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massive chickpea and veggie salad
December 14, 2020 (Updated December 13, 2023)

Change of Scenery + Giveaway!

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

86 comments
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Hi friends! I’m coming to you from Pennsylvania – I mentioned previously that we are staying here for the rest of December with my in-laws.

It’s really nice to be here and to have a change of scenery, and we were all excited to see “Grams and Pop Pop” as Riese calls them!

We arrived on Friday in time for dinner, and my father-in-law had prepared a variation of my Greek Lamb Burgers (he used turkey instead of lamb) for us – yum, yum! This has become one of our family favorite recipes – it’s so good and so easy!

greek turkey burgers with sweet potato fries and salad

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We had them with some salad and sweet potato fries (similar to this Mexican baked sweet potato fries recipe of mine). It hit the spot and a yummy meal was very welcomed after a day of driving.

Other highlights from the weekend included a run/walk date with Matt yesterday morning:

running along the waterfront sewickley pa

Baby seems to have moved and is now hanging out on my bladder, so we didn’t run too far (2 miles maybe?), but the fresh air and movement was nice as always! (In case you missed the pregnancy announcement with first trimester details, here it is: Some Happy News!)

Sidenote – the leggings I’m wearing in the photo above were recommended by a friend of mine, and they are awesome! Only $25 on Amazon (affiliate link) and they have cell phone pockets on the sides and are super comfortable. They are even comfortably stretching with my pregnant belly!

Going to buy another pair because they are way better than my maternity leggings, which tend to fall down/shift around too much…

view of sewickley bridge from sewickley

Anyway! After the run/walk we grabbed lattes from our local fave in Sewickley, Adesso Cafe, and walked around a little before grabbing takeout from Mediterra Cafe for all of us to enjoy back at the house for lunch. 

I had their kale beet salad + pepperoni pizza + a bit of a toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

takeout from mediterra sewickley

I’ve been really into salads recently – I remember it being the same when I was pregnant with Riese that I was really into raw vegetables (especially with a tart vinaigrette), but cooked vegetables were hit or miss. 

On Saturday for lunch I was craving a big salad so I put together a feast for myself: lettuce, chickpeas (love chickpeas on salad), broccoli, red pepper, avocado, radish, lemon juice, and a really yummy Greek herb vinaigrette my father-in-law made for us the night before. 

massive chickpea and veggie salad

The meal needed some carbs so I had it with some pita, hummus, and tabouleh on the side. 

pita with hummus and tabouleh

I’m so grateful that at almost 17 weeks pregnant I’m starting to feel pretty good now – the nausea is (finally) just about gone and I can eat pretty normally. My energy levels are much better, too, although not as good as pre-pregnancy but that’s to be expected! 

Meat and I are also friends again which is nice – I still don’t want a ton of meat, but it’s actually appealing again. For quite awhile in the first trimester meat was a big no-go for me – it made me so nauseated, especially chicken! 

Thankfully eggs have been a good friend throughout this whole time, though. Especially quiche! I was excited when Matt’s mom made us a delicious one with bacon for breakfast on Sunday. 

quiche with arugula salad and orange slices

Speaking of quiche-adjacent things, I have an awesome egg casserole recipe coming at you on Wednesday that you won’t want to miss – it’s my new fave and go-to! We are planning to make it for Christmas morning, but it’s great as a meal prep recipe you can eat on all week, too.

Other meals this weekend were actually Blue Aprons – Matt and I brought our box of meals up here so we could all enjoy them. More on those soon. But for now, speaking of Blue Apron…

Giveaway!

I’m really excited to end this post with a fun giveaway, courtesy of my sponsor Blue Apron! As you know, we’ve been using and loving Blue Apron for 8 years now – their meal kits make our weekday meal planning routine so much easier (and more delicious/interesting).

If you’re looking for more holiday gift ideas, a Blue Apron e-gift card is a great option!

Recipients can use their e-gift card towards any of Blue Apron‘s plans (2 person or 4 person signature, or the vegetarian plan), and you can choose any gift card amount you like. You can either print it at home and wrap it to put it under the tree or in a stocking, or simply select the option to send your e-gift card directly to the recipient via email! Easy. 

blue apron salmon dish with christmas tree

To get you excited about trying Blue Apron in the new year, they are offering two lucky fANNEtastic food readers the chance to win a $60 e-gift card.

To enter to win, go check out the meal options on their website for next week, and then comment back here on my blog with what 3 meals you’d select that you most want to try! Good luck 🙂 

I’ll randomly select 2 winners on Friday and will notify them directly. 

