Salmon, Wine and Chocolate

Pretty much my 3 favorite things… oh, and goat cheese was in there, too, so it was a very good night 🙂

We got the casa all sparkly and the table set- LURVE these place settings that my stepmom and dadoo got for us.

table

I set out all of the usual Gina dinner party appetizers:

apps

Hummus (chickpeas, amazing olive oil- Ina would be proud, cumin, garlic, lemon juice and tahini)

hummus

Veg (peppers, cucumber, carrots—all organic) and greek olives:

veg

Cheese plate with smoked gouda, goat gouda and local strawberries:

cheeseplate

(tip: for cheese plates, try to make them look as rustic as possible. Have a variety of cheeses –ours was smaller as we only had four people- and combine with fresh fruit, berries, olives, dried fruit and toasted nuts)

Mary’s crack and artichoke dip from Eat, Drink and Be Vegan

crackandart

For the salad, I usually make my own candied nuts in the dehydrator. I forgot to make them in advance, so I grabbed up some of these and they made an awesome replacement

sneaky

Salad with organic greens, sliced organic apples, goat cheese and said Valdosta nut mix:

salad

Salmon with that Maple-Orange Bourbon glaze I told ya’ll about:

almon

Mashed sweet potatoes (with almond milk, Sucanat, cinnamon, nutmeg, Earth Balance and vanilla)

mash

My plate:

plate

I also had 1.5 glasses of the pilot’s favorite wine: Rodney Strong Symmetry 😀

And then, the best part…

Raw Malted Chocolate Tarts

dessert

I topped the tarts with raw chocolate mousse that I made yesterday and some Himalayan sea salt. No words, only foodgasms 😉

We had a blasty hanging out with the squadron doctor and his girlfriend.. I’ve been wanting to have them over forever and was so glad it finally worked out.

Despite my vino and feast, I woke up bright and early to run 10 miles with Meara. I’ll post all about it later this evening (and am SHUDDERING from the ice bath I just took!), but for now, I need some FOODIE.

Have a relaxing and wonderful Sunday.

See ya tonight <3

G$

Today’s tip: After a late night (or perhaps some vino), get out there and *attempt* your workout first thing. You may find that you needed to get moving and will feel GREAT when it’s over, or you’ll just find out that you need to take a day off. No big deal and just get back in the swing of things when you can. Usually after a later night, if I don’t work out first thing, it won’t happen and a first-thing wrkout also gets my productivity in motion for the day.

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67 Comments

  1. kalli@fitandfortysomething on February 7, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    Beautiful dinner setting. You look like a great host! I think you may have inspired me to have some people over. Now if only I could hire you to put it together!
    Off to run as well. Had a bit too much vino last night. Must clear out the pipes!

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 1:27 pm

      haha i would totally put it together for you 😀
      have a good run- you’ll feel so much better!

  2. Susan on February 7, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Gina your home is so pretty, love your kitchen table and the place mats. I like your idea of doing exercise first thing after a late night. Didn’t get home til 4am this morning and feeling a little hungover and delicate but I made myself go on a walk and get some fresh air.

  3. Mara @ What's For Dinner? on February 7, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    your dinner party looks like something I’d love to be a guest at! I”m going to try that salmon glaze ASAP, it sounds phenomenal!

  4. Sara on February 7, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    Your hummus looks fabulous! Looks like the authentic one my mama makes :)…and those mashed sweet taters- gorgeous!

  5. RhodeyGirl on February 7, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    Wow what a beautiful dinner! Random question.. How do you keep the salmon hot for serving time? I always cook it last minute but somehow it gets cold really fast? What am I missing!

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 1:27 pm

      hey girl,
      i pan-sear it about 5 minutes before the guests arrive and put it in the oven to bake. when it’s done baking, it’s time for dinner, so it’s the last thing i put out before everyone starts eating

  6. Erica on February 7, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    WOW! Girl- what a spread! I would sit and eat the cheese, strawberries and artichoke dip all night long. Looks professionally done 🙂 Great job on the mileage too! Happy Sunday

  7. Teri [a foodie stays fit] on February 7, 2010 at 1:23 pm

    all that food looks amazing! Glad you had fun!

  8. Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) on February 7, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    Great spread! You’re right, those Mary’s crackers are totally addictive.

