Hi from the long weekend! It’s a GORGEOUS Sunday here in Charlotte and I’m currently sipping a kombucha and writing this post while Finn naps. Keeping things easy today with a few recent eats.
BREAKFAST
Yogurt bowl with plain full-fat greek yogurt (can’t remember if this was FAGE or ALDI organic), bananas, the sweetest peach, dried cranberries, Purely Elizabeth granola and Wild Friends Nut + Seed Butter.
Dave’s Killer Bread Boomin’ Berry Bagel. One half with butter and cream cheese, one half with peanut butter, honey and banana. It always surprises people that I put butter and cream cheese on my bagels but I am here to tell you that if you haven’t tried it…you’re missing out. It’s doubly delicious!
Cottage cheese scrambled eggs with Wild Brine Green Kraut, avocado and fruit.
LUNCH
Smoothie bowls have by far been my favorite hot weather lunch this summer but I can’t wait to get back to soup and toast this fall!
One day I grabbed a salad while I was out from Reid’s but salads are just not doing it for me for lunch the way they used to. I’m sure I’ll cycle back to them soon enough.
DINNER
Air fryer tofu over quinoa with roasted cauliflower, hummus and avocado. I’ve received lots of questions about how I air fry tofu on Instagram so here is a quick overview.
- Press tofu for 15-20 minutes to remove as much water as possible. (I use extra firm tofu, FYI.)
- Cut into slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Spray air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and either spray the tofu or lightly rub with olive oil.
- Season tofu as desired and place on prepared basket. (I did half with Dizzy Pig Shaking the Tree and half with their Bombay-ish rub.)
- Air fry at 400 degrees for about 15-18 minutes or until tofu is browned and beginning to get crispy at the edges.
I’m sure there are many other effective ways of air frying tofu but this is my go to for tofu that I can throw into bowls.
Same dinner, add feta, diced cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.
Dinner out with two of my girlfriends at Foxcroft Wine Co. I had a salad with salmon and we split truffle fries for the table. Nothing makes me happier than dipping fries in mayo.
Homemade turkey meatballs stuffed with fresh mozzarella over spaghetti. I used jarred Rao’s marinara sauce.
Finally, frozen cauliflower fried rice from Whole Foods with a can of Blue Harbor canned tuna mixed in. This is one that you can’t knock until you try. It’s so good, easy and healthy!
ETC
My friend Erin left the most thoughtful housewarming gift on my porch one night. She gave me a beautiful handmade wooden cheeseboard, a jigsaw puzzle, a selection of her gorgeous jewelry, wine, carrot cake and flowers. It was so sweet and generous that it brought tears to my eyes. I’m so lucky to know such amazing women.
QUESTIONS
What are your favorite housewarming gifts to give?
Would you rather eat a yogurt bowl or eggs + avocado for breakfast?
Do you like tofu? Favorite ways to eat/prepare it?
Oh gosh, for breakfast is changes so frequently. I definitely ebb and flow between those two. I think I going to have to go with the eggs option though. Oatmeal is one breakfast food I will never tire of.
I am having the same problem with salad lunches and am attributing it to fall being just on the horizon. My body is readying for soups, roasted veggies and all things warm!
That is such a wonderful housewarming gift. It does not surprise me the least that you have women like this in your life. <3
Aw, thank you Jodie. Also, I went back and read a comment you left on my blog a couple of years ago and I just wanted to thank you for always being such a support and so kind and loving.
Wow that is such a nice gift from your friend. I have never received anything close to something that nice from a friend. You are so fortunate.
I love yogurt bowls and smoothies for breakfast and savory foods for lunch.
I only like Tofu if it’s fried with a sauce but I may try your recipe. Thank you for posting all your meals. You are an inspiration. Hope u are having a great long weekend
It was such a touching gesture of kindness. <3 Thank you for reading and I'm glad that the meals provide some inspiration!
My mom grew up putting a layer of butter on most things! Pb&j? A thin layer of butter first!
REALLY! Butter with peanut butter and jelly!? This is so interesting! I like your mom.
Hi. I love to look at your meals – nice choices.
Your portions seem so small though (not breakfast). How can you eat so little? Lucky you! I am about your age group and very active as a runner and could not last with those small meals…
Hey Elle! I think the dinner portions might seem misleading to you because of the bowls instead of plates. These are entree sized bowls and double the size of a typical salad/cereal bowl.
My husband and I (both vegans for about 16 months now) have been talking about getting an air fryer for months. And then last night I made this https://www.feastingathome.com/sesame-brussel-sprouts-tofu-bowl/ and as I stood before the stove doing 2 batches of tofu (I made a double of the recipe), I said to myself: it is time to pull the trigger on this purchase.
What brand do you have? Any advice on purchasing one?
Hey Nikki – I have the Ninja Foodi Oven and it has an air fryer feature but isn’t a stand alone air fryer. I’ve never tried one so I don’t have anything to compare it to but I use my Ninja Foodi Oven all the time.
We have this one and we love it!
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/cuisinart-toa-60-air-fryer-toaster-oven?ID=4542191&CategoryID=7560
Yay thanks for the air fryer recipe!!
Breakfast yogurt or cottage chz bowls are my fav (just faster than smoothie)!
That is the SWEETEST housewarming gift! Wine and flowers are my go-to but this is so unique, love the cutting board & jewelry idea!
I’m going to need details on this cottage cheese bowl!
The weather in the southeast has been wonderful this weekend. It has me dreaming of fall!
My breakfast preferences change between sweet and savory, so both choices sound great on different days!
I also love tofu and typically like it air fried best as well!
I also had a post request or if you prefer to comment back or email me privately please do. I lost my fur baby this weekend and the immense grief that I feel is almost unbearable. I’m so lucky to have my spouse and friends and family but nothing seems to ease the pain. Any tips you have for getting through this time would be so appreciated.
Oh Megan, I am so sorry to hear that you lost your pet. I was honestly rocked to my core by the intensity of my grief in losing Sullie and I still can hardly talk about her over a year later without getting teary. The memories are sweet but I just loved her so deeply and going through the process of her decline and putting her down was gut-wrenching. My best advice to you is to allow yourself to feel everything you need to for as long as you need to. I received so much comfort from other pet owners who understood it was like losing a beloved family member. I am here for you if you need anything. <3
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jen. I had the same relationship with my dog that you had with Sullie, so it is certainly comforting to hear from someone else who’s been through it and understands. I’m always thinking of you too because it’s truly so hard ❤️
You are the sweetest!! So glad you liked the goodies! Those meatballs look amazing! What is your favorite canned marinara sauce? I haven’t tried Raos but the packaging always looks so authentic, I need to try it!!
I’ve been trying to cut out dairy, so for me I’ve been eating tons of eggs and avocado recently!