Have you ever noticed how the less you have to do the lazier you get? I do not wish I had a full agenda, but I certainly was in a funk today. I’ve found, though, that when I get in these itchy moods that a WALK almost always cures it. Not sure if it’s endorphins, cabin fever or sunshine, but after not going to get my hair cut today (it started raining and Matt came home so I lost motivation) and plopping around the house a bit (I did get a short writing project done!), I finally set out on a 30 minute walk. My return mood was like night and day! I made it back just in time for a dreary, rainy night to begin pouring down.
(FYI, ‘plopping around the house’ means you flop down on the furniture and sigh lethargically)
I got pretty hungry around 5:00 and had the age-old debate of a snack or enjoying dinner hungry. I drank some water and was able to fill my time with brain-stimulating things long enough to be perfectly hungry at 6 to make dinner.
Garlicky Chicken Sausage + Kale Pasta
I liked this kind, but AmyLu’s still wins.
We cooked 3 oz of whole wheat angel hair as a base, which I lightly tossed in about a tsp of olive oil. When I’m having pasta with a heavy protein like meat or seafood I usually lighten the pasta load some, so this was about 1.5 oz per person. I also used cooking spray in the pan and saved the flavorful olive oil for drizzling to maximize flavor.
The rest of the dish was cooked sliced chicken sausage, ~5 small garlic cloves, 1/2 a green bell pepper, red pepper flakes, the juice of a whole lemon and a few cups of kale, which was steamed on top of the cooking underfoods.
You know, our cooking habits have changed so much. We used to have so much more zest for cooking and I actually can trace it back to the Thanksgiving Challenge. Once we started significantly cutting back on our groceries, we stopped being as creative. For example, we used to always have parmesan cheese in the fridge and this dish could have really used some. Although this decline in enthusiasm for cooking might also correlate with the start of my busiest semester to date. NOTE TO SELF: Get cooking passion back!
It was awesome!
But surprisingly not that filling. Perhaps I should have gone with a bigger pasta serving. Pasta never fills me up regardless though!
So I found this HEAVENLY surprise in my freezer from Kelsey’s house sitting days.
OMG this stuff is phenomenal!! All the cream of iced cream but a really nice pina colada flavor with pineapple chunks.
1.5 tiny bowls (this stuff is not light!)
Matt had graham crackers + PB for dessert! Now we are both satisfied 🙂
Off to watch the *new* Conan and do some reading. We have Revolutionary Road to watch too, which I am super excited about, but might save that for another night.
jackie says
Kath, that meal looks delicious and healthy too.
Shannon (The Daily BalanceO says
I love al fresco chicken sausage – the Mister and I like slicing it on top of homemade pizza 😉
Your dinner looks great — enjoy your movie/conan watching 😉
jennifer says
Get ready- Revolutionary Road is a great movie but very dark. Definitely not light.
Kate says
Never tried the Alfresco sausages, but those sure look good! I know how you feel about the parm – I love it on EVERYTHING.
Have fun with movie time!
Amanda says
i hate plopping too. and it’s so hard to get yourself to do something when you’re in a plopping mood! it’s definitely frustrating.
dinner looks good to me! i love chicken sausage and angel hair pasta. my sister made that all the time for the family when she started her healthy food kick!
Brynn says
haha! I laughed out loud when I read your explanation of plopping around the house. Imagining you actually doing that cracks me up.
Katherine says
Sometimes I find I just need a day of plopping to get myself refocused and recharged for a more productive day to come. Maybe tomorrow will be twice as productive!
Your dinner looks delicious, btw, and I’m glad the ice cream did the trick of satisfying you 🙂
Enjoy your movie night!
Matt says
Y’all should ask Kath to post a picture of what she calls her “ploppin face.”
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says
I’ve been in the same funk myself today! In fact, I related to pretty much everything you just said!!! I too have lost my desire to cook and really don’t feel like doing much. I attribut it to the busiest semester I have ever had. Ever. It really wiped me out! Sometimes I think we just need a break though. I’m convinced the drive to cook and be productive is lurking just around the corner.
Here’s to getting it back!!!
Lisa says
I totally get the increased-laziness thing. When I finished my thesis I lost motivation for … anything.
I love pineapple sorbet!
Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) says
Your dinner looks amazing as usual. Too bad it didn’t fill you up. At least you found a good dessert to folow the meal though!
Bev says
Have a great evening. Revolutionary Road was my least favorite movie. I love Kate but this was too depressing . I loved The Reader.
Shannon says
Oh my gosh love Conan!! and your chicken sausages look amazing too 🙂
Adi (oatonomy.com - repaired!) says
I’d say your dinner looks pretty inspired to me! Seriously, it looks delicious. I guess I got some KERF vibes because I had a similar dinner as well.
… except I wasn’t lucky enough to enjoy the H-D! Yum.
Angie says
Dinner looks delicious!
