Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Work It Out At Home

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We’re all busy.

My calendar is nightmare-inducing.

This time of year things get hectic.  You don’t have to sacrifice your fitness due to holiday craziness though!  Today’s Work It Out is something different – a routine you can do at home with NO equipment.

This quick, full-body workout is demonstrated by Jacklyn, a trainer at my gym, House of Payne.  She started doing figure competitions in her 40s.  When I met her, I thought she was 30.  Diet and exercise pay off!

Check out the video below for a video explanation of each move:

Printable/pin-able graphic of the workout:

Make time to run through this 4x to get a quick 20 minute workout.  Or just do one round – whatever you have time for!

On days when I’m in a rush or on the road, I’ll do one round of a simple workout like this just to get the blood flowing in the morning.  You can always find 5 minutes!

Remember last week’s Kitchen Workout?  It’s about eating to fuel your body properly.  Calee (who designed the awesome logo above) created a graphic with my guidelines!  Again, these are guidelines that work for me.  Come up with a list of you own.  Calee came up with these for her “Operation Pants Fit” goals.

Have you joined the Kitchen Workout?

How are you doing with it?  I’m doing decently well.  Weekdays are easy, but this weekend I definitely slipped a bit… I blame the giant unguarded container of  peanut M&Ms.  Whoops.  The important to remember that every day, every moment is a new opportunity to get back on track.  Beating yourself up over M&Ms is silly.

Feel free to post/pin/tweet the #KitchenWorkout graphic and show your clean eating pride!  Check out last week’s post for tips and recipes!

***

I caved in and created a Facebook page for the blog.  Click here if you would be so kind to like my page. 🙂

Do you prefer to go to a gym or workout at home?

How are have worked it out in the kitchen lately?

Gift Guide for Food and Fitness Lovers + Giveaway

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Gift giving is a big part of the holiday fun.

Almost as fun as gift-getting.

It is December 3rd whether the weather got the memo or not.  I went on a jog yesterday in shorts and a tank top and was sweating while passing houses decked out for Christmas.   Bizarre.  My iPhone said it was 66 degrees, but I think it cleared 70.

Since it is the month of giving, I wanted to share some of my favorite things (aside from whiskers on kittens – that goes without saying).  These are tried-and-true items – I already own most of them!

Whether you are brainstorming something for your favorite food-lover or for someone whose idea of fun is working out, I hope this will give you some ideas.

2012 Holiday Gift Guide

1. Shun Knife

This is my favorite knife.  It’s a fantastic tool, but what makes it even better is that they make a left-handed version!  Santa brought me one last year and it’s basically the only knife I use.  Speaking of… I need to get mine sharpened for Christmas!

2. Magic Bullet

I used this thing religiously before I got my Vitamix.  It can take some abuse, and you can blend smoothies right in the cup for a quick breakfast or post-workout refuel.  I still use mine for small tasks like whipping cottage cheese for Apple Cupcakes or single-serving dips.  But if you really loved the giftee… you’d buy them the $450 Vitamix.

3. FitBit

My FitBit inspires me to walk 10,000 steps and 20 flights of stairs a day, something I need since I am a cube monkey.  I don’t use all the features, but it also can track sleep and calories (though it’s not entirely accurate as it can’t tell when you’re lifting weights or at a standing desk).  Warning: If you are a little OCD, this may not be the best thing for you.

4. Handful

Greatest sports bra ever… if you’re a member of the itty bitty titty committee.  It’s not a super-support bra, but if your pecs are biggest part of your chest (like mine) it’s perfect.  There’s even a little layer of padding so you don’t like like a flat-chested 12-year old when you’re at the gym.  AND they are having a $12 closeout sale on the size large.

5. Peanut Flour

I talk about it all the time.  If I were to find peanut flour in my stocking, I’d be one happy girl.  Better yet, if I could just get a year’s supply… Mom, are you reading this?  If you order through iHerb.com, use discount code USO924 for $5-10 off your order!

6. Grow Your Own Wheatgrass Kit

Wheatgrass is awesome stuff.  It’s full of amino acids, chlorophyll, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.  It’s also expensive.  I want to grow my own!  You don’t even need a juicer to use it if you have a Vitamix!  It will blend up the grass like a champ.  The Wheatgrass Kit can be found on OpenSky at Robin McGraw‘s new Insider page (yes, it’s Dr. Phil’s wife).

