Illness Leads to Bloggie-Inspired Eats

Written by on in Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Lunch, The Lazy Chef

Who knew, right?

No, I’m not trying to say that bloggie-inspired eats made me ill, I swear! But it turns out, Bobby came down with a case of the 24-hour flu bug and was too sick to make it to his own celebration dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s tonight 🙁 But have no fear! I know some of you were wondering if it was a good place to eat, and I am happy to tell you that I love that restaurant and you can read about some of my experiences here and here. A little trip down memory lane for me and a useful review for you 🙂 Capeesh?

As a result, I ended up making a lot of bloggie-inspired meals today! Breakfast came first. The inspiration for this one actually came after reading Sarah’s post late last night.

dscn1396

I hadn’t made overnight oatmeal in quite a while, so I got a huge craving for it after seeing it on her blog. Last night I combined 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup water and 1 tbsp. flax. This morning I added Chobani, 1/2 sliced banana and 1 tsp. maple syrup. So creamy and chewy at the same time!

dscn1397

There was also some Coffee Cocoa action. Three cheers to Miss Ryan, who tried my recipe out with some peppermint extract! I love peppermint mochas from Starbucks, so I can only imagine how amazing that tasted. I’ll have to get some next time I’m at the store!

dscn1400

I sat around for a while reading emails and blogs. Then it was time to get down to business with Tony Horton and my last official P90X workout for Week Numero Uno, since tomorrow is technically an active rest day. Today’s series was called Kenpo X, and it was by far my favorite of the entire selection. Holy BUTT KICKER! It was an hour of nonstop punches, karate kicks and blocks. NONSTOP. The only “breaks” we had were when we did air jump rope, jumping jacks and star jumps. I was totally knocked out (no, I did not punch myself, promise) by the time it was over, but I had a big smile on my face, too. After Kenpo, I did the Ab Ribber X (gotta love that name) DVD and called it a day. Phew!

I will compile all of these reviews and add them to my Workouts tab soon! I’m looking forward to Week Two because now I know what I’m in for and can hopefully improve!

Lunch today was a gigantic protein shake courtesy of the Vita-Mix.

dscn1408

I combined 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp. peanut butter, and ice cubes with Jay Robb.

dscn1403

Jay Robb = the best tasting protein powder I’ve ever tried. Too bad he’s not cheap. Anyway, I blended everything together and came up with a filling and delicious “meal.”

dscn1405

I also had some solids on the side: 3/4 cup Kashi Go Lean with a sprinkle of Heart to Heart and 1/4 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk.

dscn1412

And another mug of Coffee Cocoa to wrap it all up.

dscn1416

After lunch, I got to work on 1 of 2 papers for the weekend. It involved a lot of statistical data and Excel spreadsheets, so that kept me going for quite a while. Eventually, I got the call from Bobby saying that he was down for the count. I decided to be Girlfriend of the Day and make him some treats so that he could look forward to eating something tasty once he feels better.

I had every intention of creating a treat with carrots and was particularly inspired by Heather’s Carrot Cake Cookies. But I wasn’t sure if Bobby would like too much variation (he’s very picky when it comes to baked goods), so I omitted the carrots and created what I’m calling Cream Cheese Cookie Bars.

Cream Cheese Cookie Bars

dscn1442

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp. baking souda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 4 tbsp. Promise Light Buttery Spread
  • 2 tbsp. Neufchatel cheese (aka cream cheese)
  • 1.25 cups brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375*

Combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, beat Promise, Neufchatel cheese, and sugar. Add in egg, yogurt and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Gradually add in oat mixture and stir until thick dough is formed.

You can then use the dough to make up to roughly 28 cookies. I was a bit short on time, so I decided to dump it all out onto a baking sheet and spread it evenly to make cookie bars. Here it is before it went into the oven:

dscn1418

Bake at 375* for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow at least 10-15 minutes of cooling time. Cut the oats into 28 even (more or less) cookie bars.

dscn1444

And MOST IMPORTANTLY: cut around the edges to make clean lines, and then savor and enjoy the “extra crust” all to yourself 🙂 The best part about baking!

dscn1430

I must say, these turned out pretty delicious!! I think they would be perfect for a sweet breakfast alongside coffee or a midday snack topped with nut butter. I’ll try both and let you know.