Have a great day, and see you back here on Wednesday with the egg casserole recipe!

- anne
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86 comments
  • Erin December 14, 2020 · 11:13AM:
    Ooh, so many things look good! I think I’d choose- garlic caper chicken, togarashi popcorn chicken, and pesto fettuccine.
    Reply
    • Allison December 14, 2020 · 9:56PM:
      Popcorn chicken, Za’atar-Roasted Chicken Thighs and the lamb chops all look great!
      Reply
  • Katie December 14, 2020 · 11:20AM:
    Za’atar-Roasted Chicken Thighs - yes, please!
    Reply
  • Leslie December 14, 2020 · 11:29AM:
    Black bean & caramelized onion tacos, sour cherry-glazed lamb chops, and togarashi popcorn chicken all sound delish!
    Reply
  • Amy December 14, 2020 · 11:30AM:
    With a 5 and 3 year old and a 6 week old, I could use some help in the kitchen! I would love to try the pesto fettuccine, the fontina beyond burgers, and the garlic caper chicken-though honestly, I would take anything right now!!
    Reply
  • Anna December 14, 2020 · 11:31AM:
    They all sound so good! I would try the popcorn chicken, pesto fettuccini, and beyond burger!
    Reply
  • Emily December 14, 2020 · 11:33AM:
    We have been wondering if Blue Apron is a good fit for us. We'd love to try the black bean & caramelized onion tacos, pesto fettuccine, and fontina beyond burgers! Thanks for the giveaway :)
    Reply
  • Carol December 14, 2020 · 11:34AM:
    Love their salmon meals. Lots of menu variety
    Reply
  • Samantha December 14, 2020 · 11:34AM:
    Your Blue Apron posts always make me want to try it out! It seems like a great way to try out new ingredients and flavors. The lamb chops, orange and soy glazed tofu, and popcorn chicken would be my picks!
    Reply
  • Gina December 14, 2020 · 11:50AM:
    Garlic-Caper Chicken Fontina Beyond Burger Miso-Butter Shrimp
    Reply
  • Emma December 14, 2020 · 11:53AM:
    Yum! I've never tried Blue Apron. All the meals look delicious, but I'd most like to try the za'atar-roasted chicken thighs, orange and soy glazed tofu, and miso butter shrimp.
    Reply
  • Hilary T Knecht December 14, 2020 · 11:54AM:
    hi Anne, I'd love to try the Blue Apron miso butter shrimp, garlic caper chicken and Fontina beyond burger. They sound delicious and dfferent than what I usually make.
    Reply
  • Leah h. December 14, 2020 · 11:56AM:
    The sheet pan BBQ pork, spanish spiced salmon, and the turkey/mushroom lettuce cups look fantastic. Thanks for the awesome giveaway, Anne!
    Reply
  • christine December 14, 2020 · 12:05PM:
    I've been wanting to try Blue Apron for the longest time... miso buttered shrimp, sheet pan bbq, and garlic caper chicken
    Reply
  • Kaitlyn Eck December 14, 2020 · 12:07PM:
    The soy glazed tofu, miso butter shrimp, and popcorn chicken sound delicious! Blue Apron sounds like a great way to get out of a dinner rut.
    Reply
  • Amy December 14, 2020 · 12:09PM:
    I've never tried a meal service so this would be quite the treat! I'd like to try the miso-butter shrimp, fontina beyond burger and togarashi popcorn chicken.
    Reply
  • Jessica C. December 14, 2020 · 12:11PM:
    Hmm I would most want to try the Togarashi popcorn chicken, black bean & carmelized onion tacos, & the fontina beyond burger-- all look great!
    Reply
  • Lynda M. December 14, 2020 · 12:11PM:
    I would love to try Blue Aprons! Black bean & caramelized onion tacos, pesto fettuccine or sheet pan BBQ pork all sound delicious! Thanks for the opportunity to try to win!
    Reply
  • Erin m. December 14, 2020 · 12:11PM:
    There are so many that look good! Definitely the vegetable Lo Mein, the scallops and the za'atar chicken thighs!!
    Reply
  • Laura December 14, 2020 · 12:25PM:
    The miso butter shrimp, beyond burgers and steak look delicious!
    Reply
  • Bill December 14, 2020 · 12:32PM:
    The chicken thighs look yummy, lots of vegetarian options too!
    Reply
  • SaraH December 14, 2020 · 12:33PM:
    Too many delicious things to choose from — Garlic caper chicken, fontina beyond burger, and sheet pan bbq pork