Here’s the giveaway part….

To celebrate Robin’s new healthy living collection, OpenSky has offered to give one reader a $25 credit to use anywhere on the site!

 

OpenSky is a “social shopping site that helps people discover, buy and share unique goods that match their individual taste. Users can connect to friends and industry insiders in Food, Style, Beauty, Healthy Living, Electronics and Home Décor for exclusive information, advice and insider product recommendations.”

I’ve been a member for over a year now and have found lots of great products.  They will often have sales on my favorite vegan protein powder (Sun Warrior), and its where I found my Kombucha homebrew kit (I’m on batch 8!).   My favorite Insiders include: Robin McGraw, Bobby Flay, Dorie Greenspan, Tracy Anderson and Jackie Warner.

Receive up to 4 entries by:

  1. Join OpenSky
  2. Tweet: You could say something like: I entered to win a $25 @OpenSky gift certificate in the @sprint2thetable #giveaway http://wp.me/p16jDn-1OI
  3. Be Social: Pinterest Follow Me and/or Pin Something of Mine, Instagram Follow Me, Follow Me and Open Sky on Twitter
  4. Comment: What is on your wishlist this year?

Please leave a *separate comment* for each entry!

Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on Thursday, December 6th.  The winner will be announced on Friday, December 7th.

***

I quit posting a workout recap on Mondays… it seems like it was getting too repetitive/boring to read.  If anyone has thoughts on that… feel free to share.  For now I’m going to do away with it. 

Is it still warm where you live?

Have you ever tried any of the things on my gift guide?

Roasted Butternut Chips and Curried Banana + Grand Spiced Milk

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Speaking of being balanced…

 

Everything in moderation, including moderation.

I’m excited to describe one of the most delicious, fun meals I’ve ever had.  Heather and Kirk have done several pairing dinners for at-home “date nights.”  When I knew I was coming to visit them in Colorado, and that Lauren and Greg would be in town too, I immediately requested a Blends pairing dinner.  My fabulous hosts obliged with a (vegan) “Taste of Europe” dinner.   Katie even stopped by to say hello and share a drink with us!  It was great see her again, even if it was only a short visit!

 

Why do I always feel I have to crouch down in photos? My towering height isn’t blocking anyone… (Photo courtesy Heather)

 

The concept for these tasting dinners is that each person comes up with a couple of courses and a pairing.  Heather and Kirk did the bulk of the work, but I was given the opportunity to make the Petit Bouche.

I decided to make Roasted Butternut Chips with Caramelized Curried Bananas.  My pairing was a warm drink I like to call Grand Spiced Milk.

 

Photo courtesy Heather

 

All of this was created on the fly, which was interesting when I nearly burned the chips.  Despite the uncertainly, I was really happy when the way everything turned out!

The dish had a hint of heat and a little sweet from the curry and caramelized banana combo.  It paired well with the almond milk drink, which was laced with Indian spices and a hint of orange from the Grand Mariner, then rimmed with crushed cashews.

 

 

The remaining courses were the stuff of dreams.  Each dish and it’s pairing was better than the last.  We traveled from my Indian appetizer (yes, I’m aware India isn’t part of Europe… but it was a British colony for a long time!), we went to the UK, Italy, France, and Germany.

German Chef Heather makes a killer dessert!  Lauren and I kept sneaking more tastes of the almond pastry filling.

Photo courtesy Heather and her fancy camera skills

The Menu

  • Amuse Bouche: Strawberry Puff Bites and Lavender Rosemary Black Tea Reduction with “One Shade of Grey” Martini
  • Appetizer: Mushroom Tortellini Soup with Smoky Truffle Vodka
  • Entrée: Tourtière with 2010 Chateau del la Coste Margaux
  • Dessert: Marzipan Schaumrollen with Frangelico Martini

 

My favorite?  It’s hard to choose, but I have to says Heather’s Tourtière blew my mind.  Only this girl can take a traditional, meaty French dish an make it vegan and better than “real” thing.  The wine pairing was also spot on; a drinkable wine laced with dark fruits and a hint of cinnamon.

My French is so terrible that I spent half the day thinking she was going to make a tortilla.

 

 

I miss these guys.  Check out Heather’s recap here.  She’s also gradually posting the recipes for each course on her blog.

Happy Belated Birthday, Heather!!!