  9. The Hot and Fit on February 7, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    Good job on your run!!! Salmon + maple sounds delish!

  10. Kat on February 7, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    What an amazing meal! If you ever move to Austin, I would beg you to be my personal trainer and chef. You are very talented! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 1:32 pm

      thank you! <3
      i WISH we could move to austin.. would be a little more fun than valdosta 😉

  11. Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) on February 7, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    Foodgasms through the screen! Ahh looks delicious!

    xo
    K

  12. Marissa on February 7, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    Looks like a fab dinner party!!!

  13. Julie on February 7, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    glad you’re feeling better! i’m guessing you have the winter shape up post go up automatically? if so, do you think you can post it a little earlier in the AM? i work out in the morning and I couldn’t do last week’s workout on monday. thanks and enjoy your sunday!

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 1:35 pm

      sure, what time were you thinking? i usually post it when i wake up at 7:30, but if you need it before then i can auto post it earlier. just let me know

  14. Julie on February 7, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    6:00 am would be great 🙂 thanks!!!

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 1:42 pm

      k i’ll put it on autopost for you early risers out there 😉
      this week’s workout is going to be awesome!

  15. Nicci on February 7, 2010 at 1:45 pm

    Great dinner spread. I’d love to be one of your guests.

  16. Kendel on February 7, 2010 at 1:45 pm

    Your dinner looks awesome! Great job on the early exercise too! If only I were more like you!

  17. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine on February 7, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    Your spreads always look AMAZING. Come to New York and be my personal chef, please? Congrats on the run by the way!

  18. Jessica @ How Sweet It Is on February 7, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    Those chocolate tarts look so yummy!

  19. Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg on February 7, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    You are such the hostess with the mostest 🙂 Lovely dinner party! And good for you for getting that run in right away! I’m the same way– if I don’t do it first thing after a big night out, I never will! 🙂

  20. Lauren @ eater not a runner on February 7, 2010 at 2:03 pm

    Your party spreads always look so great! And I love your table settings 🙂

  21. Katie on February 7, 2010 at 2:13 pm

    Goat gouda? Um, yum! I’ve never heard of such a thing, but I’m going to have to seek some out.

  22. Abby on February 7, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    I realllly want to try mashed sweet potatoes.. next tiem I cook they will be on the menu, but who knows when that will be!

  23. kt F on February 7, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Oh my god, that meal looks INCREDIBLE. I wish we were having some semblance of that (especially the salmon!) for our Super Bowl food tonight!

  24. sandy on February 7, 2010 at 2:34 pm

    everything looks delicious! what kind of olive oil?

  25. sarah on February 7, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    Ooh, that hummus looks so good! How was the artichoke dip? I have a party to go to next weekend and I’m trying to figure out which dishes from ED&BV to bring.

    You’re amazing host! Something to aspire to!

  26. Run Sarah on February 7, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    Everything looks amazing! I struggle to find tasty yet healthy things others will enjoy when I host dinners/bring a dish to others. I am definitely saving this page for ideas next time!

  27. laura dishes on February 7, 2010 at 2:40 pm

    I love the color scheme in your dining room/kitchen… it looks so nice!

    I didn’t know that Valdosta is know for their pecans. I’ve seen that brand at Starbucks, but I’ve never picked up a bag!

  28. Sam (Merit to the Carrot) on February 7, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    MARVELOUS spread! I wish I were there… specially for dessert 🙂

  29. Christine on February 7, 2010 at 3:06 pm

    Just the title made my mouth water. Looking at the pictures was too much to even handle.

  30. Karyn on February 7, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    running = ultimate hangover cure for me. great tip of the day 🙂

  31. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) on February 7, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    You present your food so beautifully!!! You are quite the hostess!!

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 4:47 pm

      thank you!

  32. Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place on February 7, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    you entertain all the time, i’m jealous! I love having people over to eat, too. Your spread looks awesome

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 4:48 pm

      me too, i LOVE entertaining! 🙂

  33. Tyler Ramey on February 7, 2010 at 3:52 pm

    Everything looks SO delicious. I bet those tarts were out of this world. You make Barefoot Contessa look like McDonalds, sista. 😉
    -Bloggy Boy

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 4:48 pm

      thanks so much, b.b. 🙂

  34. Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen on February 7, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    love this tip…i so wanted to work out this morning, but turns out 4 hours of sleep leaves you a little tired… 🙂

  35. Jessica @ WHY DONTCHA RUN on February 7, 2010 at 5:42 pm

    Wow, wow and wow… you are an amazing hostess and chef!