    Reply
  • V December 14, 2020 · 12:39PM:
    I would try the popcorn chicken, pesto fettuccini, and beyond burger meals.
    Reply
  • Meghan b. December 14, 2020 · 12:45PM:
    I've been wanting to try Blue Apron for the longest but have felt on the fence! This would be a great way to check it out. I'd love to try the za'atar chicken thighs, the miso-butter shrimp, and the garlic caper chicken.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2020 · 12:18PM:
      Congratulations, Meghan! You are one of my two Blue Apron winners! I will email you your $60 gift card shortly. ? Thanks for following my blog, and enjoy the meals!
      Reply
  • Kerry December 14, 2020 · 12:52PM:
    1. Orange & Soy Glazed Tofu 2. Black Bean & Caramelized Onion Tacos 3. Miso Butter Shrimp Thanks Anne!
    Reply
  • Emily December 14, 2020 · 12:59PM:
    Fontina beyond burgers, Black bean & caramelized onion tacos, and pesto fettucine!
    Reply
  • Laurel Pell December 14, 2020 · 1:07PM:
    They all look yummy, but I'd have to go with 1. Black Bean and Caramelized Onion tacos 2. Sheet Pan BBQ Pork 3.Togarashi Popcorn Chicken!
    Reply
  • Connie December 14, 2020 · 1:08PM:
    All their meals look so tasty! We have been wanting to try Blue Apron to make dinner time during the week less stressful. This week I would choose: Orange & Soy-glazed Tofu, Black Bean & Caramelized Onion Tacos and Miso Butter Shrimp. Enjoy your time with your in-laws!
    Reply
  • Meghan December 14, 2020 · 1:09PM:
    Miso glazed shrimp and beyond fontina burger!
    Reply
  • Lindsey Gould December 14, 2020 · 1:12PM:
    Yum!!!! They all look so good!! I'd love to try the Pesto Fettucine, the glazed lamb chop (OMG) and the fontina beyond burger!
    Reply
  • Erin December 14, 2020 · 1:18PM:
    They all look good! Pesto pasta, steak and green beans, and the BBQ pork would be my first choices!
    Reply
  • Melanie December 14, 2020 · 1:19PM:
    I would try the pesto fettuccine, the popcorn chicken and the fontina beyond burger! Glad you are feeling better!
    Reply
  • melanie December 14, 2020 · 1:31PM:
    BIG Congrats on the pregnancy! Due to Covid and being high-risk I have been home basically since March. I live alone and do try to take walks or drives outside but miss being able to be out in public. I order groceries in and have had a couple of meals from restaurants delivered but my "food life" has become really boring and a change would be much appreciated. I would select the Orange and Soy-Glazed Tofu..I have always wanted to try Tofu but have been hesitant to prepare it. I would also love to try the Black Bean and Caramelized Onion Tacos as they just look amazing and the Miso-Butter Shrimp with Stir-Fried Vegetables because I love seafood and it was always my favorite thing to order when dining out. Happiest of Holidays to you and your family!!
    Reply
  • Sammie December 14, 2020 · 1:37PM:
    They all sound so good!!! I think I would order the lamb chops, the garlic-caper chicken, and try a vegetarian recipe to mix it up - maybe the tofu!
    Reply
  • KATHERINE December 14, 2020 · 1:48PM:
    I’ve always wanted to try Blue Apron. I would like to try Steaks & Sautéed Green Beans, Fontina Beyond Burger, and the Miso-Butter Shrimp. ?
    Reply
  • Gabrielle December 14, 2020 · 2:12PM:
    Wow these look amazing! I've always wanted to try Blue Apron! The meals you make look so delicious! For their menu this week, I'd love to try: Steaks & Sautéed Green Beans, Za'atar Roasted Chicken Thighs and the Black Bean & Caramelized Onion Tacos. Thank you!!!
    Reply
  • Wendy December 14, 2020 · 2:20PM:
    The garlic caper chicken, pesto fettuccine, and the black bean and caramelized onion tacos look delicious!
    Reply
  • Sara Olson December 14, 2020 · 2:37PM:
    I’d love to try: the sheet pan bbq chicken, the orange and soy glazed tofu, and the pesto chicken pasta. Thanks!
    Reply
  • Kelsey December 14, 2020 · 2:54PM:
    Yum. I'd go with the black bean tacos, miso butter shrimp, and steaks and sauteed green beans.
    Reply
  • Lauren B December 14, 2020 · 2:58PM:
    The popcorn chicken, steak with green beans and sheet pan bbq pork look amazing!
    Reply
  • Alanna December 14, 2020 · 3:00PM:
    miso butter shrimp, black bean and caramelized onion tacos, and togarashi popcorn chicken! Yum!
    Reply
  • meg December 14, 2020 · 3:16PM:
    So hard to believe meal prep kits are 8 years old! I remember when it was such a novel idea. The scallops with bucatini The cajun-spiced shrimp bake Tilapia with bbq farro
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 14, 2020 · 3:42PM:
      I know, right?! Once we discovered them we never looked back!!
      Reply
  • Erin December 14, 2020 · 3:19PM:
    I would love to try the Za'atar Chicken Thighs, Black Bean Tacos, and the Orange and Honey Glazed Tofu!
    Reply
  • Charlotte Brown December 14, 2020 · 3:26PM:
    So many good choices! I would pick the black bean & carmelized onion tacos, the togarashi popcorn chicken, and the turkey & mushroom lettuce cups!
    Reply
  • Lindsey December 14, 2020 · 3:32PM:
    Wow, Blue Apron has really expanded their options since the last time I gave it a look. This would be so fun to set up for January to combat the post-Christmas blues. If I picked this week, I’d choose the garlic/caper chicken, pesto fettuccini, and sheet pan pork. My husband would love the steak, though, so maybe that?!
    Reply
  • Haley December 14, 2020 · 3:34PM:
    I would try the popcorn chicken, black bean tacos, and beyond burger!
    Reply
  • Dana December 14, 2020 · 3:52PM:
    Lots of good choices! I'd pick Black Bean & Caramelized Onion Tacos, Orange & Soy Glazed Tofu and Steak & Sauteed Green Beans.
    Reply
  • Emily December 14, 2020 · 3:55PM:
    I’d love to try out the Togarashi Popcorn Chicken, Za’star Roasted Chicken Thighs and the Miso Butter Shrimp!
    Reply
  • Carly December 14, 2020 · 4:03PM:
    The steak and green beans, black bean tacos, and pesto pasta! I could not stand chicken during either of my pregnancys at all!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 14, 2020 · 7:10PM:
      Chicken was the WORST for months! So random! #1 aversion for me both times
      Reply
  • Liz December 14, 2020 · 4:30PM:
    Yumm I’d make shawarma turkey kofta, scallop and pancetta fettuccine, and Brussels sprouts and saffron risotto!
    Reply
  • Jen December 14, 2020 · 5:11PM:
    Mmmm now I'm hungry. I'd try the popcorn chicken, steaks and green beans and the beyond burger.
    Reply
  • SarA December 14, 2020 · 5:27PM:
    Everything sounds good but I haven’t had a steak for awhile. So, I’d pick the steak and green beans.
    Reply
  • Caroline December 14, 2020 · 6:34PM:
    ooh, yum! I'd like to try the udon noodle and spicy peanut stir fry, the summer veggie gnocchi, and the miso ginger rice bowl
    Reply
  • Maggie Corner December 14, 2020 · 6:57PM:
    So fun! We would love to try the black bean and caramelized onion tacos, pesto fettuccini, and fontina beyond burgers!
    Reply
  • Lindsay December 14, 2020 · 7:57PM:
    These three: Fontina Beyond Burger, Orange & Soy-Glazed Tofu, and Sheet Pan BBQ Pork look awesome.
    Reply
  • Jenn December 14, 2020 · 9:19PM:
    Ah congratulations on your pregnancy! I’ve read and loved your blog for many years, so happy for you and your family :) I think the popcorn chicken, steaks and sautéed green beans, and roasted chicken thighs look amazing!
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 15, 2020 · 12:57PM:
      Thank you Jenn!
      Reply
  • EriN December 14, 2020 · 9:54PM:
    I would love to try the Brussels sprouts risotto, black bean and caramelized onion tacos, and the Fontina Beyond burger!
    Reply
  • PaT Elsberry December 14, 2020 · 10:27PM:
    I didn’t realize Blue Apron had so many great Vegetarian options! ? Would love to try: Fontina Beyond Burger, Orange & Soy glazed tofu and Pesto Fettucine.
    Reply
    • Anne
      December 21, 2020 · 11:45AM:
      Congratulations, Pat! You are one of my two Blue Apron winners! I will email you your $60 gift card shortly. :) Thanks for following my blog, and enjoy the meals!
      Reply