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Roasted Butternut Chips with Caramelized Curried Banana

  • 1 Butternut squash
  • EVOO
  • Cumin
  • 1 small banana
  • Curry powder
  • Parsley (for garnish)

Preheat the oven to 375.

Cut the neck of the squashes off of the base.  Peel the neck and slice it into thin slices (~1/8th of an inch thick).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper before spreading the slices across the sheet.  Brush with a bit of olive oil, and sprinkle on a little cumin.

Bake the chips ~25-30 minutes, flipping half way through.  Watch them closely and remove them when they turn brown and crispy.  Timing can vary depending on you oven and the thickness/moisture content of your slices.

They may not seem fully crisp while they are still warm; take them out of the oven and let them cool for ~5 mins. They should crisp up, but If they still aren’t crisp, put them back into the oven for 5 -10 mins.

While the chips cool, cut the banana into ~1/2 in slices and spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Sprinkle with curry powder and place under the broiler for 2-3 mins.  WATCH these closely, because they will burn quickly!  Remove from oven when the tops are browned and caramelized. 

To assemble, place a banana slice on top of each chip and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Servings will vary depending on the size of the squash.

 

Grand Spiced Milk

  • 1/2 C vanilla almond milk
  • 3 oz Grand Mariner
  • 3 oz vodka
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom
  • Crushed cashews (to rim)

In a small pot over medium heat, warm the milk.

Whisk in the alcohols and spices, adjusting to your taste.

Spread the cashew dust on a plate.  Moisten the rims of the shot glasses with lime juice and dip in the cashews.

Carefully pour the warm milk into each glass and enjoy!

Makes 5 shots or 1 big glass to sip on by the fire.

Note: This can be made non-alcoholic, but you would want to add an orange flavor from extract or zest.

***

In all my spare time (hahahahaha!), I need to host one of these dinners at my home.

Do you ever pair drink with meals at home?

What are looking forward to this weekend?  I might get a new car!!!

 

Balance for the Holidays

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I laughed when I opened this post.

I swear we didn’t plan this.

Kat is back with her bi-weekly spot.  It focuses on balance over the holidays…. and it rounds out perfectly this week of posts focusing on holiday survival.

Are you with me the on the #KitchenWorkout?

Most of my posts have been about clean eating and balancing it out with some treats.  Leave it to Kat to keep me honest on the mental front.  It’s not always easy with all we have going on, holiday family visits, and end of the year thing at work!

Don’t neglect yourself  – keeping a healthy mental state will benefit you and everyone around you. 😉

Here’s Kat…

________________________________________________________________________________________

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday!  Mine was unreal!  As usual, I had a TON of work to do, but I was in Hawaii.  This felt like a conundrum at first… but I gave myself the “in the long run” pep talk and knew what I needed this trip was balance!

My sister, Kristyn, lives in Hawaii, and because of the cost of travel, she rarely gets visitors.  So, my mom moved Thanksgiving to Hawaii this year!!  I had never been, so I was especially excited to visit my sister, see the island, and celebrate one of my favorite holidays!  My friend Jimmy also came along for the ride!

All in all, I give the trip an A!  The grade is based on the fact that I got a lot of work done, and was also able to spend a couple of care-free days enjoying myself and time with my family.

Whale Watching

Hawaii is NOT really a place for foodies.  However, it IS really a place for active folk!

I don’t know how many miles I swam in the ocean.  Yes, miles. (Editor’s Note: I cannot even imagine doing this… you rock, Kat.)  I also got to run more than I should have (poor IT band, sometimes it hates me for how much I love to run), and got in hours of surfing!   All of this helped to keep off the thanksgiving lbs we all tend to rack up!

I hadn’t surfed in almost 10 years, but after a quick lesson from my sister’s boyfriend on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, I was back up and at it!  Surfing so early in the trip was perfect because not only was it a blast, but it also helped me bring balance into the rest of my trip.

I’m nerdy and metaphorical (Editor’s Note: It’s part of her charm), but after falling a couple of times, and remembering to get up and try again to keep my balance, I knew I would make it through the trip alive, and that I would be able to keep this balance thing going! (I also did some yoga on the long board.)

So after swimming a few miles in the ocean after surfing, I took my Monday to work.  Almost 8 hours at Coffee Gallery in Haliewa, HI.  I got all of the research for my independent study done, and then had an awesome dinner with my mom and sis, and a fun Thanksgiving trip to Whole Paycheck – yep, they’re all over the island!  Besides the fact that my sister kept poking fun at me for being the only chick in Hawaii swimming in a one piece, this balance thing already felt good.