I understand the plopping! It seems like you’ve been so busy though, that, maybe a day like that was needed. I am craving a day to plop around : )
BethT says
I have a TOTALLY different definition of plopping….and probably plopping face, too….
Alison says
I swear if I have 3 things to do, I get 1 thing done.
If I have 10 things to do, I get 8 things done.
Funny how that works!
Caronae says
Oh I totally get lethargic when I don’t have a schedule. The last two weeks have been an in-between time for me too, and I’ve been alternating between napping and snacking. I’m actually looking forward to being busy again!
Heather says
You deserve some relaxing days Kath!!! Enjoy them! 🙂
Loving this dinner! So simple, healthy, and delicious. Definitely a creative mixture. And that dessert sounds LOVELY!
Have a fabulous evening!
Whitney says
I LOVED that movie. I’m warning you though–I was a mess walking out of the theater. Brace yourself!!
Laurel says
I totally agree about invigorating walks!
Can anyone recommend some great weight training, yoga and Pilates videos? I want to do some workouts at home and would like some recs for DVDs that are not too long but still challenging and effective. Thanks for any help.
sue says
i had a plopping kinda day as well….walks rejuvenate me too on days like today…i think it’s the fresh air for me. have a great night!
[email protected] Starts says
Great looking dinner! A healtier version of the Berttolli Sausage Penne I had tonight. Oh well, mine was still good and probably the lesser of two evils of eating fast food!
Bec says
The pasta looks great but you are right you can always use parm on pasta!
Allison says
Hey Kath! I’ve tried pretty much everything when it comes to “health” foods, but I have yet to try kale. I really want to, but am turned off by people’s bitter description of it. Does it hold it’s taste when it’s cooked? How would you recommened a “kale virgin” prepare it for the first time? hehe 😀 Thanks!
Joanie says
I am a coconut fiend! Love the stuff.
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) says
Looks like this down time might be just right for getting that “zest” back. I find now that I’m without the computer for most of the day, I am having plenty of time to get cookin’!
Kim says
I thought Revolutionary Road was very well-done. The acting was amazing and the period details spot-on. Obviously, don’t go in expecting Titanic 2 😉
I’ve not tried kale and pasta together, but sounds like an awesome combo!
Faith says
I like the al fresco sausages — that dinner looks delicious!
april says
I know what you mean about walks! I have been enjoying the sunshine lately when I feel lazy. My dad always has graham crackers with peanut butter- and he adds cool whip!
Amanda says
I definitely get in that plopping mode when I don’t have a relatively urgent to-do list – I thrive on being busy!
Let us know what you think of the movie – I read the book and it was not the most upbeat.
Chelsea says
Revolutionary Road is SO SAD. It’s really good, though. The acting…oh, the acting. It’s absolutely fantastic. Those two should make a movie together every ten years for the rest of their lives. However, the next one should be a romcom. 😉
I’m also a big fan of walking. Glad it cured your plopping!
Linda says
I agree with you about the pasta…it never seems to fill me up. I feel the same way about rice too. I have to really watch how much of the stuff I consume so I only eat it 1x week at most.
Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now says
I totally understand about the plopping around the house. It’s easy to get in a funk when you have no obligations for the day.
Caroline says
I just bought that same brand of chicken sausage when I was preparing a meal for my mom’s b-day. It was the sweet italian pepper variety, and all the non-vegetarians said it was tasty!
Hallie says
You still cook pretty creatively in my book! When I lose my “zest” for cooking…I rely on more convenience food and takeout. I’m really working on doing that less though, and so far it’s working.
Mmm kale and pasta looks delish!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
That ice cream flavor sounds great!
Goldie says
Hi Kath
I’m a massive fan… hi!
I wondered if you’d post a close up of that orange candle. You’ve probably been asked by other readers but i’m intrigued by it!
Marisa (trim the fat) says
I feel like I’ve been in a cooking funk, too!
Pasta dish looks great to me 🙂
Angie All The Way says
You are one smart woman in getting yourself motivated. The last thing I can usually make myself do while in a “plopping” funk is get my feet moving. You are so right about how you feel after. That is the key – tuning in to what makes you feel what! Great work and now I want sausage 😛
Katrina (gluten free gidget) says
The same thing happened to me! I just rediscovered my passion a few days ago and have been so happy! I missed my kitchen and didn’t even realize it. BTW… that ice cream flavor is A-MAZING!!!!!!! I can’t buy it! It is NOT allowed in my house because I will eat it all in 2 days! Not good, my friend, not good! 🙂
Joanne says
The pineapple coconut is out of this world! Oh…I wish you hadn’t reminded me.
The dinner looks great and that sausage…so interesting. Wish they made a vegetarian version.
Kath – was wondering if you readers might be interested in a Pay it Forward Giveaway. It’s a giveaway that keeps on giving. If you think so, here is the link on my site.
http://applecrumbles.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/a-give-away-pay-it-forward-bloggers/
Enjoy the relaxation….but don’t stop blogging because your posts are just too enjoyable.
