Hello!
Thanks for sharing your book recommendations this morning as well as your goals of the week.
Hope your week started off great! My day has been intense, but I ploughed through over 11 orders so I feel really good about that! The only downer to the day was that we found out our treadmill needs the engine replaced. The treadmill repairman has already replaced the two rollers (1st outing), the belt (2nd outing), and now it is still ticking so he wants to replace the entire engine! Luckily the parts are covered with Landice treadmills (for life), but the labour is not (only up to 1 year)…and boy is the labour bill racking up! I swear I should have gone to school to be a repair woman. Or an electrician…we were once charged $200 for an electrician to spend 5 mins. putting in a circuit breaker…
The theme of this week is all about the checklist. If I can complete my checklist this week, I will be one happy camper! I love having something physical on paper to look at. I haven’t done a checklist in a while so it feels good to have one in front of me.
The theme of dinner tonight was to ‘cross off’ a bunch of veggies lurking deep in our crisper…
We now begin the countdown until the next CSA box. We have just 2 days left until our next one!
We had a huge bunch of asparagus to use up.
My absolute favourite way to eat asparagus is roasted with sea salt, oil, and black pepper. Classic simplicity.
Easy Roasted Asparagus:
- 1 bunch of asparagus, rinsed and broken at ends
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Sprinkle or two of Sea salt
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil or oil of your choice
Directions: Rinse asparagus and break off the ends (they will naturally snap at the weak part). Place asparagus onto a baking sheet and drizzle oil over top. Move asparagus all around baking sheet until coated with oil. Sprinkle on sea salt and ground pepper. Roast in the oven at 400F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once half way through.
I also used up a bunch of red potatoes, green onions, and zucchini in another pan roast!
Maple Infused Red potato, Zucchini, and Green Onion Roast
Ingredients:
- 4-5 small red potatoes
- 2 zucchini
- 5 green onion stalks
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sunflower oil or oil of choice
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
Directions: Preheat oven to 400F. Chop veggies and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle oil and maple syrup over top and massage the oil/syrup into the veggies making sure they are all coated. Sprinkle on sea salt and black pepper. Place in oven at 400F for around 1 hour, flipping once half way through. Potatoes should be crisp when ready and green onions will have a crunchy consistency like kale chips!
I put the red potatoes, zucchini, and onion mixture into the oven first (for 45 mins), then during the last 15 minutes of cooking I popped in the asparagus. Timing worked out perfectly!
However I was ROASTING myself while the oven was blasting for an hour! The kitchen got so hot I felt like I was having hot flashes.
This was my first time having maple syrup on roasted veggies and it was killer!!! The hint of sweetness tasted amazing. Try it out you will love it!
With a side of tomato paste, although I didn’t use much of it because I loved the maple flavour of the veggie roast!
The green onions got so crispy and reminded me so much of kale chips!
I love the crispy tops when asparagus are roasted…
I don’t know if I have ever had roasted zucchini before but it tasted incredible. I think the key here was slicing the zucchini very THICK. It shrinks in the oven, so if you leave it on the thick side it will remain a good size and very juicy! I wished I had more of it when I was finished!
Dessert, a Dark Chocolate Coffee Mararoon…
Eric and I are going to go on a relaxing walk around the neighbourhood (we try to get out every night for about 20 minutes in the summer). We love our summer walks! They are so peaceful and it gives us a chance to unwind from the busy day. Our summers don’t last long so we need to make use of every minute we can!
Tonight, I also need to book flights and hotel for the Healthy Living Summit conference in Chicago. I am excited because I have heard that Chicago is an amazing, historic, and beautiful city and I can’t wait to explore it. Eric is going to join me as well (but he won’t be attending the conference). Anyone here from Chicago or been there before? What are the great sights to check out? Nice places to run? Restaurants? Anyone else attending the HLS?
Have a lovely evening and I will see you in the morning!
I usually roast zucchini with green peppers … it’s amazing , but recently tried it with Garlic Gold nuggets(Italian Herb) I that KERF uses and this is amazing …. . Personally I love the Hancock Tower , visit the aquarium , take a evening cruise ( the one where they talk about Chicago’s architecture if you are into that) . Defintely do a run along navy pier leading to planetarium , you will pass the museums , it is beautiful one !! I hope Eric and you have a wonderful time !!
I love roasted asparagus! It’s my favorite way to prepare it! Okay, that’s a lie. My favorite way is grilling, but next is roasted!
I roasted sweet potatoes with maple syrup once. Very tasty!
Hi Angela,
I’m from Chi-town (that’s the cool way to say it :)) and there’s lots to see! I would say, do the regular sites and the do the sites that the locals hit. If you want to go to a beach I recommend Pratt Beach up in Rogers Park, it’s gorgeous and a little more laid back then the business of the downtown beaches. A good place to run is through Old Town, cause you can see all the old historical buildings, on down the lake front, which runs from Evanston to downtown (that is also a very awesome bike route). If you’re a fan of archetecture come to Oak Park and see Frank Lloyd WRight’s classic buildings and the Hemingway House. Also, I love the Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park, on Marion and South Blvd (all local food, all fresh, vegan friendly).