Tuesday I spent the day with my big brother (I mean, my sister’s boyfriend, John).  It was AWESOME.  We hiked up Koko Head.  1,200 feet of elevation gain in 1 kilometer.  It was so much fun and beautiful up top, with 360 views of the southeast side of the island.

Afterwards there was more swimming and lunch.  Later that day I got another opportunity to sneak in some work!

Koko Head

Wednesday was one of my favorite days, randomly enough.  I spent the day with my sister at work.  She works at Starbucks, so I could work on my 35-page independent study all day, and see her, meet all of her friends, and get a run in.

It went pretty well up until about oh, 7 miles into my run, when I realized I was 5 miles from where I needed to be, my IT band wouldn’t let me run another step, and I had to flag down a cop to pick me up and drive me most of the way back into town because the cab I called couldn’t find me.  You follow?  Yes, ride in the back of a cab car in Hawaii.  If only I had a picture of that!  This day still felt balanced because of the assortment of randomness and the work that got done!  (Editor’s Note: Only you… 😉 )

Thanksgiving also rocked!  We surfed in the morning, and I got to spend a bunch of time working while my mom and sister cooked up most of our amazing feast.  I made gluten-free stuffing.  However, I made another contribution that I am eternally sorry for – popcorn.  Yes, I broke a tooth on a kernel and am off to the dentist today to see what can be done.  Yikes!

Sisters contemplating the waves 

The trip was certainly balanced, and I feel more connected to my sister than ever.  Amazing!  How lucky to get to swim, surf, and run for a week in Hawaii!?!  Thanks mom! 

Now, I am in the throws of finals, and hope you all wish me luck in the coming weeks, as I finish the two papers and conquer business tax!  Balance might even be more important this week!

***

I know jealously is unattractive… but I am insanely jealous of Kat on this trip! 🙂

How do you remind yourself to stay balanced?

Last dental problem that you caused yourself?  (Editor’s Note: I cracked a tooth on a hard nut in a piece of carrot cake on Thanksgiving… but the worst was breaking my jaw.)

Complex Carb-Loading + WIAW

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New year, new plan.

 

Nevermind that we still have a month left in this year.

I need to be more careful what I wish more.  The week before last I mentioned that my trainer hadn’t sent my new nutrition plan… but I was headed to vacation and didn’t feel like reminding him.  Yesterday I got the plan.  I’m aiming for another figure competition in March, and the bulking has officially begun!

My 7 meals a day are still in place.  The basics are the same: at least 25g protein at each meal,  a fruit (in the morning) or a veggie.  The big difference is the complex carb portions.  I was getting them 4x a day… now I have a serving at EVERY meal.  I am going to be so stuffed!

 

What are complex carbs?

They have a chemical structure that is made up of three or more sugars, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  These carbs will keep you full longer because they take a little longer to digest, and they don’t raise the sugar levels in the blood as quickly as simple carbs do.

Complex carbohydrates are fuel; they contribute significantly to energy production and have a higher nutritional content that simple carbs.

Some examples:

  • Oatmeal
  • Cereal (the “healthy,” low-sugar varieties)
  • Wild or brown rice
  • Ezekial bread
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Winter squash
  • Sweet potato
  • Bananas

_______________________________________________________________________________________

My new plan and re-focus in eating clean fits perfectly with this month’s What I Ate Wednesday theme: good habits.  Yesterday I asked you all to join me in a Kitchen Workout challenge.  Below is how my first challenge day went.

After checking out my crazy-clean bulking day, click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how everyone else is sticking to their good habits.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Meal 1:

After the usual morning cocktail (mix of Apple Cider Vinegar, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos) I went for a healthified version of a comfort meal.  A cold, rainy morning can only mean one thing: Grilled PB&J with tofu peanut butter (recipe here).  I love how gooey and warm the inside gets!  Served with a side of raspberries. 

 

 

Meal 2:

After perusing Whole Foods, I decided to make my own Mediterranean Salmon Burgers this week rather than buying the frozen stuff.  I’ll post the recipe later, but let me assure you these are very good!

