Creative Juices are Flowin’

Happy Friday! Thank goodness it’s the weekend! I have lots of fun projects planned, places to go, and things to bake  :)

How was your day? For some reason, it doesn’t matter what else happens during the day – Fridays are just always good days.

I am sad Nick and I weren’t able to travel to Illinois for his grandmother’s funeral, but we talked to his parents and it seems like everything went well. I’m just sad we weren’t able to be there – it was just impossible for us and Nick’s sister and her husband to get there. I’m hoping I can go there at least once to see the family that lives there. I’ve met most of them, but it would be fun  to go out there to visit.

I had one of my muffins this afternoon around 4; I wasn’t super hungry so I didn’t eat the yogurt I brought, but I wasn’t sure if we would be working out after work or not so I just wanted something small to tide me over.

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I had no plans for dinner.

None.

I knew what I had in the fridge, but no ideas written down, no more meal ideas I had planned on for this week. I did some recipe searching and came up with a recipe to use for all my zucchini – the rest went from there.

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I found this recipe, thanks to the Barefoot Contessa (who I wish was my best friend):

Saffron, Zucchini and Herb Couscous

The star of this dinner was definitely this:

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I bought this when we went to a Trader Joe’s at Christmas but hadn’t used it yet! I just kept forgetting to look up recipes that called for it, but tonight seemed like the perfect night.

I love the color and fragrance saffron has – it’s this amazing floral smell that you wouldn’t think would taste good in savory dishes, but it’s wonderful.

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The couscous was awesome! Nick and I both loved all the flavors and fresh herbs, which we had growing on our porch.

We had chicken that needed to be used, so I just marinated it in a mixture of:

  • lemon juice
  • fresh basil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • cumin
  • ground coriander

I finished the couscous while Nick grilled the chicken. I also had a layer of steamed broccoli and cauliflower underneath the couscous that you can’t see.

 

I also had kind of a crazy idea for dessert that started at work today. I’m not going to reveal it yet because honestly? It deserves it’s own post :)  BUT – I will give you one hint:

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Any guesses?

Off to watch What Not to Wear!

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12 comments

  1. I am sitting here watching What Not to Wear and writing my thesis proposal! You should move to C’ville…we could be bff’s! JK I know your love your Hokies!! :-P

  2. Your pictures are beautiful – especially the one of the saffron threads!! I can’t wait to read about your dessert idea ;-)

  3. Umm I am DYING to know about the donuts. And definitely agree that saffron is an AMAZING taste addition. Great blog!!

    http://ohlivin.wordpress.com/

  4. Wow, for having no plans for dinner, that meal sure turned out great! That saffron looks so cool. Mmmm donuts! Can’t wait to hear about your dessert. Have a great night!

  5. I still haven’t used my TJ’s saffron. Maybe I will try that couscous recipe. We are not huge zucchini fans but I am sure I could sub another veggie.

    Have a good weekend!

  6. I wish she was my best friend too. *sigh* Her recipes (and her house) are so awesome!

  7. The saffron looks so pretty! I’m always really hesitant to use such expensive spices! I bet it was awesome in the cous couse.

    Delicious donut!!

  8. happy weekend, Brandi! That dinner looks fabulous! I LOVE saffron but usually use tumeric to save money :P

    have a great weekend :D

  9. I’ve never used saffron but I think I should take the plunge. And I’m excited to hear about your crazy idea, especially if it involves donuts!

  10. I have that same exact jar of saffron from TJ’s sitting on my spice shelf. Thanks for reminding me!!!

  11. ooh i’ve always wanted to try saffron. but it’s really expensive so i’ve never splurged. how weird that it’s red like that but turns your food yellow!

  12. are you going to do what i think you are going to do????

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