What I Ate Wednesday #19 – Road Trip and a Case of Wine

Have you entered my tortilla popchips giveaway yet? It ends this Friday, so don’t miss out! The new tortilla flavors are fantastic!

Ever since Nathan and I took our rainy day trip to Trader Joe’s for the Two-Buck Chuck, we’ve been wanting to go back and get a case. And buy a case (and a half), we did!

On Sunday, we decided to hit the road. But not after a delicious breakfast!

[Breakfast]
Powercakes Power Pumpkin Roll. It was featured in my Weekender Top 5 as well as my Top 5 in Review. I loved it and would absolutely make it again!

[Lunch]
As with our first trip to Alexandria, we went back to Caphe Banh Mi for lunch. I was thisclose to getting the traditional pho that Nathan ordered last time, but at the last minute, I decided to change my order to the pork vermicelli bowl. Definitely the right choice! The pork was delicious and I love pickled carrots and daikon.

[Snack]
This cute little Nutz Over Chocolate Luna mini was part of my swag bag from my last race. I’d never had this flavor before and it was the perfect sweet treat to hold me over until dinner.

[Dinner]
Pan-seared chicken breast, finished in the oven with a general tso glaze and coconut oil roasted broccoli, zucchini, and red onion. It was light and flavorful and hit the spot.

[Goals Update!]
In my WIAW Holiday Recovery post a couple weeks ago, I mentioned having a 5K on September 29th and I was determined to beat my previous time of 26:08. I’m pleased to be able to update you and say that I ran that 5K on Saturday in 25:47 at a 7:51 min/mile pace!

[Halloween Treats]
Recently I made Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from Brittany of Eating Bird Food. They were a hit with Nathan, my family, and my coworkers! If you’re looking for a healthier tasty treat during the Halloween season, this is a great way to satisfy that craving!

Food for Thought

What are your favorite healthy treats to snack on around Halloween time?

Top 5 in Review

You may have thought I was crazy for shooting for my Weekender Top 5. And I have to admit, my eyes were bigger than my stomach! I did, however, make it through 3 of my 5 recipes and I’m pleased to say I would absolutely make them again!

First up was the Pumpkin Power Roll. I made this Saturday night for dessert, but ended up having 1 little slice for dessert and then devouring the rest for breakfast Sunday morning. I would definitely recommend this recipe, though, I’m not sure I’ll be able to wait to let it cool and roll up. I might have to eat it flat 😉

Power Pumpkin Roll from Kasey of PowerCakes

Next up were the Vegan White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate any vegan white chocolate chips, so they ended up just being macadamia nut cookies. They have a bit more of a banana flavor then I expected, but they’re quite tasty nonetheless. Today just happens to be Homemade Cookie Day which is perfect since I made these cookies for a family dinner tonight! Even though I may have snuck a taste of one last night. Quality control, people! Someone has to do it!

Vegan White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies from Kathy of Healthy Happy Life

Finally, I made the Coconut Bundt Cake and she’s a beaut! I may have taken a little nibble from the bottom of this one too.. like I said, quality control! It came out so well and I can’t wait to dig in tonight!

Coconut Bundt Cake from Kathy of Healthy Happy Life

The last 2 recipes, Cauliflower Pizza Crust and Autumn Vegetable Soup, may not have made it to the table this past weekend, but they’re definitely on the menu in the near future!

And don’t forget to enter my Tortilla Popchips giveaway!

Food for Thought

What recipes did you try for the first time over the weekend?

Weekender Top 5

If you follow me on Pinterest, you’ll know I am a recipe pinning machine! I’ve gotten around to making a few of the recipes, but definitely not as many as I would like. This weekend, I’m going to attempt to tackle 5 of my pinned recipes.

1. Power Pumpkin Roll from Kasey of Powercakes.

Power Pumpkin Roll from Kasey of Powercakes

I’ve seen this recipe before but not given it any though. Now that pumpkin season is among us, I’ve seen so many people raving about it on twitter that I just have to try it! Not to mention, Nathan loves his pumpkin rolls, so if I can give him a healthy version of it, he’ll be in seventh heaven!

2. Cauliflower Crust Pizza; another tasty recipe from Kasey!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza from Kasey of Powercakes

Cauliflower crust pizza is another recipe that I’ve heard rave reviews about but haven’t gotten around to trying it. I may even have to copy the egg on top. Looks amazing!

3. Autumn Vegetable Soup from Lori of Recipe Girl

Autumn Vegetable Soup from Lori of Recipe Girl

One of my favorite cool-weather soups is my Butternut Squash Soup and I imagine this will be just as tasty!

4. Coconut Bundt Cake from Kathy of Healthy Happy Life

Coconut Bundt Cake from Kathy of Healthy Happy Life

I just can’t even. Look how delicious this looks! I was asked to bring dessert to a holiday family dinner on Monday and when I saw this recipe (and the following!) I knew I found some winners. Can’t wait to taste!

5. Vegan White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies from Kathy of Healthy Happy Life

Vegan White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies from Kathy of Healthy Happy Life

Once again, these look absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into these tasty morsels!

I’m looking forward to checking in on Monday with my recipe successes!

And don’t forget to enter my popchips giveaway!

Don’t forget to enter my popchips giveaway!

Food for Thought

What are your favorite recipes that you’ve pinned?