Nutrition Information (per 1 cookie bar):

  • 85 calories
  • 2g fat
  • 16g carbohydrates
  • 1g fiber
  • 2g protein

I made Bobby a care package with a few of the bars and brought it over to his apartment. We hung out for a little while and watched two episodes of Lost 🙂 The season premiere is almost here!

Once I got back, I made my third and final bloggie-inspired meal: taco salad!

dscn1420

This is my variation of Caitlin’s recent dinner. I put a La Tortilla Factory Smart & Delicious Wrap in a bowl to create the necessary shape. Then I added 1 AmyLu Sun Dried Tomato + Chicken sausage, 1/2 cup spinach and some reduced-fat Mexican cheese. I put it in the broiler for 5 minutes until everything was nice and melty. Then I added the finishing touches: 1/2 cup whipped cottage cheese, 1 tbsp. Sabra Roasted Red Pepper Hummus and a sprinkle of Goya seasoning.

dscn1424

This was an awesome combination. I am so glad I have another way to use these wraps – they are such a bargain at only 100 calories for a big size. Thanks, Caitlin!

I’ve spent the rest of tonight lounging around, finishing up 1 of 2 papers and reading some more blogs. I’m also catching up on the episodes of 24. I love this show! There are way too many good shows on TV these days.

Random Question

What’s your sign? And are you into astrology?

I’m a Taurus. I don’t really read horoscopes much, but I do know that I have the stubborn bull thing down to a science 😉 Just ask my family.

58 Comments

  1. I’m a Taurus too! Are you as stubborn as I am?

    Uh, you forgot to mention how HOT Jay Robb is!!! =)

    You are such a sweet girl to make Bob-O the care package, I hope he feels better.

    All your eats look delish, but that taco salad looks SOOOOO good. I have to try making the shell like that!

    So you are going to figure out LOST for me this season, right? Because I am completely in the dark about just about everything!

  2. Hope he feels better! Great treat you made for him!

    Peppermint coffee cocoa does sound delicious! I used to sort of make peppermint mochas for myself with my espresso maker (I’ve kinda given up coffee) and I made a peppermint syrup my cooking up a simple syrup with the peppermint extract – it was great!

    I don’t follow astrology.

  3. Hehe–I love your tip to cut clean lines around the cookie bars and then get the yummy edges for yourself 🙂 They look great.
    I’m a Pieces but I always say it was a mistake that I was born one because they are supposed to be laid back and peaceful and I’m kind of Type AAAAAAA. So once I learned that I haven’t really followed astrology! Another fun question, though!

  5. Just wondering if you took your measurements before the P90X? I started weight training recently and took my measurements, I am so excited to see the changes once I start to develop some muscle!!

    I am a Libra, I totally have a libra personality but I’m not really into astrology.

  6. Oh no!! I’m praying that Bobby feels better a.s.a.p., and that YOU continue to feel well too!! Don’t get sick, dear girl!!

    Hooray for blogger-inspired baking adventures and meals!!

    I’m an Aries!! I check my horoscope everyday 😀

  7. love the bloggie-inspired meals!! those bars are intriguing… but i’m thinking tasty 🙂

    leo, but i don’t really check my horoscope or anything.

    ps- thanks for answering my questions!! i have no idea where fo shizzle came from the other night, lol

  10. You are a sweet gf and I bet those cookies were just what the doc ordered 🙂

    I haven’t seen the La Tortilla Factory wraps at my local grocery stores- did you get them somewhere special?

    I’m an Aquarius – the water carrier. I don’t really read my horoscope or look into it that much.

  12. Poor Bobby! Hope he’s all betta!

    Love the cookie bars. Next time sneak in carrots and he won’t even know! The tortilla dinner looks FABULOUS!

    Heather

  13. Hope Bobby gets to feeling better!

    I love all your bloggie inspired meals, I NEED to try some overnight oats SOON! And I love that bar recipe, sounds great!

    I’m a Taurus too, I don’t keep up with astrology but I love reading my horoscope in magazines and newspapers from time to time 🙂

  14. I hope Bobby is feeling better. You are the Girlfriend of the Day! Those cookie bars sound so good. I loved baked goods with cream cheese, and I bet they would be perfect with nut butter!

    I’ve never made overnight oats, but always read about them on other blogs. Your’s looks extra cream with the yogurt added. I will try them someday…my list of breakfast recipes is growing so long, but I keep eating the same thing every morning. I think I’ll experiment with all new breakfast ideas this week.

