cookies, fennel, and….noodle pillows?

Thanks for all the congrats on life’s latest change. I started packing yesterday…I hate packing, but fortunately I am bringing mostly clothes and books at this point. And my blender.

Cranberry oatmeal cookies ala Smitten Kitchen made things go a little more smoothly. These are the real deal. No substitutions. This cookie is a cookie.

I’ve only eaten fennel in salad form, but last night we ate it braised and sprinkled with parmesan cheese and homemade croutons [recipe here]. It was surprisingly good.

 

We also ate vegetables on noodle pillows (I wish I were making that up, but that’s what they’re called). I wasn’t a big fan of the crunchy noodles, so I think I’ll just stick to plain soba or rice noodles next time.

    

It’s zero degrees (literally) here today, but I’m going to attempt a run anyway. Michigan running is always an adventure…at least we aren’t currently having a blizzard!

changes

I had a lovely weekend of running, eating vegetables, and adventures in the snowy and freezing Michigan weather (yes, I do wear flats all winter, thank you very much).

At the risk of isolating myself from the entire blogging community, I will also say that lately I’ve been leaving oatmeal behind for delicious omelets with cheddar cheese and mushrooms. And lots of black pepper.

 

I’m teaching another cooking class tonight, and we’re making blueberry parfaits. The recipe calls for crumbled ginger cookies for one of the layers, but I decided to make my own to avoid the food dyes and GMO corn in the packaged version. Fantastic.

The biggest news in life is that I am moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan to work in pediatric nutrition. It will be a big change, for sure, but I’m trying to embrace all opportunities and adventures and to be open to using creativity and innovation in an often straitlaced environment.

 

Change can be really hard, but I know that the growth that comes with it is important. Reaching outside yourself to do things that are new and slightly scary can open opportunities to make a difference, and that’s valuable to me.

This is also a little rough because I’m a Buckeye, but I’ll be sure to talk lots about our winning record over the Wolverines. If you live in A2, let me know!

 

p.s. did anyone see this article about the class action Nutella suit? My thoughts:

1) Duh, we all know Nutella isn’t healthful or a great idea for children as a breakfast staple.

2) Yes, their commercials are annoying, but I’m not sure that warrants a lawsuit?