You’ve got to check out Karen’s Cooked: an all vegan restaurant that is affordable and delicious. Coffee shop wise I love Brothers K in Evanston and downtown, Intelligencia in the Monogonuk Building (that is not spelled correctly, heads-up). Also, there’s the great farmer’s markets. Thursdays is the Daley Market at the Daley Center on Clark and on Randolph and Wabash is the Downtown Farmstand (a small, all-be-it adorable only local produce joint).
There’s just so much to see. I love Wicker Park for shopping. Endless boutitues. Lincoln Square has a great coffee shop called The Grind and a famous vintage shop and Logan Square’s got the city’s only Co-op, voted in The Reader the best co-op (and only co-op, although there are a lot of farmer’s markets) in the city. And since I will live in Logan Sq, I’m partial to it myself.
I just hope you love it and, hey, if you want someone to do lunch with, I’d me so happy to meet you!
Best,
Heather
Hi Ange,
I live in Chicago as well, and would love to meet up! Are there any auxiliary events as part of the conference that we could attend?
I think you’ll have a great time in Chicago! I’m really excited for the Healthy Living Summit myself. But I disagree with recommendations for dining at the Chicago Diner… The Chicago Diner is like veggie fast food. All mock meats and really processed. There are other great healthy veggie places that actually use vegetables in their vegan dishes (such a novelty, right?). There’s a chain called Karyn’s (raw food) which is really great and the Green Zebra. Sadly Chicago is pretty meat and potatoes’ish for the most part.
I’m not a fan of asparagus, but the other roasted veggies look delicious! I’ll keep this recipe in mind for the winter when I want to oven on!
I’m going to HLS…and I’m so excited! Actually, I’m a little nervous because I don’t know anyone else going and I’m a little shy. :) It will be my first time meeting the writers of blogs I read in “real life”. But I’m sure it will be a great time.
And I’m excited to find some good vegetarian restaurants in Chicago!
:O You’d never done maple roasted veggies!!?? You’d been missing out Angela!
Today I^ll do an exception to the rules of summer (no oven!) and I’ll do some maple roasted potatoes, onions, zucchini and eggplants from my vegetable garden… yum I can’t wait to taste it! :)
ciao ciao Lalla
I’ll be there working for one of the sponsors, Attune. Come say HI!!
I’m not a big fan of asparagus but I always had them steamed. I’m excited to roast them next time! I love crispy vegetable! I always roast my brussel sprouts and my brocoli now.
I have a question for you or your readers. My parents are coming over for 3 days this week and I don’t know what to cook to please everybody. I’ve been vegan for a month but my parents are not and my dad doesn’t think vegetables can be a meal… Any idea what I could cook for 2 dinners and 3 lunches?? I’m thinking about veggie burgers with sweet potato fries for one of the meals but I’m out of idea for the rest. It’s too hot to cook a lasagna (and they would probably not be fan of a cheeseless lasagna anyway). Thank you!
Ohmigoodness…. YUM. I love roasted veggies. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
I did my asparagus the exact same way last night – too funny!
I’ve only been to Chicago once, but I totally fell in love with it! Be sure to see The Bean when you’re up there. I can’t wait to see all your recaps of the city :)
SO MUCH ROAST! If I got a CSA share I’d definitely have a roast veg dinner every week before the next one. Awesomeness :D
Wei-Wei
I love putting maple syrup on absolutely everything! Oats, waffles, nut butter sandwiches, salmon… I’ve never thought to do it on veggies though. Great idea!
Eat lunch, dinner, or have cocktails at the John Hancock Building’s 96th floor. You can either spend 10-18 dollars to go to the observation deck, of you can get a stunning view of Navy Pier, the coast, and the city while enjoing dinner and conversation with friends, family, or you one and only.
Enjoy!
Yum love roasted veg! Roasted zucchini is super nice. I love how veggies get so sweet when they’re roasted – especially peppers.
I’m so envious of all the bloggers who get to go to HLS – it’s too far for me to travel but maybe one day….
I lived in Chicago for a summer, you will love it. Apparently there are great vegan restaurants like the Chicago Diner that are supposed to be delicious. The Armitage area is really really pretty with lots of boutiques and cute shops to browse in – plus a huge Wholefoods. It’s on the Brown Line. Downtown is so lovely, when I lived there I was a broke student though so I didn’t get to do too much exploring ;)
I live in Chicago and like everyone else has said, running along the lake is pretty much awesome. And if you head south you stay closer to the lake but the run north is beautiful too. I don’t think you can go wrong.
I can’t speak to the vegetarian restaurants but I often am able to make great veggie options out of appetizers or requesting something (not a vegetarian but eat that way a lot). But it’s true-Chicago likes its meat. Going to Millenium park is fun, even if it is touristy, it’s pretty and the Bean is cool-you could even make it part of a run. If you have time (or if Eric is looking for something to do), The Art Institute is amazing. And the architecture tour (on a boat) is really interesting too. I think you’ll have a lot of fun.
