Yesterday went by so fast for me, but I got a few things checked off of my to-do list.
- Dentist Appt- check
- 7 miles- check
- Closet decluttered- check
- Tasty dinner- check
Below is something that I was inspired to start last night, after reading Amanda’s post. She had seen the idea on Pinterest, but I hadn’t and I think this is such a cool idea. Every day for the year, you note a happy memory from that day or something that made you smile and at the end of the year….you have 365 happy memories to read through and remember. It’s only the 3rd day of 2013 and that’s not too late to start your own memory jar!!
Now for that zucchini bread recipe that I promised yesterday….
I actually found the idea for this recipe on the Whole Foods Market website here, but I wanted to lighten it up a bit, so here’s my adaptation. My version is only lightly sweetened, but if you’re spreading jam, nutbutter or honey on your slice; you’ll never miss the sugar.
- 1.5 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup coconut oil (any oil will work)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (I used Chobani Greek vanilla yogurt.)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (If you’d like your bread a little sweeter increase to ½ cup.)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini (I used my shredding attachment on my food processor and grating was a cinch.)
- ⅓ cup finely chopped walnuts, optional (I did not use.)
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a med to large loaf pan with natural cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, oil, applesauce, yogurt, syrup and vanilla. Add flour mixture to egg mixture and stir until well combined. Fold in zucchini and walnuts (if using) then transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and bake until risen, deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes.
- Cool in pan on rack for 30 minutes then remove bread from pan and continue cooling on rack.
I really enjoyed this bread and would like to try a banana/zucchini combination. I used the whole wheat pastry bread that the original recipe called for. I’m not sure, but I would think you could sub this flour for regular whole wheat or whole spelt flour.
On another note, for dinner last night, I cooked up some pretty tasty chicken. If you’re looking for a new chicken recipe, this one is a keeper. I cut up my baked chicken and mixed it into my salad with roasted veggies. I wrote this recipe down and I’m pretty sure I found it at mealsandmiles.com, but when I went back to the site, I couldn’t find it. Let me know if you know where it’s from and I’ll give them credit.
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts, about 1.5 lbs.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp minced cilantro or 1/2 tsp dried cilantro
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a large plastic bag and mix/shake to coat chicken.
- Allow chicken to marinate for 3-4 hours.
- Bake at 350 F. for 25-30 mins.
Something to think about…..
Have you started your own memory jar for 2013? or something similar?
Have you ever baked with whole wheat pastry flour? If so, what was it?
Are you still on vacation from work/school? If so, when do you go back?
I go back the 7th and I’m already getting the “back to work blues”…..
Have a great Thursday and if you’re still off from work/school, ENJOY!
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Your salad looks amazing. I need to do the memory jar! That would be so much fun to go through at the end of the year
Kristen@Change of Pace Call Me Out
I love the added zucchini in that bread. You know I’m always trying to sneak veggies into everything!
Danielle @ clean food creative fitness Another Year…A look back
That is such a great way to keep memories from the year! It’s such a fun way to look back and remember everything that happened.
Sarah @PickyRunner I’m proud of my…
I saw that memory jar idea on Amanda’s blog, also, and totally love it!
Thanks so much for the zucchini bread recipe. I love that it is whole wheat AND a lightened-up version. Always a plus!! And the fact that I already have most of those ingredients on hand makes it even better
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Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl WIAW: January 2, 2013
Awe, I was waiting for this recipe, will try it soon! I am still on hols, have to go back on the 7th too
Lucie Thankful Thursday #9
Love LOVE the 364 days of memories idea. I’m definitely going to start that when I get home tonight. Combine a great idea with a zucchini bread recipe, and what do you get? Happiness x 2!
Haley @ The Saucy Apple Free Printable Blog Planner
I saw the jar idea yesterday, and loved it! Great way to focus on the POSITIVES! I’ll have to try that marinated chicken–looks easy, yet I bet it adds just enough flavor to make it different than the same old stuff.
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance Buddha’s Hand
I’ve really been loving the memory jar so far, and I think it’s awesome that you decided to start one as well! It’s always nice to look back on the day and focus on the positives. I can’t wait to read them all at the end of the year
Amanda @ .running with spoons. . thinking out loud #13 .
That jar is such a good idea! I should start one! Also, that bread looks sooo yummy.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear A Little Delayed
That memory jar is such a cool idea! Thanks for sharing!
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes I’m nervous to tell you this. But I value honesty.
Love the memory jar idea!!!! And… the looks of that zuchinni bread! He he!
STUFT Mama Come Hang For A Day
That zucchini bread looks a-mazing! I’ve seen similar recipes around but have never had enough courage to actually try it… But I might just have to give this one a go!
Lena @ Lena’s Health & Happiness Trip to Port Melbourne