Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Chocolate Sweet Potato Shake

By

Happy last day of the month!

This was a month of spectacular eats, so choosing a recipe to submit to Spicie Foodie’s Your Best Recipe was difficult!  She rounded up a ton of great, international recipes – check out her site for the line up!

Ultimately I went with the Tempeh Crab-Free Cakes.  They were so cool to make.

I’m crab-free!

Vegan-izing food is fun… even if you’re not vegan…

Other items I wanted to choose (click the pics for the recipes):

Chickpeas + Spiced Tomato Sauce

Egg-fin

Zucchini-Banana Muffins

Olive Basil Cookies

Mango-Cucumber Lentil Salad

Then there was the following tasty creation….

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I’ve made sweet potato shakes before.  They were good.  Delicious, in fact.

Like every other red-blooded female out there, chocolate is one of my favorite things to nosh on.

How is it that I never thought to combine the two tasty treats?!

Check out my new black border in the background!

Until now. *Insert evil cackle*

For this shake I used half of a Rich Dark Chocolate EAS drink.

I love these for a few reasons:

  • Taste = good
  • 17g protein
  • 0g sugar
  • 110 calories

That makes a perfect post-workout snack for me.  I also like the Strawberry flavor, but only in shakes.

I threw out the coffee flavor after trying it.  Not my cup of coffee tea.

Chocolate Sweet Potato Shake

  • 1/4 large sweet potato (pre-baked)
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 dark chocolate EAS drink
  • 1/2 C kale*
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • shake of salt
  • ice + water, to taste

Throw it all in a blender and blend until well-mixed.  Add straw and try to go drink it so fast you get an ice cream headache.

*Only 1/2 a cup because it was the Whole Food frozen variety.  Fresh is less condensed, so you’ll want to add more.  If green creeps you out, leave it out altogether!

***

My boss just called.  We’re meeting at a bar to watch the Brave’s opener.  Have I mentioned I love my job?!

Anyone else excited for baseball season?!

Raw Brazilian Flax Cookies

By

It seems that the whole world is on the running train lately.

The whole world also continues to be on the weight-loss train.

Yes, running is a great way to shed some lbs… but it has other benefits!  In addition to the obvious (weight-loss and heart-health), running can also prevent bone/muscle loss and boost the immune system.

It can make you happier!  Exercise in general produces endorphins.  It also has a goal-achievement component.  Working towards and accomplishing a goal builds confidence.

Every time I have a new PR or run a little further than before, I’m proud of myself!  That’s a great feeling.

My favorite point the article make is that running is a social activity.  Often times running is boxed in as a solo sport.  It is to some extent – you can do it anywhere, anytime.  No special equipment or teammates required.  (Yet another benefit.)

However, as the popularity of running continues to grow, it is becoming an activity for friends/significant others/family to take part in together.  What better way to build friendships with other health-conscious people than by working out together?

Post-run with family on Thanksgiving

And you have a great excuse to share a well-deserved post-run beer with a new running buddy as it gets warmer. 🙂

While we’re on the healthy train, how about a healthy cookie?

Raw.  Vegan.  Brazilian (sort of… they  contain Brazil nuts!).

These cookies are filled with yummy “good” fats.

Averie made these @ Love Veggies and Yoga.  After seeing hers, I knew they had to be MINE.

Raw Brazilian Flax Cookies

by Laura Hall

Prep Time: 15 mins

Keywords: blender raw snack dessert gluten-free low-carb vegan vegetarian Brazil nuts flax seeds coconut butter healthy

Ingredients (5 cookie bites)

  • 1/2 C flax seeds
  • 1/8 C maple syrup
  • 1 T coconut butter
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/8 tsp butter extract (mine is super-concentrated)
  • 10 Brazil nuts

Instructions

Place flax seeds in blender and run until well-ground.

Add the syrup, coconut butter, spices, and extract to blender. Run until mixed. Then add Brazil nuts, blending until small-ish chunks are left (just enough to leave a little crunch).

Scoop out 1 HEAPING tablespoon at a time, forming into little cookies.

*I used toasted flax seeds, which a fantastic nuttiness to the cookies.

Powered by Recipage

***

I’m ready for this grey weather to end so the SUN can be my motivator again!

