Coconut Curry Shrimp. Cilantro-Ginger Brown Basmati/Wild Rice. Sesame Snap Peas. Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Dry Gewurztraminer.

At the end of the day I want three things: sweat pants, a glass of wine and a good meal. Typically I am cooking for one. All the more reason to be fancy and treat myself to some good cookin’!

So what is the key to cooking for one? I have three tips:

1) Use fresh ingredients. Fresh ingredients and flavors make meals exciting! A healthy and fresh meal is the best gift you can give to yourself. It’s worth the splurge!

2) Be fearless. Try new dishes! If you find a lasagna recipe meant for 6 servings, MAKE IT! Life is too short to pass up on your cravings.

3) Have fun. Cooking is a release. An opportunity to relax and be creative. Even if you set the fire alarm off and create a disastrous dish no one has to know . Live and learn.

In other news: I am obsessed with sesame seed oil and ginger. I thought of a million new things I HAVE to make while eating dinner tonight. I also had a brief moment when I contemplated making coconut-curry encrusted French toast. The coating on my shrimp was composed of coconut, panko, egg and curry. The “crust” reminded me of French toast. Maybe for dinner one night…I’m seriously debating the French toast idea, it was really good.

I’m off to search for a dessert to eat while watching Glee.

Planning New Meals,

Nora

Do you make fancy meals if it’s just for you?

I had an early breakfast and a later (ish) lunch so a 10:30am snack was necessary today. I had a Chocolate Peanut Butter Luna Protein Bar…because I was having Dark Chocolate Dreams after breakfast. Lunch was filled with amazing, comforting, good ole BBQ. I came home (I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow) for dinner and made a devilish Fig and Goat Cheese Pizza inspired by my recent Bon Appetit purchase. After dinner I made a freezer discovery. My mom made cookies this week with walnuts, coconut, oats and chocolate. I needed some of that in my life.

Dinner:

Grilled Whole Wheat Pizza with Rosemary Olive Oil, Arugula, Herb Chevre, Figs and Sausage. Wailing Wench Beer.

Picnic Lunch:Barbecue Chicken, Marinated Grilled Veggies (portabello, asparagus, summer squash), Baked Beans, Cucumber Sticks, Strawberries

Dessert (times 2):Frozen Homemade Coconut, Walnut and Chocoalte Chip Cookies

Officially Full,

Nora

What are the most unconventional pizza toppings you have used/heard of/seen?

Today’s inspiration: Healthy Tipping Point

I’m not quite sure when or how I stumbled upon Caitlin’s blog but I’m so glad that I did. Caitlin is determined, positive and energetic. To me, she epitomizes the phrase “live life to the fullest”, because that is exactly what she does each and every day. She has run marathons, raised money for cancer by participating in a century bike ride, makes time for friends and family and cherishes every moment. Caitlin not only inspires me, she inspires millions through  Operation Beautiful, a movement that she started to end negative self talk. She motivates me to never give up and proves that with hard work and dedication anything is possible.

Caitlin is incredible. Not only does she inspire my life, but also some of the foods that I have created on my blog (raw oatmeal, sweet potato with baked beans). I always love her use of pecans and coconut in her oatmeal/yogurt bowls and decided to pay tribute to her with these additions today.

In my bowl: 1/2 cup raw oatmeal, 1 Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt, 1 Banana, handful of blueberries, pecans, coconut, cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.

Repetitive Lunch Box:Salad: mixed greens, spinach, clover sprouts, cucumber, cherry tomato, 1/4 avocado, chili patty, feta cheese. Balsamic/Olive Oil Dressing.

Sides: Handful of Blue Corn Chips, Empire Apple.

Stay Beautiful,

Nora

Who inspires you?