Happy Monday! I hope you had a fantastic weekend! I spent most of mine writing a research paper (don’t be jealous), but took a break Saturday night to go on another date with Mr. Match.
We had dinner at Hank’s Oyster Bar, one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, and enjoyed a delicious meal of oysters, lobster roll, fresh-cut french fries and roasted cauliflower with caramelized onions.
Instagram shot of the spread
Mr. Match had never tried a raw oyster, so I forced him he was anxious to give it a go. 
The expression on his face as it slide down his throat was priceless!
The verdict? Well, let’s just say that he ever-so-generously let me finish the remaining oysters.
The highlight of the meal was definitely the cauliflower! Oh. My. Goodness. So good! The caramelized onions were a perfect contrast to the tender, lightly buttered vegetables. I plan to recreate the flavors in my own kitchen by making this Smitten Kitchen tart.
***
In completely unrelated news…
I’ve been on a major banana kick lately.
*Sidenote: As I was working on this post yesterday, I saw via Twitter that Julie had just posted a Banana Recipe Roundup. My initial thought was, “Oh no! Now I can’t post this!” but then I decided that I could use it as an opportunity to spread even more banana love. 
Check out her recipes here!
If I were to guess, I’d say I’m probably eating about two to three bananas per day. That might not sound like a lot, but for a girl who once shunned bananas like they were as evil as SPAM, it’s 200-300% increase from a year ago.
Meet yesterday morning’s pre-workout “split.”
Oh, and please excuse the iPhone photos. I was too lazy to run all the way upstairs to grab my camera. Saving the energy for my workout…obviously.
So good, I can't stand it!
I enjoyed this for breakfast nearly every morning last week. To make the topping, I combined the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I use Chobani 0% plain most of the time, but it’s even more delicious when made with the Honey-Nana Champions flavor)
- 2 T. PB2 (or peanut flour)
- 1-2 T. vanilla protein powder (I’m currently using Tera’s Whey)
I slather my banana up good, then top it with granola, peanuts, or in this case, sunflower seeds.
But the banana lovin’ most definitely doesn’t stop there.
You all know about my love for Banana Muffin Tops. Well, Caramelized Banana Pancakes are pretty fantastic too.
To make these, I used my favorite pancake recipe, but added banana slices to the batter. So simple! (And yes, that little pat of buttery Earth Balance makes all the difference!)
Don’t you think that whipping up a batch of banana pancakes would be 58345 times more fun if you were wearing this skirt?
And these shoes?
Possibly the craziest pair of shoes ever? I think so!
If I start dressing like the Chiquita Banana Lady, I’m going to blame Pinterest.
I’m also going to “blame” Pinterest if I just happen to make every single one of these recipes this week.
Peanut Butter-Banana Shake (from a great new-to-me vegan blog, Healthy Happy Life)
Banana Bread Breakfast ‘Bake’ <–made with quinoa and coconut!
Banana Split Mini’s <–These would be so fun for a kids birthday party
Peanut Butter-Banana Chocolate Pudding <—only three ingredients!
Clearly I’ve gone bananas for…BANANAS! (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself).
And now, my friends, it’s time to heed this banana’s advice and get to the gym.
Except, I won’t be running. I’ll be lifting. Bring it, Live Fit Day 22!
Oh, but one more thing before I go.
Did you watch the Oscars last night? I can’t help but ask which looks you loved most! My favorites included…
Gorgeous! And cheers to Cam for rocking a HEALTHY body!
I think Gwyneth Paltrow is timeless. Loooved the dress, but the cape, not so much.
Angelina showed a little too much leg, but she was undeniably stunning, as always.
Go make today wonderful! It’s 100% up to you! xoxoxo <3
Please share…
Are there any foods that you once feared and now love?
What is your favorite way to eat or cook with bananas?
AND
Which “look” was your favorite at the Oscars?