 

For my complex carb, I made a festive salad of edamame with pomegranate and Marcona almonds.  I dressed with with a quick nooch mix:

  • 1 T nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 T coconut vineagar
  • 1/2 T water
  • 1/4 tsp Mediterranean spice blend
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne

 

 

Meal 3:

I’m kind of embarrassed.  I’m turning into a creature of habit.  Lunch was swordfish.  Again.  But I really, really like it! I cook it in a grill pan with Italian herbs, pepper, and lemon juice.  Easy and delicious!  Next week I’m making Heather’s Mexican creation to shake things up.  Today I ate my grilled steak of the sea with an Ezekial pita and a salad of arugula, cauliflower, and radish sprouts.

 

 

Meal 4:

Something dangerous happened.  I discovered that I can handle de-boning a rotisserie chicken much better than touching a raw chicken breast (creeps. me. out.).  The dangerous part is that whole chickens are more expensive.  Whatever.  My sanity is worth it.

I ate my de-boned chicken mixed with red pepper, zucchini, and spinach hummus.  My carb was a pretzels.  Not a good low sodium choice.  I don’t have enough complex carb choices on hand this week as I didn’t get my new plan until after my weekly grocery run.  So for now I’ll enjoy my salty treat. 🙂

 

 

Meal 5:

This dinner was fantastic.  I will be sharing the whole recipe later (when I have enough light to take better pics), but for now I’ll just say that it’s a Mexican-Sweet Potato Pie layered with spinach and chicken (I also discovered ground chicken is easier to deal with than chicken breasts).  It could easily be made vegan with tempeh or TVP… which I may try next time around!

 

The pie was shared with my friend, Kenny, who came by to say hello and talk clean eating.  Kenny has some specific goals for fitness and nutrition, so we strategized a bit.  His “homework” is to write his own guidelines.  I also roped him into doing a few quest posts about it.  *evil grin*

He calls me his “food sponsor.”  I kind of like it.

 

 

Meal 6:

Before vacation I made Alexandra’s Spunky Monkey Pumpkin Pie into muffins and left before I could eat them all.  Good thing they freeze really well!  I enjoyed one tonight atop an old favorite: Carrot Cake Batter.  Made with whipped cottage cheese instead of Greek yogurt.  I almost forgot how good it is!

Meal 7:

I failed.  I ate dinner late and skipped meal 7.  All those carbs and I think I’m getting a cold… I couldn’t bring ,myself to eat another bite.  Like when I first started with the 7 meals a day, this is going to take some adjusting!

***

The protein count for the day: 170.2g.  I’m back at it!

Are you on board with the #KitchenWorkout?  How did you keep it clean today?

What is your favorite complex carb?

 

Work It Out: Kitchen Edition

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You can’t out crunch a bad diet.

 

Where’s the chocolate-lovers ab diet?!

Today’s Work It Out post is a little different.  Usually I feature a new workout technique, but this post-Thanksgiving week I’m being a little selfish.  I need to Work It Out in the Kitchen.  Like many others, I indulged throughout the Thanksgiving holiday.  No regrets – it was fantastic – but now I need to reset and not let that sweet tooth take over all the way into the new year.

 

When I start with the sweet tooth and red wine other indulgences it quickly becomes a habit.  At one point I was eating dessert after every meal… including breakfast.  What works for me is to go cold turkey (pun intended) to reset myself.  I’ve done this in the past through my favorite cleanse, but I haven’t gotten to the “emergency” point yet.  This time around I’m going back to the basics.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Leading up to Christmas I’m going to be doing a Kitchen Workout in addition to my normal routine.  This isn’t about weight loss (my new diet is actually focused on gaining – more on that tomorrow).  The Kitchen Workout is about eating to fuel your body properly.  Eating clean makes me feel energized, keeps my skin clear, and improves my ability to focus.

The following guidelines are what works for me.  For example, I know that I can’t have just a little sugar and stop.  Therefore, I’m cutting it out.  I also know that I can’t be too strict on myself or I’ll go full-speed in the opposite direction.  A Saturday “cheat day” will be employed. 🙂

 

The Kitchen Workout

  • Eat clean – minimize processed foods
  • Cut out the sugar (except fruit)
  • Limited dining out
  • Keep sodium to a minimum
  • No drinking on “school nights”
  • Stick to complex carbs
  • Eat small meals throughout the day
  • Take in plenty of protein to feel full and build muscle
  • Incorporate vegetables into each meal

 

Who else wants to join in the Kitchen Workout?