JENNA says
the kale in this dish looks so vibrant and delish!!
Sarah W. says
have you had a chance to play around with more apps for iphone? i’d be curious…i’m holding out to get a phone when the new one comes out…and I was browsing apps last night butI got so dizzy reading reviews and trying to find the best apps. I stumbled across a blog press ap that works for bloggin – I’d be interested to know if its worth it. not that “we” blog that often on the road w/o our laptops but i could see it coming in handy
Jennifer says
I have just recently started to read your blog…and are you kidding, that you have lost your passion for cooking? Everything you prepare is so colorful and yummy looking. I wish my little boys and big guy would eat some of this stuff….
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
I know what you can do to get your cooking mojo back: be my guest for dinner!!! 🙂
Melissa @ For the Love of Health says
Hey Kath- I can absolutely relate to the “plopping”. I am suffering from some major boughts right now. I actually get that way when I have way too much to do and I am overwhelmed. More specifically, way too much to do over the next 2 months and a lot of which cannot be dealt with right this second- i.e. like moving. I also turn to exercise. I whole-heartedly believe it is the release of endorphins. At any rate, I thank Goodness for exercise!!
Your meal looks amazing! I am hoping that once I have more control over my schedule when I start school and I can spend a little more time being creative in the kitchen.
Have a wonderful day!
brandi says
Isn’t that ice cream THE BEST? That’s my favorite flavor, hands down, and I’m normally a chocolate person.
K says
Sorry you had the funk – I was feeling a little funky yesterday as well! That ice cream sounds delicious!
Kim says
Your dinner looks so good! I think it is very creative! 🙂
That ice cream…oh my….love cocout & pineapple together! YUM!! I splurged on a kid’s cup of coconut almond choc chip last night……ahhhhhh!
Stacey says
Pasta always leaves me hungry 30 minutes later…maybe its the simple carbs? Sorry you’ve been so busy on your “vacation” and I totally know how you feel about the semester draining everything that you have!
My next semester is going to be CRAZY, good thing my teacher already warned me 🙂
Nicole (dishin') says
I like the Al Fresco chicken sausages too! I usually get the Sweet Italian one. That meal looks great.
Andrea (Off Her Cork) says
Those are my favorite sausages! But I haven’t seen that flavor before, totally jealous!
Jo says
Oh my that icecream looks amazing 🙂
Danica says
I agree with you on Amylu’s – her sausage rocks! Your pasta looks great though.
I do not know how you limited yourself to two tiny bowls on that pineaple coconut ice cream. I think I would have eaten it ALL! 🙂
P.S. I am having a super cool Mr. Krispers givewaway – you should check it out – they are fun to eat – you get alot of crunch for very little calories 🙂
Sarah says
I’m sure you’ll get that passion back before you know it, you’ve just been so busy lately with school and out of town trips 😉
Alicia says
Hi Kath! I don’t usually comment, but I just read your post about losing the zest for cooking. My husband and I find we go through the same phases!
What has really got us excited at the moment is our CSA box- I think it forces you to be creative and we get so excited about it! I remember you and Matt did a CSA last summer, will your cutting back on groceries this year mean you won’t be participating in your CSA again?
Emily L. says
I am a full on plop around the houser. The past three weekends in Miami have been rainy, and I have had the worst cabin fever ever. It has gotten so bad that my boyfriend will go to any lengths just to get me out of the house. He suggested I bike to whole foods and back to buy myself lunch. I was annoyed that he wanted to get rid of me so badly, but the bike ride worked. I totally agree with your walk-and-revive motto. I just have to act on it more often.
Katharina says
I lose my cooking groove during my semesters too. But when I’m on vacation… I LET IT ALL LOOSE!
Kath says
LOL!! You guys crack me up when you talk about plopping like it’s a common household term 🙂
Laurel ,
I recommend YogaDownload.com. There’s no video, but the audio yoga is awesome for being specific. The 20 minute ones are free so you can try them out.
Allison ,
Compared to other greens, kale is NOT bitter!! I recommend steaming or sauteeing it until it turns bright green and then tossing it with maple syrup and raisins 🙂 the anit-bitter recipe.
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy),
yes, the computer is a bad time sucker..
Goldie ,
This AM – just for you!
Sarah W.,
I downloaded Pandora, Around Me, Sparkpeople (for quick calorie checks on the road), Facebook and WordPress. But I can’t wait WP work 🙁
Jennifer ,
Aw thanks 🙂
Mara @ What’s For Dinner?,
LOL – where do you live again?
Alicia ,
Yes, we decided we couldn’t afford it this year 🙁 It was so fun to get the veggies though.
Kath
ashley says
im new to the whole kale thing and this looks like a great dish to start with! the sausage looks great too.