    10 miles this morning? You rock! I ran my very first 5k yesterday and feel so accomplished. Up next… a 10k! 😉

  36. kristi (sweet cheeks) on February 7, 2010 at 5:50 pm

    Mannnnn do I ever so badly wish I could attend a Fitnessista Feast! Everything looks AMAZING!!! drool. 😀

  37. Island Girl Eats on February 7, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    All that I can say is ‘YUM’!

    Next time can we come for dinner?!!!!

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 9:58 pm

      heck yeah 🙂

  38. Michal on February 7, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    Your chocolate tarts look so yummy! 🙂

  39. Leah on February 7, 2010 at 7:33 pm

    Hi Gina!

    Just wanted to pop in and say I’m still going strong (hehe, pun intended!) with the Intro to Pumping Iron workout. I’m nearly at 1 month and I think I’m starting to see results – my mum and sister both commented that they thought I’d lost weight (I haven’t according to the scales but I think I’m toning up).

    I’m planning on doing another month (increasing the weights every couple of weeks) and then I’m going to move on to your summer shape up (I’m in the Southern Hemisphere so thought I’d save the winter one for our winter).

    Thanks for providing such great fitness advice and plans – and for free!

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 9:58 pm

      hey leah,
      that’s AWESOME! keep up the amazing work 😀

  40. Lily @ Lily's Health Pad on February 7, 2010 at 7:46 pm

    I’ve found that when I lay in bed all day with a hangover, I feel WORSE than if I just get myself out of bed and have a blood pumping workout. Seriously, the workout usually cures me!

  41. Jonna on February 7, 2010 at 7:52 pm

    Hi Gina,

    Thanks for the info and links! I will check them both out.
    Jonna

  42. Kilee on February 7, 2010 at 8:16 pm

    Everything looks SO delish! I love the looks of your tartlets. What type of tarlet pans did you get for them? I saw some at Williams & Sanoma and was wondering if they were the same ones?

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 9:56 pm

      hey kilee,
      those are the ones 🙂

  43. Lauren @ BIOCHEMISTA on February 7, 2010 at 8:33 pm

    hahaha, you’re tip totally reminds me of being an undergrad. I remember going out Th, F, Sat night and each morning waking up and ‘running off’ my morning ickiness.

    PS, I totally can’t/don’t that anymore 😉

  44. Jessica @ The Process of Healing on February 7, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    YUM! Sweet potatoes and salmon are two of my favorite foods, especially together.
    Congrats on the 10 miles! yay!

  45. caronae on February 7, 2010 at 9:36 pm

    I love the tip today! So true. Glad your dinner went so well…

  46. amyjogo on February 7, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    I bought the exact same nuts today!! Only complaint is that I can’t taste the orange rind. I always forget about adding nuts and fruit to salads so I think I’ll be experimenting this week.

    Off topic, but I joined a gym yesterday. A friend of mine has offered to train me…for free!! I’m super excited to get to that place where it doesn’t feel like a chore to work out but is something I get to do. You have inspired me so much through your blog, so thanks for all of your posts and information!

    • Fitnessista on February 7, 2010 at 9:56 pm

      that is so cool- have fun!

  47. Jessie (Vegan-minded) on February 7, 2010 at 10:47 pm

    What a beautiful spread! That’s definitely my kind of party. 🙂

  48. Andrea J on February 7, 2010 at 10:47 pm

    oh man, that salad looks so good! i just tried goat cheese for the first time on a salad with apples and toasted almonds, the flavors go so well together, i love it!

  49. Krista on February 8, 2010 at 9:49 am

    I wish I lived close enough to come to your house for dinner! Amazing food, Gina!!!

  50. Jenna @ EatingGreen,StayingLean on February 8, 2010 at 10:30 am

    Great tip about working out the day after a late night. Sometimes your body just needs a rest.

    Also, that dinner looks AMAZING. Salmon is also one of my favorite things, for sure 🙂

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