Do you run?  If so, what is your motivator?

Strawberry Asparagus Tempeh Salad

By

Monday was eventful!  I…

1. …found out I received a number in the famed Peachtree Road Race on July 4th.  Who else is running???

 

2. …picked out paint colors for an accent wall and trim.  Although I’m pretty sure I picked too light for the accent wall…


3. …bought a new (much-needed) washer and dryer – being installed today!  Thank you, Craig’s List.


4. …saved $10.50 at Whole Paycheck Foods.  That’s one helluva PR!

 

5. …tried a new ice cream: Almond Dream Praline Crunch.  It was AWESOME – creamy, nutty, and didn’t have the “I’m unsuccessfully trying really hard to act like ice cream” taste.  Totally worth the $$$.  Nevermind that I had a coupon.


Not too shabby for a Monday!

AND I continued my streak of morning workouts with my favorite bike-elliptical-treadmill interval routine.  Despite the insane thunderstorms/rain that went on all night long.

AND I am participating in “Your Best Recipe” for the month of March.  Check back on Thursday, March 31st for an update/link to the list!

 

Hosted by Spicy Foodie (click image for link)

 

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Every smoothie I drink is green.  I think tofu is delicious.  The only acceptable way to drink coffee is black.  Olives have been known to find their way into my cookies.  Salsa and eggs were made for each other, IMHO.

“Weird” eating habits are not new to me.

HOWEVER, I will concede that if someone tried to tell me the dinner I ate last night was delicious… I may have rolled my eyes.

Balsamic roasted strawberries.  Roasted lemon-y asparagus.  Grilled tempeh.  Served over a bed of spinach and parsley.

Pure deliciousness.

Sorry for the iPhone blurry pic... I was hungry!

Tempeh can be a bit bitter if you don’t boil it.  One of the cool things about this recipe is that the sweetness of the strawberries cuts the bitter.  This way you can pan-fry your tempeh freely without having to worry about adding a sugary sweetener.

Strawberry Asparagus Tempeh Salad

For the tempeh*:

  • 2T EVOO (I used habanero-infused)
  • 1 T soy sauce
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 block tempeh

Mix together first 4 ingredients in a small bowl.  Thinly slice the tempeh.  POur marinade over tempeh slices, gently tossing to coat.  Let sit 5-10 mins to absorb flavor.

Heat a large skillet over med-high heat.  Coat with a bit of oil and place tempeh slices in pan.  Cook until golden brown and crispy (~ 5-6 mins), flipping half way through.

Remove from heat and set aside.

*You could do this with chicken or tofu if you prefer!

For the asparagus:

  • 7-8 asparagus spears
  • Juice from 1/2 a small lemon
  • 2-3 tsp EVOO
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to broil.

Toss asparagus in lemon juice, oil, and pepper.  Place on foil in oven for 6-7 mins, watching closely.  Remove when just beginning to brown and wrinkle.

For the strawberries:

  • 1/2 C strawberries, quartered
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to broil.

Toss strawberries in balsamic.  Place on piece of foil in oven, letting roast for 2-3 mins.  (I just added mine to the asparagus during the last couple of minutes.)


Place a generous handful of spinach in salad bowl.  Toss with parsley.  Top with asparagus, strawberries, and tempeh.  Drizzle with a little EVOO and lemon juice.  Sprinkle with nutritional yeast (or cheese), and S+P to taste.

Note: You may notice in the pic that I added an heirloom tomato.  I’d leave it out next time… not terrible, but it didn’t add anything.

***

What’s the weirdest thing you like to eat?  Do people comment on your food choices?

My name is Laura and I <3 weird food.

 

Qu-egg-sadilla

By

The Bachelorette had a great time.  We even were graced with the presence of the token interpretive dancer.

Wouldn’t it be funny if someone who knew him read this?!

Normal people sleep off a Bachelorette party.  Normal people may go to brunch, eat pancakes, and drink a little hair of the dog mimosa.

I, on the other hand, eat a Zucchini-Banana Muffin, get inspired by fellow-bloggers (thanks, Tina!), and write up a new work out.

I’m a glutton for punishment, my friends.