A good support/accountability network is a big part of staying on track!  Feel free to steal the #KitchenWorkout graphic and show your clean eating pride!  I’ll be sharing some new recipes, as well as more tips for holiday survival.

To get started, check out these posts for more ideas on eating clean:

 

For some initial food ideas?  Here are a few clean recipes that won’t leave you feeling like you’re missing anything:

 

Maple TVP “Oatmeal”

 

 Crab Eggs Benedict, Lightened Up

 

Grilled PB&J with Tofu Peanut Butter

 

Tzatziki Chickpea Tuna Salad

 

Mexican Crustless Chickpea (Vegan) Quiche

 

Fig and Edamame Kamut Berries with Sriracha-Lime Vinaigrette

 

150 Calorie Microwave Chocolate Protein Cake

 

Chewy Granola Cookies

***

The holidays have begun!  I’ve been invited to a cookie swap… I’m taking my granola cookies so I know I have a healthier option.  Can’t wait to see if anyone knows they are better for you!

Did anyone try the bicep moves Jody shared last week?

Are you making an effort to keep it clean over the holiday season?

 

My Vegan Friendsgiving

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Sometimes you need a holiday break to be a real break.

Not that holidays aren’t nice…

This year I was feeling run down after training so hard from my competition, working, and  – yes – consistently blogging.  I love all of these things, don’t get me wrong.  I also love my family.  However, a true vacation getaway was in order.  When Heather and Kirk (her hubby) extended an invitation for me to crash their Thanksgiving vacation on the slopes in Vail, CO I jumped at the opportunity.

We ate fantastic food, drank amazing wine, skied, cooked a vegan Thanksgiving, and even ran a 5K (my first in at least 6 months).  There was also a tasting dinner before we left for Vail, but that’s another post.

I am relieved to report that after a 2 year break, I can still ski.  There were a couple of falls, but nothing bad and after a couple of runs I was able to keep up with Heather and Kirk on their snowboards.  I can tell my legs are much stronger now than they were two years ago.  I guess hack squats work…

We took a break from the slopes for Thanksgiving.  We earned our turkey with a 5K Turkey Trot!  It was a lot of fun… and I realized exactly how much harder it is to run at 9000 ft.

Following the run, Heather made her famous doughnuts.  These were her Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts with Cranberry Frosting.  All vegan, and all delicious.  Heather had to adjust the recipe due to the high altitude; I’m totally impressed by her ability – they were absolutely perfect.  I ate mine at a painfully slow pace (like my 5K – haha).  It was so delicious I didn’t want it to end!

I should also note the lovely orange plates provided by the condo owners.  Seriously.  Doesn’t they know that orange does NOT photograph well?!

We spent the rest of the day watching football, playing Scrabble, and being bums.  It was awesome.  We got up every once in a while to begin another dish for out dinner, so when it was time to eat everything pulled together quickly.

This was my first vegan Turkey Day.  I’ve never been a big fan of traditional Thanksgiving food anyway, so this was absolutely perfect for me.  With a spread like this, why would anyone miss the turkey?

Clockwise, left to right: Kirk opening the champagne, Heather’s Beer & Butternut Mac ‘n Cheeze, the spread, and our vegan hazelnut cranberry roast en croute.

 

Each dish was better than the last.  Heather’s vegan mac ‘n cheese was every bit as good and the “real” thing.  She also made the first cranberry sauce I’ve ever liked!  I made a version of other Heather’s Caramelized Onion, Cranberry & Kale Saute.  It was basically the same except I added jalapeno and used fresh orange juice in place of maple syrup for the vinaigrette.

My (orange) plate:

Much more to come on our adventures, but I’m sure you’ve seen enough orange plate photography for one day. 🙂

Thank you again to Heather and Kirk for letting me crash their holiday and being such incredible hosts!

***

I fell in love with Colorado.  I may have considered pitching a fit when I had to go to the airport.

Have you ever had a “Friendsgiving” or another friend-holiday?

What was the best dish at your table this year?

Happy (Non) Turkey Day!

By

Wishing all of you a…

 

 

My Friendsgiving crew (Heather and Kirk) already completed a 5K Turkey Trot (NOT as easy at 10,000 ft.) and we’re on to breakfast before my very first Vegan Turkey Day Feast!

***

Today I am especially thankful for friends that stick by and support through thick and thin, crazy training plans, meals of epic proportions, and everything in between.

Quick – name one thing you’re thankful for!

 

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