    Week 1 of P90X sounded tough. How many weeks of workouts do you get with the collection? I love hearing about the booty kicking sessions. Sounds like a lot of variety which I need in my workouts. I’m glad you’re enjoying them.

    Jay Robb- my favorite too! We sell his protein powder and bars at my office. Often we get sample packets with orders. Next time we do, I’ll pop a couple in the mail for ya!

    Have a good Sunday Jenn. Are you so excited about the Lost premier this week?

    Oh, almost forgot…I’m a Capricorn, but not into astrology that much.

  15. I’M A TAURUS T00! I don’t follow Astrology thingums, but I do adore being a taurus, just because I find it S0 fitting for me =]

    Ppl always think “Taurus’s are S0 STUBB0RN!” And yes, that is somewhat true (tehehehe), but it is SUCH a deeper Horoscope. So truth be told I am always like, “0o0oo0o0o0ooo tell me about my sign!” whenever someone KN0WS about it! AKA I’m only interested in my own! And maybe my mommy’s 😉

    FEEL BETTER B0BSTER!!!

  17. all your eats look so good! especially those cookie bars. I definitely “clean up the edges” wayyyyy too much just so that i have extra to eat. hehe.

    i’m a gemini but i know NOTHING about astrology. i used to make a point to read my horoscope on my birthday because my newspaper always included a special horoscope for each day but I haven’t remembered to in years. I feel like they’re always so vague that they can fit everyone. It’s like “you are independent but also enjoy company.” haha.

  18. nice eats! good thing you have bloggie inspiration!

    i’m a scorpio but i really don’t know anythingthing about astrology. i do read my horoscope in the back of magazines =)

  20. Oh my gosh – that is the cutest bowl ever!

    I’m glad to hear that protein powder is good, I’ve had a pack sitting in my cupboard forever now. I need to use it up!

    You’re so nice to Bob Diesel! Hope he’s feeling better and thanks for the recipe 🙂

    That looks like a knock out salad if I’ve ever seen one!

    LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOST!! SO SOON 😀

  23. Delicious looking eats! And I’m a cancer – hahahaha when I was a kid I was afraid that meant I’d be more likely to get cancer. But yeah, I def. don’t follow astrology stuff.

    Tell Bobby to feel better!

  24. That taco salad looks great, i never would have thought to bake a toritilla like that.
    I’m an aries, and although I’m not big into astrology everything I’ve ever read about aries is pretty spot on.

  25. 85 calorie cream cheese cookie bars? ummm, wow…thats incredible! so sorry you didnt make it to your dinner last night, I hope Boddy feel better soon!

    I am a virgo, and I don’t read into that stuff at alll…..

  26. now you’ve got me craving overnight oats!!

    the P90x workouts seem though. i think you are incredible to be able to keep up with them and still go to the gym!!

    and the cookies look amazing! i’ll have to remember to make them soon!

  27. Nice taco salad! Great way to make the “bowl”.

    I’m a Leo, and although I can’t say I check my horroscope every day or anything, I think I do have some of the Leo traits. My tattoo is also Leo inspired. 😀

  29. I love those oats, and I love that bowl. I have never done the whole overnight oats, I should:) Nice creative post it has inspired me to get up and make some bars!

  30. love those cookie bars! they look delish and really easy to make.. that would be a good midday snack for kids.. hmm!!

    i love overnight oats, i have them everyday at work- i pack my lunch the night before..

  32. That’s too bad about your dinner, but well wishes to Bobby! Hope he gets better soon!

    Your overnight oats look so so good. I always forget about them, I think I’ve only made them a couple times ever! I’ll have to remember them this week.

    Those cream cheese cookie bars sounds awesome too. When I worked at a bakery in the summer I had to cut up a whole lot of bars and always cut off the crust part first. It would get set on the table and everyone else would always come around and munch on it throughout the morning. I loved cutting the bars mainly just to munch on the crusts. 🙂

    I’m an Aries. I don’t read or keep up with horoscopes that much but it’s fun for a laugh or a positive outlook once in a while. Whenever I read the extra good ones I always hope they come true. Too bad they often never do haha

  33. hey girl! i’m new around here and came across your blog. those overnight oats look so good– i’ve never made them like that but i’m down to try it out! and i’m a taurus too, but i don’t think i’m AS stubborn as a traditional taurus… well, ok maybe just a little bit 😉

  34. Hope Bobby gets well soon!

    THose cream cheese bars look amazing!

