Saying good-bye to takeout!

I just started working in an office again and as much as it is tempting to get a great tasting (not so good for me) takeout meal for lunch, I am excited that for the first time this year I can bring a healthy lunch.

Working at the airport(past US customs), it was too inconvenient to bring a lunch from home, and with 70% off at Burger King, it was supper easy to regular there instead. It wasn't helping with my plan to start eating healthier and local.

Now that I am able to bring a lunch and have access to a microwave, toaster oven and a fridge I have an overwhelming choice of things to make for lunch. It was my coworker, who waiting for my newest blog entry, who got me inspired to write about healthy homemade lunches.

Here are 3 quick and easy ideas for work lunches that are also healthy.

1. Toasted bagel with the works!

I got this idea from Anthony a coworker back in Vancouver. He got me out of thinking that you had to prepare your lunch at home. What he would do is bring the toppings separately so that they stayed fresh until lunch. Here is a Healthy rendition of that...

1 or 2 sliced bagels (depending on your appetite)
1 leaf (for each bagel) of romaine lettuce cut in half
1 slice of a good fresh tomatoes**
2 slices (for each bagel) of either Turkey breast or meat of choice
1 slice of (Pre-sliced deli style) Swiss or Gouda cheese
mayo to taste
salt and pepper to taste

Toast bagels in toaster oven when done spread on mayo. Add salt and pepper directly to the tomatoes for the best result, add the toppings and enjoy.

** I refuse to use FL tomatoes after reading this article on the slavery that goes on so personal preference http://www.gourmet.com/magazine/2000s/2009/03/politics-of-the-plate-the-price-of-tomatoes

2. Wrap it up!
My girlfriend making her lunch this morning reminded me how easy and versatile wraps are. There are just so many things you can do with a tortilla and fresh ingredients. Try this...
Turkey pesto southwestern wrap
-1 tortilla (there are a wide variety of different flavours but for this recipe tomato or spinach works best)
-pesto spread (homemade is best but Loblaws has a great PC version)
-Sliced Turkey breast
-Baby spinach or arugula (approx 1/2 cup)
-1/4 cup shredded Havarti cheese
-1/4 red bell pepper diced

Spread pesto on tortilla leaving an inch from the edge, add cheese and peppers, then add turkey and salad of choice. Wrap and enjoy!

3. Extra! Extra!
The best and most efficient way to bring lunch to work is just by making more than you need for dinner. Two really good things why this is good are...
A)You are conserving time because you are already making dinner.
B)Because of reason A you are conserving energy to cook your food so the environment gets the reward of your efforts as well.

All of these ideas work out better for the environment because you stay away from that Styrofoam they pack takeout in. And you really will feel better when you know what is going into your food!

Until the next time....

Bonne Appetite!

Brendan

Firing up the stove!

Welcome to "Nights around the table"! This is my blog on my favourite subject...food. 

A little about me...

I am a foodie deep down, its my passion and drive in life to have good food. I love to cook, share with friends and most importantly, eat. It's only natural that I have come to blog about the one thing that means so much to me... Food!

My Grandmother is my inspiration, and I owe her whatever I become. It was her drive to cook with fresh ingredients, to cater and host great meals, every meal, that really inspired me to do the same. Weather it was a lazy summer day or a cold winter day, there was something made with love and care on the table. And like any good Quebecois dinner, the table was full of chatter...

Growing up in Toronto there was a void of good family dinners. The busy parents bustling about their days and everyone in a rush to finish their meals to see the new episode of Murphy Brown or Seinfeld, we missed out on the simple pleasures of dinner... sharing a meal cooked with love, and great talks. 

My Grandmother who I at a young age named Mama, and my Grandfather who I named Pops really left me wanting more. It has always seemed they had a secret to living a happy life, and it always came down to food, friends and family. 

Of late I met someone who lets me be me and has encouraged me to explore the depths of my culinary joys. She introduced me to blogging and sharing my creations and thoughts with others, giving me a venue to share my passion with others and to learn from others with a similar passion. I cook a lot for her, she cooks for me, and we cook together, but most important we have Nights around the table.  BTW she is the food photographer!

So Enjoy, and share that's what this is all about!

Brendan