Friday Faves #4

Happy Friday!

It’s hard for me to believe, but it’s been over a month since I last did a Friday Favorites update. Crazy how time flies.

So today, I thought it was due time that I clue you in on the things I have been loving lately.

Read on for this week’s foodie favorites, plus other things I just can’t get over! Linking up with Heather again this week at Life in Leggings – make sure to check out her site to see what everyone else is loving!

1. Edamame

We are finally beginning to see some warmer days here in Madison, and with this warmer, dare I say “springier” weather, I find myself craving big salads full of fresh, crisp veggies and…edamame! I had a bag of the frozen stuff chilling in the freezer for a while, when one night I spotted it and knew it would make a great addition to the salad I was planning for lunch. It takes an ordinary salad and just steps it up a bit. Not to mention it packs a powerful protein punch as a ½ cup serving contains 8 grams of plant protein, making it a perfect vegetarian protein option.

More edamame on a Whole Foods lunch date with Ma.

2. Dark-Chocolate-Dipped Apricots

Okay let’s talk about these apricots and the fact that they occurred on a whim. Who knew last minute could taste so delicious. I actually made these with my residents for a floor brunch we were putting on. We were unable to get all of the ingredients we needed for the dessert we were originally planning on making, but luckily I was able to come up with this idea on the fly using what we had available: dark chocolate chips, apricots, and a few dorm room snacks. They were 10x better than I was expecting – I just love the contrast between the hardened chocolate, chewy apricot, and salty toppings – we used crushed pretzels and chopped pistachios, almonds, and cashews, but I bet there are a zillion toppings options that would work great!

3. The Dane County Farmers’ Market

Last Saturday marked the return of the Dane County Outdoor Farmers’ Market – the largest producer-only farmers market in the country – around the capital square and I couldn’t be happier. Although it is still much too chilly here in Wisconsin for produce (besides the stuff grown in hot houses), there are plenty of other goodies from cheese, to maple syrup, to flowers. I hit up the market bright and early with my girl Hannah and picked up a loaf of Spelt bread from my favorite stand along with two new jars of jam – strawberry peach and peach blueberry. I guess I was in a peachy mood!

Love early morning market trips with this girl!

4. Peanut Butter & Co. Cinnamon Raisin Swirl

I would be lying if I said I have 7 jars of nut butter open in my pantry [small] dorm room because with this new addition I actually have 8! #noshame. I had been wanting to give this jar a try and was considering ordering it online, but didn’t want to pay shipping. Lucky for me, I spotted it on the shelf of a grocery store in Kansas City and just had to snatch it up. It is great on a PB&J, but I like best smeared between banana slices to make mini sandwiches that are perfect for the afternoon slump or a bedtime snack.

Um, I’ve only got one word for this…YUM.

5. Reese’s Pieces Eggs

Now I don’t eat candy very often, but these little guys came in my Easter Basket and they are ADDICTING. I have been rationing them out though, and have been enjoying a few each night as a post-dinner treat. They’ve got the perfect ratio of PB to crunchy chocolate shell.

6. Land’s End

I have been gushing over the catalog for weeks now. So many cute and functional things for the spring and summer seasons. I definitely need to place and order ASAP. I have my eye on this rash guard tee – perfect for the cold waters of Lake Superior that I plan to be spending much of my summer in!

7. My sistahhh

I couldn’t finish my Friday Fave post without giving a shout out to the birthday girl! It may be a few days late, but in our family we celebrate birthdays like Christmas, meaning we’ve got 12 days to par-tay!

What’s your favorite salad addition?

In addition to edamame, I love a sliced hard-boiled egg, peas, and shredded purple cabbage.

Have you been to an outdoor market yet this year?

Yes, and looking forward to many more!

What are you most looking forward to about spring?

Fresh produce, lots of sunshine, and finally breaking out my Chacos.