I have recently found a new ingredient that I love to cook with. I guess it's not really new to me because my mother had introduced me to it a couple years ago but since I didn't cook back then, I couldn't really understand all the possibilities. I am talking about Broccoli Slaw (found at Trader Joes). It is pretty simple, just sliced broccoli and carrots, but it is so fun to cook with and is a nice substitute to spinach, salad, or cabbage. I have tried it in wraps and omelets, but my favorite two recipes are listed below. The next time you are in Trader Joes, definitely give this bad boy a try!  

Soon, I want to make a Chinese Chicken Salad with it and add some peanuts. Can you think of any other ways to use broccoli slaw? 

Let's Get Cookin'

About a month and a half ago I decided that it was time for me to challenge myself and begin grocery shopping and cooking (in order to avoid a quarter-life-crisis I set random little challenges for myself). I had previously been buying pre-packaged meals from Trader Joe’s, which I still love, but decided that I needed to introduce new habits in my daily routine. What started off as a small challenge has now become a healthy habit. 

I began grocery shopping, and noticed myself buying only fruits, veggies, protein, grain, and dairy items. If you know me, you know that I can be quite stingy with money at times which is actually a good thing for when I am grocery shopping. When I reach for the chips, soda, or desserts, I then look at the price and think to myself, “well, I don’t really need this... and what could I really cook with it?” I walk around with it in my hand for a couple aisles and then as the cart starts to really fill up, I’ll return the unnecessary and usually over-priced items back where they belong... on the shelf. 

I try to buy ingredients that I can use in several different meal variations, and I only use vegetable oil, minced garlic (learned this trick from my friend Amanda), or soy sauce to cook with.

The perks of this challenge: I actually enjoy cooking and trying to think of new ways to cook and combine ingredients (I may have yelled out “MacGrubber!” a few times when a new creation is made haha). I feel that I am getting the right nutrients and actually make a conscious effort in eating healthy snacks. Lost an inch or two around my “inner-tube” or “love-handles” area and actually think my skin is healthier looking. And the greatest of all perks, the food actually tastes pretty good and keeps me satisfied!  

I forgot to mention that this cooking challenge is only Monday through Friday. On the weekends I give myself a break and enjoy the social aspect of going out to eat, indulge in a drink or two, and make sure to get my weekly burger (hey, I’ll forever be a member of the burger club!)

P.S. If you have any cooking ideas or suggestions let me know. I am always looking for new and easy recipes! And if you see anything of mine that you like (sorry that the pictures are not the best quality or lighting), let me know and I can give you my recipe. 

Let Them Eat Cake

Well I am very behind in my blogging, but I just downloaded the Blogger app for my phone. Hopefully this will help me be a but more consistent and up to date?

With the help of my sister Summer, brother in law Steve, and organic brown eggs, the greatest cake ever was made for my father's birthday!

The inside of the cake was bright striped layers of deliciousness with butter cream Frosting. Summer's blog has some really amazing pictures so if you want more check out 27year.blogspot.com.

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