Category Archives: menu

Cookbook Love and Menu #2

Happy Monday y’all! As I was prepping our weekly meals and grocery list, I noticed it was pretty heavily populated by two of my favorite newer cookbooks. In fact, for the last month or two, we’ve eaten from one of them at least twice a week. I figure if you love something that much, you should share it. The Art of Eating Well was a Christmas gift Santa Spence checked off my list. I showed up a little late to the H+H party, but better late than never! Of course, if you’ve been reading O.i.H. for awhile, you already know how much I love Sarah Britton, so the My New Roots cookbook should be no surprise.

Hundreds of other people have written up these gorgeous books, and the gorgeous women behind them. I think the food is good enough to speak for itself. In that vein I thought I would share my menu for the week so you could see for yourself. I scouted around the web and found many of the recipes from the books available online. Click on the image below to access the PDF with recipe links. For even more fabulousness (if, like me, you just can’t get enough), visit them at My New Roots and Hemsley+Hemsley.

Finally, powerHouse Books seems to have posted a full preview of the Hemsley+Hemsley book here. This seems a bit odd, but the link is directly from the publisher’s site. Take a look, see how amazing it is, then buy a copy for yourself. . .and a friend. . .and your mom, aunt, cousin, sister, nephew!

Something New: Menu #1

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So I thought we could try something new. Every week Jason and I plan out a menu and shopping list. Since I’ve got it on hand, why not share it. If you like the idea, let me know and I will throw them up on a more regular basis. I warn you, they may look very boring and repetitive, but who knows, if you are feeling brain dead and utterly unimaginative yourself, this might help!

This first menu reflects some of the things Jason and I have been thinking about lately, specifically cutting down the sugars in our diet. I don’t mean cutting out fruit; I mean watching the number of calories we get from processed sugars, honey, syrup, etc. We have been doing some research, and the new recommended limit for men is 150 calories per day, and 100 for women. We are doing our best to stick to that on a day to day basis without being fanatical. I’m also severely limiting my caffeine intake in light of some recent problems. Have you been mulling over any diet changes lately? I’d love to hear what you all are thinking about. Again, if you like the idea of the menus, let me know. Hope you are all having a great week.

Click on the image below to access the PDF and the links. Later, alligators.

Allergy Elimination Diet: Sample Menu and Time Saving Tips

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This is the third post in our allergy elimination diet series.

Hello, hello! At time of posting, I am in the deep South and heading deeper, talking myself hoarse with my best friend, preparing to spend the week with both sets of family, and glorying in uninterrupted time with my husband. I’ll be doing my best to post updates and pictures of our continuing adventures in the weeks to come!

Now, let’s talk about you! At least, some of you; the moment has come to start your allergy elimination diet! You have talked to your doctor (or decided to be a rogue agent), you’ve carefully considered the costs and inconveniences and determined that this is the course for you. Hooray! To help you along and inspire your own culinary creativity, I have provided a sample menu for the week below. It seems a bit elaborate, I know! I just wanted to show that you still have amazing options available to you, in spite of all the restrictions. You can keep things simple or go hog wild with all the recipes and links I’ve provided: do what works for you and allows you to stay committed to the a.e.d for the next 28 days! Even if you don’t use my exact plan (and, honestly, 99% of people would not), have a plan, something definite to fall back on when you are experiencing some food withdrawals and are ravenous. Strive for variety; a broad spectrum of foods will keep your palate interested and help ensure you are getting all the nutrients necessary. After the menu I’ll be going into a few time saving and preparation ideas. Notice I’ve left some open spaces; use your own creativity and fill in the blanks! (Click on the image below to open the PDF and access recipe links).

So, time saving tips:

1. Put all beans on to soak at the same time, then cook them at the same time (in separate pots). Do this on the weekend and simply pull them out of the fridge as needed.

2. Try to process (wash and cut as necessary) any fruits and veg before storing (except berries and things that need to be kept dry until eaten).

3. If you really like oatmeal, make a large pot at the beginning of the week; oats warm up beautifully with the addition of hot liquid!

4.Try making dips, spreads, and sauces ahead of time.

5. Fix snack packs ahead of time for the whole week and have them ready to pull out of the fridge before leaving home in the morning.

I know it sounds like a lot to do, but if you get all of it out of the way on a Saturday or Sunday, weekday meal prep will goes loads faster! And now, good luck, happy (healthy) eating, and I’ll be seeing you soon.