Unfortunately, I missed the tickets to HLS but if you are getting together outside of it, I’d love to meet up. Also-any chance you can bring some glo bars for us Chicagoans to purchase?? :)
I live in a suburb 15 minutes outside of Chicago and I can attest that it is one of my very favorite cities EVER! Go running along the lakefront. There is a nice long path that’s paved and although it can get a little crowded near the beach, the view of the city and the lake are gorgeous. Go to the Chicago Diner which is a vegetarian restaurant with lots of vegan options. Also one of my other favorite restaurants is Reza’s which is a Persian/ Mediteranean restaurtant with the BEST hummus and schwarma. I always order one of the veggie samplers.
Grant Park and Millenium Park are great to visit. Go to Navy Pier and ride the ferris wheel. Shopping on Michigan Avenue and State Street is a MUST. There is a huge Forever 21 on Michigan Avenue if you want cheap, cute clothes and accessories. There are plenty of tours, I’m pretty sure one of the hotels in the area offers running tours. The Lincoln Park Zoo is fun to see. Wrigleyville area is also fun to visit, lots of bars and people. If you have any more questions, feel free to email me!
Oh! And on Tuesdays, entrance to all of the museums are free! Although I suggest the Art Institute and the Field Museum.
Go to Chicago Diner. Supposedly the best vegan fare in town.
roasting asparagus is my favorite way as well. pretty much any veggie roasted is best :D
Those dark chocolate macaroons sound to die for! I’m from Chicago and I would definitely recommend going to Cousin’s Incredible Vitality. They have a juice bar and a raw food buffet! Also amazing desserts! I think you’d love it! Here’s a link to their website if you want to check it out: http://www.cousinsiv.com/restaurant/restaurant.htm. Grant park is a great place to run, you get a great view of the lakeshore :)
Hi Angela! I live in Chicago and I’m going to be at the Healthy Living Summit as well! As far as running goes in Chicago, you’ve only got all of beatiful Lake MIchigan to run alongside. :) I know the Summit is downtown, but it’s worth hopping on an express bus and going about 20 minutes north to run along the lake. There are a lot more trails/trees/nature up that way, as opposed to just the running path by the lake downtown.
I second the person who mentioned the bar/restaurant (The Signature Lounge) at the top of the Hancock Building. If you just go to the bar and not the observation deck you save $$ that you can use on a beverage instead. Plus you have a great view!
Angela–I live and work in downtown Chicago. If you’re looking for an amazing 5-mile run with killer views of the city, look no further than the lakefront trail. If you’re staying anywhere near the river in downtown, you can cross over Lake Shore Drive and head south on the trail. I’d recommend running around the museum campus (where Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum are) on the trail right on the lake. This will also take you past Buckingham Fountain. :) It’s like sightseeing AND running all at one time!
Love roasted veggies especially when they are ones you are trying to use up from the crisper! Your asparagus looks mawvelous.
I’ve never been to Chicago but my best friend used to have a corporate apt. she lived in while traveling for her company. I’ll ask her.
Hi Angela!
I admire you for using your oven in the summer! We pretty much don’t use ours (or our stove top), minus the rare time baking is required. We purchased a griddle for our BBQ and it has opened so many doors for hot food cooking in the summer (hello BBQ fajitas, eggs, bacon, etc). :-)
Can’t go wrong with roasted veggies!!
summer is all about the roasted veggies on the bbq! I have to try the maple syrup version..yum!! I can’t wait for dinner now lol!
Summer evening walks are wonderful. I find I sleep so comfortably after going for a walk at night!
Have a great time booking your trip to Chicago! Sounds like a great event:)
Roasted veggies are always my favorite!! Even in the heat of the summer when the over heats my house up even more than normal!
I never thought of using maple syrup on roasted veggies!! That must come out amazingggggg. I love roasted asparagus. It comes out so crispy, yum yum!
I wish I was going to HLS!! Definitely check out the Karyn’s for me since I didn’t get to go there when I went. :( You also must check out Rick Bayless’ restaurants!!!! He always has a vegetarian dish that can be veganized and I had the best vegan dessert of my LIFE there!
I am really, really excited to meet you at HLS!!
We live about a half hour out of the city and I’m looking forward to taking an early morning run along the lake. What I love about Chicago is it is a very, very clean city. You will love it.
See you soon!
love this I roast zucchini ALL the time..so damn good..sprinkled with garlic olive oil salt + pepper mixed with eggplant. Tonight i did that then roasted some kale, then cooked millet and mixed it all together with white beans, nooch, balsamic, tomato puree/crushed tomatoes. OUT OF THIS WORLD delicious.
Millennium Park and the Art Institute are definitely places you should visit. The park has lots of great views and fun places to take pictures. I also went to a vegetarian restaurant called Green Zebra, which I liked. I remember them having a lot of vegan options too.
The first time I roasted asparagus, I had just skim-read Madhur Jaffrey’s Vegetarian Cooking. She says to soak the asparagus first. It makes it even better, especially when they’ve been languishing in the crisper for a while.
Will definitely have to try the veggie roast. My go-to has been soup or stir-fry.