  • Katie B December 14, 2020 · 11:17PM:
    I'd love to try the Sheet Pan BBQ Pork, Fontina Beyond Burger, and Steaks & Sautéed Green Beans.
    Reply
  • Beth December 15, 2020 · 4:39AM:
    I think the glazed tofu meal could convince my husband to try vegetarian options!
    Reply
  • Jennifer Olszowy December 15, 2020 · 6:28AM:
    I would buy the orange and soy-glazed tofu, miso-butter shrimp, and black bean and cartelized onion tacos!
    Reply
  • Amanda December 15, 2020 · 7:03AM:
    Ooh...I'd pick the Togarashi Popcorn Chicken, the Black Bean and Caramelized Onion Tacos, and the Pesto Fettuccine.
    Reply
  • Jessica December 15, 2020 · 9:33AM:
    One-Pan Beef & Udon Noodles with Bok Choy & Peanuts. Smoked Gouda & Monterey Jack Grilled Cheese. AND Miso-Butter Shrimp. They all look so good. Thanks for the giveaway. :)
    Reply
  • Michelle Habersk December 15, 2020 · 9:46AM:
    So many of these recipes look amazing but I think I'd most want to try the Za'atar Roasted Chicken Thighs, Pesto Fettuccine, and the Fontina Beyond Burger. Yum! Hope you enjoy this time with your family!
    Reply
  • Morgan December 15, 2020 · 4:26PM:
    Togarashi Popcorn Chicken, Pesto Fettuccine & Miso Butter Shrimp!
    Reply
  • Danielle December 15, 2020 · 6:24PM:
    I’ve been wanting to try Blue Apron forever! Everything looks good but I’d pick the black bean & caramelized onion tacos, pesto fettuccine, and fontina beyond burgers!
    Reply
  • Lindsay December 15, 2020 · 9:55PM:
    Miso butter shrimp, beyond burger ans beef udon noodles
    Reply
  • Elizabeth W December 16, 2020 · 12:58AM:
    Garlic caper chicken, chicken mushroom cups and miso butter shrimp!
    Reply
  • Lucy December 16, 2020 · 4:53AM:
    Id like to try the za'atar chicken thighs, they look yummy and perfect for a cold night!
    Reply
  • Laila Farmand December 16, 2020 · 6:47AM:
    Togarashi popcorn chicken, za'atar roasted chicken thighs, fontina beyond burger. Thanks Anne!! Love, Laila
    Reply
  • Delia December 16, 2020 · 8:07AM:
    zaatar-roasted chicken thighs, orange soy glazed tofu, and the miso shrimp. Thanks!
    Reply
  • Juliet December 16, 2020 · 9:11PM:
    Black bean & caramelized onion tacos, pesto fettuccine, and fontina Beyond burgers for me, please! :)
    Reply
  • Laura A December 17, 2020 · 5:20PM:
    The sheet pan BBQ pork, pesto fettuccine, and orange and soy-glazed tofu all look like yummy meals to try! Glad you're able to enjoy meat again. :)
    Reply
  • Annette December 17, 2020 · 11:08PM:
    I'd choose: Sour Cherry-Glazed Lamb Chops, Za’atar-Roasted Chicken Thighs, and Miso-Butter Shrimp.
    Reply
  • sharon adams
    December 18, 2020 · 5:07PM:
    the 3 I'd try would be: popcorn chicken, orange and soy glazed tofu, and black bean tacos
    Reply
  • Amy Kubal December 19, 2020 · 8:31AM:
    So many great choices! I would love to try the Turkey and Mushroom Lettuce Cups, the Ahi Tuna Niçoise Salad, and the Garlic & Olive Tilapia - along with ALL the others!! :)
    Reply
  • Roadrunner December 21, 2020 · 9:31PM:
    Lamb chops, popcorn chicken, and pesto fettuccini, please! And glad you are enjoying Christmas with your in-laws. Sounds like a wonderful change of scenery, and glad you are doing well at this point in your pregnancy! Have a very Merry Christmas!
    Reply
  • Laura Roth July 17, 2021 · 5:02PM:
    Hi Anne! Can you post or e-mail me the link for your leggings - the affliate link is not working. I'm pregnant anf I'd like to get a pair of them. Thank you!
    Reply
    • Anne July 19, 2021 · 11:10AM:
      Oops, sorry! The link to the leggings has been added back in :) Hope you love them!
      Reply
  • Laura August 6, 2021 · 7:58AM:
    Thank you for updating the link for the leggings! Did you buy your normal size or did you size up?
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 6, 2021 · 9:02AM:
      Normal size! They got a little too tight towards the end of pregnancy so if you are between sizes I'd go for the larger!
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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