Killer (read: awesome) work outs get me excited.

New shoes also get me pumped.  Running shoes, heels, flip flops… doesn’t matter.

Here’s the Post-Party Workout:

Round 1:

20 reps of each (except squats)

  • Bicep curls
  • Tricep skull crushers
  • Bench leg lifts
  • 30-seconds quick squats

*** Sprint 0.3 miles***

Round 2:

3 sets, 12 reps each

  • Bent over barbell row
  • Wide grip lat pull-down
  • Seated row
  • Straight arm lat pull-down

*** Sprint 0.3 miles***

Round 3:

3 sets, 12 reps each

  • Alternating dumbbell curls (rotating wrists in as lifting)
  • Bicep curls
  • Hammer curls (last set until exhaustion)

*** Sprint 0.5 miles***

Round 4:

  • Stability ball roll outs (20)
  • Stability ball crunches (30)
  • Crunches with medicine call (50)
  • Alternating lunges with lat raise (20 total)
  • Side plank twists (12 on each side)
  • Decline crunch (50)
  • Side plank with leg lift (1 min each side)

Worth. It.

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Party like a rockstar.  Workout like a rockstar.  Eat a well-deserved a rockstar lunch.

Thankfully, 101 Cookbooks just posted an irresistible-looking Quesadilla.

(Side note: everything on 101 Cookbooks is basically brilliant.)

So here’s my version.  With a TON of local ingredients.

It was good.  Real good.

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Qu-egg-sadilla

  • 1 T lime zest
  • 1/4 C Greek yogurt
  • 2 T capers
  • Splash of habanero-infused EVOO (regular is fine too!)
  • 1 egg
  • S+P, to taste
  • 1 tortilla
  • 1 T pimento cheese
  • 1 C fresh spinach

Mix together lime zest and Greek yogurt (Atlanta Farm Fresh is my Greek-style of choice) in a small bowl.  Set aside.

Rinse capers and pan fry them over medium-high heat in a small splash of oil (I used Sweetwater Growers’ habanero-infused) until just wrinkling.  Remove from pan and set aside on paper towel to cool a bit.

Beat the egg a in a small bowl.  Beat the egg with a little water (water makes it more fluffy than milk!) and S+P, to taste.

Spread pimento cheese (I used my new fav American Gra-frutti) on tortilla.

Add a splash of EVOO to small skillet, heating over medium heat.  Add egg mixture to skillet.  Do not touch until bottom sets, ~20-25 secs.  Top the eggs with spinach, then place tortilla (I used a Rudi’s spelt tortilla) on top of egg and spinach.  The top of the egg will still be a bit runny, so it should attach itself to the tortilla/spinach as it sets.  

Wait another 20-25 secs (until egg has set enough not to run), and flip.  Fold tortilla in half, and cook each side a bit longer until outside of tortilla is nicely browned.

Place tortilla on a plate, top with yogurt mixture, capers, and freshly ground pepper.

***

Do you read other blogs to get motivated for a workout?  

What are your favorites?

5K PR

By

Thanks everyone for all the “good luck” wishes.

I think they worked!

26:02 – a PR time AND I placed 2nd in the 20-29 category.


I *think* I was in the top 5 women overall… but will have to wait to see the results posted. 🙂

Off to run errands in the rain and get ready for the bachelorette party!

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!


Mango-Cucumber Lentil Salad

By

Found on the packaging for a set of pots:

Creepy McCreeperson

The marketing person that approved this should be fired.  LOL!

 

Buuuut… who am I to talk?  I eat cold spinach-strawberry soup for breakfast.  And I like love it.

It’s not easy being green

I also think it’s funny to try on my bridesmaid dress (alteration success!) and send punk rock pics of myself to the bride-to-be:

All dressed up and no where to go

Welcome to my pre-5K Friday night:

  • Pasta/pizza dinner with my bestie
  • Trip to HomeGoods
  • Talk self out of unnecessary fro-yo trip
  • Download pics
  • Make sure bridesmaid dress alterations are correct
  • Cup ‘o tea
  • Watch movie bossman gave me – Glengarry Glen Ross

 

What 5K, you ask?  Welllll… I decided a couple of days ago to do it. By myself.  For no good reason.