    I’m an Aquarius in fact right now we are in the time of the Aquarius which means my birthday is almost here!

  35. I hope he feels better!

    Okay:
    1. I have GOT to get some Sabra’s hummus 🙂
    2. Those cookie bars look awesome!
    3. I’m a Cancer – I don’t regularly read horoscopes or anything, but I’m pretty good at the “crabby” thing sometimes 🙂

  36. Hope Bobby feels better! Love every one of your eats!

    I am a Gemini! I like to read my horoscope at the end of the day to see if it applied.

  38. Everything looks so wonderful! I think I eat every meal based on what I see on blogs 😀 Thanks for the peppermint coffee cocoa shout-out! Have a wonderful night!

  39. Hi Jenn! So sorry I haven’t responded to your email or haven’t commented lately. I will quickly do so when I get back to school! I am keeping busy in D.C. and (finally) started blogging for this event (as part of the social networking site on my hometown newspaper’s Web site). Here is the link if you are interested! http://www.my.quadsville.com/karlaw/blog

    Talk to you soon and wish Bobby a quick recovery for me 🙂

  41. Yum, I’m going to have to try those cream cheese cookie bars AND the taco salad. I’m a Taurus, too — total stubborn bull … but that’s all i really know!

  43. Yum! That taco salad looks phenomenal! You make me so jealous of your whipped cottage cheese…

    I am a Capricorn…but I don’t really know much beyond that.

    Good luck with your papers!

  44. Those cookies look good!

    And so does that taco salad! I’ve actually been craving it lately and I bought the ingredients to make it sometime ths week.. I’d never thought of using a tortilla like that, great idea!

    And Yay Lost & 24! I think I’m going to wait until S7 is over and just get the dvds for 24 but Lost I can’t wait to watch 😀

    My sign is either Aquarius or Pisces depending on which horoscope I look at! Because I’ve never been sure what my sign really is I never got into it.

  45. get well soon, bobby!
    last time i tried jay robb (a couple of years ago) i didn’t love it, but maybe i need to give him another chance 😀
    i LOVE the bars you made! i totally need to try some.. and you’re right, eating the edges is definitely the best part
    hope that you have a wonderful day!

  46. Sooo funny because everything I eat tends to lead to bloggie-inspired eats – lol.

    The food looks good, especially the bars.

    OH, I’m Capricorn and nah i’m not all that into astrology – although, it’s fun to hear what the horoscopes are saying.

  47. i Love Mccormick and Schmick’s!!! so good 🙂 i love their fish tacos. Those cookie bars look SO DELICIOUS! i want one for breakfast right now 🙂 haha. I’m Cancer, i’m not really into astrology, but i do like checking my horoscope once in a while and seeing if its true

  48. Not really on topic for this post … but after the rave reviews of your cocoa coffee, I decided to try it this morning at work with a packet of fat free cocoa — OH.MY.GOODNESS. So good! When I drink cocoa on it’s own, I usually don’t go for the low or non fat, but since it’s mixed in with the coffee, it tastes great!

    Thanks again for all your hard work on the blog …

  50. Those bars look great – i am going to have to try them.

    I am a gemini and read my horoscope from time to time for entertainment – it is fun!

  52. Hope your boy feels better soon! Those incredible Cream cheese cookie bars look incredible enough to perform health miracles ;).

    I’m a Gemini and oftentimes I can totally see the duality in my personality. Every now and then I read my horoscope but it’s so vague that it’s hard to take seriously. Are you a May birthday, my dear? If so… best month ever :)!

  54. I’m a Taurus too! I don’t follow horoscopes at all…but when I’m being really stubborn, I blame it on the fact that I’m a Taurus. 🙂

    Your cookies look great!

  55. I’m back from my trip! We actually went to a random town in Northern WI. Really, the closest civilization was like 50 miles! It was fun, but SO glad to be home and catching up on my fav blogs:)

  57. That looks amazing! I missed that on Caitlin’s blog – I’ll definitely look it up!
    I’m a Virgo, and I even have it tattooed on me, but I think astrology is a crock! I’m just sayin’ – not very falsifiable! It is fun though.

  58. i’m so excited to try those cream cheese cookie bars… those would be perf to top off various foods with… like greek yogurt mmm lil evening shnackity snack…. in addition i have NEVER seen whipped cottage cheese before slash never heard of it… i’m on a mission to find it now! new foods yay to new finds!

Comments are closed.