Cookbooks: Do You Have a Favorite?

I have such an affection for cookbooks. I've acquired a nice collection and am always finding myself in the cooking section at Barnes & Noble. My newest obsession has been to find a vegetarian cookbook to provide inspiration for replacing the same-old, same-old pasta, rice and potatoes.

Three on my "wishlist" include:

Megan and I first came across this cookbook during one of my B&N browsing sessions. I loved how the recipes included ingredients I might actually own!

I have a habit of taking my daughters to Trader Joe's and wasting many a Sunday there. Bridget enjoys the fresh fruits and vegetables and I love stocking up on the frozen veggies. Meg just comes along to have the coffee and walk aimlessly up and down the aisles. Who doesn't love an afternoon at Trader Joe's?!

What a wonderful movement encouraged by Paul and his daughters! I had the opportunity to flip through this cookbook and have to admit that the pictures are as pleasing as the recipes. Another cookbook definitely on my wishlist.

So what's your favorite cookbook? Are you asking Santa for good old fashioned recipes?

Holiday Week in Review

The best way to sum it up is that today all I wanted was some broccoli, or red peppers, even carrots, cauliflower and brussel sprouts would be fantastic. What I didn't want was another cookie, candy or sweet. I definitely didn't want any sodium-rich ham or anything that had potatoes as an ingredient. I just wanted vegetables. I don't know about you, but my body (and my brain) crave the good stuff and I just feel better. Even though I enjoy family gatherings and love the holiday season, I am also excited to get back to my normal routine, including putting together my weekly menu - which will feature (drum roll, please) vegetables!

On the running front, I actually had an enjoyable, albeit cold and windy, 15-mile run on Saturday as well as getting in my traditional Christmas morning run. I even hit the gym Tuesday and reintroduced myself to the rowing machine and started back with squats, situps, tricep dips and pushups. I loved how my body screamed at me the next morning!

Hope your holiday celebrations included good food and wonderful memories with family and friends.