I’m really not a die-hard vegetarian but I do feel better when I eat that way.
When the pandemic started and I was relegated to telecommuting, I noticed (after just a few weeks) that I was losing weight. I really wasn’t exercising more. In fact, I was more sedimentary. It dawned on me that the difference was this—I was not eating lunch out everyday.
So, now that we’re back at it (at least for the moment), I decided that I would find some quick and easy pre-portioned and pre-bought meals that were tasty. Hello, Tattoo Chef. I love these meals. I’m not a huge fan of the “fake meat” ones, but I’m a huge fan of the Buddha Bowl, the Veggie Hemp Bowl, and the Enchilada Bowl. The Mac & Cheese is good (but I needed a snack immediately afterwards). The “fake” pepperoni was a bit odd.
I do like these. They’re super easy to pack frozen in my little lunch bag and take just a few minutes to heat up. I can find them at our Target.
Now, I know I just said I don’t like fake meat, but we have been grilling the Beyond Burger Classic Cookout patties. I seriously crave them. I would rather have these than a hamburger. We are dying to have people over and trick them. 
These are seriously delicious. They will change your life. I even order them when I’m out. 
(From Table in Bentonville, AR.)
The beauty of these patties is you can throw them on the grill for a late night dinner and not feel terrible the rest of the night. These are our go-to meals after we finish mowing and yardwork after 8:00 PM. I know it’s terrible to eat then, but sometimes we have to.
I’ve been trying to cook in more and utilize what we have on hand. My sister put me on to a great recipe: Sheet Pan Gnocchi (May 2021, Bon Appetit). It’s delicious and I’ve made it twice. Simple and easy.
I really thought I had a photo of the finished product but I do not.
But, here’s a photo of what my sister and brother-in-law made. Just trust me. Try it.
Another great recipe that I made from our farm bag produce was this one.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Fajitas
I did add some leftover grilled steak to this, but I love this mixture as a rice bowl, too.
Just so you know that we’re not eating healthy all the time, here’s my latest cheese find.
That’s a Dutch Spicy Kaas on the left: “A spicy surprise with red peppers, green bell peppers and goat cheese.” Love it.
On the right is a pumpkin spice cheddar. Good as well!
And since it ’tis the season, I couldn’t resist this:
It’s a Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin Ale—the punk-rock brother of the pumpkin-spice latte. Ha!!!!
I love it. The Hubs? Not so much. It really is a bit spicy with cinnamon and habanero! It’s an acquired taste. Plus, I just like the graphics.
Happy Fall, ya’ll!!!
I’m linking up with Sherry’s Pickings’ In My Kitchen. 
Check out what’s new in kitchens around the world.
Before ending, I wanted to give a couple of shout-outs for some upcoming events. Next up for the October/November round of Cook the Books: Claudia (Honey from Rock) is hosting Cinnamon and Gunpowder by Eli Brown. Consider joining in!
Another fun group is Food ‘n Flix. Culinary Adventures with Camilla is hosting Only You. You can read her announcement post here. 
Please consider joining in the fun. The more the merrier!