided it didn't want to run anymore. The transmission, alternator and gas tank all needed to be replaced, and the cost to replace them FAR exceeded the value of the car.This presented a problem since I was half moved into my apartment and half moved out of my dad's house. I didn't really have enough in either place to be comfortable. Add that to the fact that i start clinical this week 40 minutes away from my apartment and have to get there too early for even the commuter rail. 

So on Thursday, I bought a new car. However, the title had not gotten to the dealership yet, so I could not actually use my new car. So that meant a weekend of not moving, not grocery shopping, not seeing friends, and generally sulking around my dad's house. 

But! I get the car tomorrow and just in time to start clinicals on Wednesday. I also started classes again today with a nice 13 hour-long day. Ugh. 

Anyway, this chili was the first meal made in my new apartment. My cooking stuff and normal photography stuff is still at my dad's but I decided to post anyway. But now that I will have transportation again, I can move that stuff over. 

Also, pumpkin!

Jicama Salad with Cucumber and Lime

Happy September and happy Labor Day! I am excited to say that I moved this weekend and my sanity remained in tact. I haven't yet slept in the apartment yet because we haven't had Internet in the apartment, but that is getting installed tomorrow. We've decided to go without cable for the time being, so that should be interesting! The past few days have been spent cleaning and organizing - the previous tenants left the place a complete wreck. It's coming along nicely and I'll probably be settled in completely by the end of the week.

This salad does not look like much, but it is really tasty. It is also incredibly easy to throw together and really low in Points+ value. It is packed with fiber to keep you full. I had it along side a rotisserie chicken leg and was actually kept full all night.

Get ready for a whole slew of pumpkin and apple recipes in the next few weeks. Fall is my favorite season and I've got some really great recipes planned!

Whole Wheat Brownie Batter Pancakes

This post was supposed to be up about...12 hours ago, but I am moving tomorrow and just spent a whole lot of time unnecessarily stressed out. Not to get into detail, but a certain moving company, whose name starts with a letter of the alphabet (between T and V), totally messed up my moving plans. Luckily, some family members have come to my rescue and I will still be able to move out at the time my lease states.

Anyway, pancakes. That taste like brownie batter! The perfect breakfast for when life throws you curve balls. These pancakes are not very sweet by themselves, so feel free to use more sugar or do like I do and pour some maple syrup (or chocolate syrup) on top. And another great thing about this recipe is you don't have to share. The nutritional information is for one serving, but if you want to cut the Points+, you can split it with somebody.

See you Monday after my move, providing I maintain my sanity.