Super Foods To The Rescue!

This afternoon I took some time to glance over the San Francisco Chronicle's Food Section. It's consistently recognized as one of the best in the country. I noticed an article titled, "The Power of Super Foods." These articles seems to pop up right after New Year's; attempting to play on the guilt of Americans after their season of holiday indulgence.

I gave in and printed out the list of the super foods and tacked them onto our refrigerator:

• Apples
• Avocados
• Bean
• Blueberries
• Dark Chocolate
• Kiwis
• Oats
• Spinach
• Walnuts
• Yogurt

The article claims that these foods can "possibly transform my life." I don't really have a problem with any of them, especially the chocolate. Blueberries will be tough to find right now and I assume blueberry pancakes and scones aren't what the article suggest I eat. Hmmm...I could probably get some of that Greek yogurt and drizzle it with some honey and thaw some frozen blueberries from Trader Joes.

Honey Crisp Apples are absolutely divine. Unfortunately, the Whole Foods by our apartment doesn't carry them. Come to think of it, I've only seen them at work. They are crisp and sweet and the perfect addition to any salad. But any variety of apple is great with salad and even a nice addition to some sandwiches.

Everything else on the list seems simple enough to add to our diet; except kiwis. I guess I can add it to some cold side salads or combine it with mango for a salsa or relish.

So my husband and I are only together for three dinners this week. Here is our menu:

Salad of Spinach, Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts, and Apples
Walnut Crusted Chicken
Quinoa Salad of Dried Cranberries, Scallions and Citrus Vinaigrette
Spinach with Lemon and Toasted Pine Nuts

Turkey Burgers
Sweet Potato Fries
Salad of Avocado, Shaved Red Onion, and Cucumber

Salad of Spinach, Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts, and Apples
Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Ricotta
Saute of Zucchini, Summer Squash and Orange Pepper with Thyme
Brown Rice

We have a ton of chicken breast in our freezer so I'm trying to use that up. And I also hate wasting food and having it sit around. So, for example, if I'm going to use red onion on the turkey burgers, I'll have plenty left over to mix it with avocado and cucumber. Likewise, I'll use one whole bunch of scallions between the quinoa salad and the turkey burgers.

Brown rice is just painful to eat sometimes because it gets so dry. I make it with chicken stock which definitely helps.

Tomorrow I'm working in Garde Manger again from 2pm-10:30pm. Ugh. I hate working that late. And it's NFL Playoff time. There is a wedding for 230 guests and I have to plate a salad for them. I'm hoping I can get everything done before I have to plate, and then just leave a little early. We shall see.