File under: you might be a runner if…

So here I am at 6a on a Saturday morning drinking coffee, eating a banana, and blogging pre-race. Happy as a clam.

Earning this evening’s bachelorette party-dinner, one race at a time. 😉

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In case you’re trying to decide what to do with all of the produce you bought whilst at Whole Paycheck Foods, over-excited about spring… I have a good one for ya!

For that reason, this time of year is killer on my grocery budget (or lack thereof).  However, this meal is low cost, fairly quick to assemble, and can be made in advance (in fact, its even better on day 2 once the flavors meld).

 

 

Beluga Lentils with a simple vinaigrette, tossed with onion, jalapeno, mango, and cucumber.

 

Served up with a sweet potato, topped with coconut butter and roasted cinnamon.

True, that frozen soup was a decent lunch as far as frozen foods go.  But THIS was well-deserved after a week of quickie lunches.  There will be a repeat tomorrow.

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Mango-Cucumber Lentil Salad

  • 1/4 C beluga lentils
  • 1 1/4 C water
  • 1/4 C red onion
  • 1 jalapeno, seeds removed
  • Juice from 1/2 a lime
  • 1 T EVOO (is used basil-infused)
  • 1 T apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • S+P, to taste
  • 1 small mango (I used a champagne mango)
  • 1/2 cucumber

 

Rinse the lentils, then put them in a small pot with the water.  Bring to a boil, then simmer gently until lentils are cooked, ~25 mins.  They will be tender, but hold their shape.

Meanwhile, mince the garlic cloves & chop the onion very finely. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan, add the onion & garlic and cook over a very low heat until well softened but not coloured, about 10 – 12 minutes. Then remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, dice the onions, jalapeno, mango, and cucumber.  Place a small amount of EVOO in a pan and sauté onions until almost translucent, ~5 mins.  Add jalapenos and sauté 1-2 mins more (you want to mellow the flavor a bit without losing the crunch).

Whisk together the lime juice, EVOO, vinegar, cumin, and S+P.

When lentils are cooked, drain and place in a bowl to cool.  Pour the vinaigrette over the lentils and gently stir with a fork so that lentils are coated.

Mix in the mango and cucumber, season with S+P as needed.

Makes: 1 serving, easily multiplied

***

This rain may force an afternoon snooze for me!

Did you run a race today?  

If you are going out tonight (post-race?!), will you be taking a nap?

 

Shower Me in Berries

By

The bridal shower was a success!

L to R: Erica, Angie, Me, Christina (Bride-to-be), Mallory (Mommy-to-be)

(We took the same pic at my housewarming 1.5 years ago.  Standing in the same order, of course.  Can’t believe how time flies!)

As long as you count good food, 8 bottles of champagne killed, and a lot of great loot for the bride a success. 🙂

Erica, one of the other bridesmaids (and also one of my BFFs) arrived early to help with the set up/plating/etc.  We were actually ready before guests arrived!

You know we’re close when she didn’t smack me after I told her that her anal-retentiveness is part of her charm.

The spread included:

  • Mimosas
  • Chicken salad croissants
  • Cucumber sandwiches (it is the South)
  • Hummus + veggies + chips
  • American Gra–frutti pimento cheese
  • Mimosas
  • Roaring 40’s blue cheese
  • Olive-basil cookies
  • Roasted red pepper-asparagus-goat cheese mini-quiches
  • Spinach salad with orange vinaigrette and pancetta
  • Mimosas
  • Mixed berries + cannoli cream + toasted almonds
  • Carrot cake
  • Mimosas

Did I mention there were mimosas?

By the end of the shower, most of the food was gone and Christina had some awesome gifts (I have Pottery Barn-envy).

The lucky bridesmaids got a surprise, too!

I still had work to do before Monday, but all that anticipation/energy/Georgia Half-Marathon-envy had me craving a run.

The Stats:

Distance: 6 miles

Time: 49:10

Pace: 8.18

Needless to say, Stevie and I were exhausted by the end of the night.

In debating what to share first, I landed on the Berries + Cannoli Cream in honor of all of the berry-inspired recipes posted this weekend.  It seems that everyone is ready for springtime goods!  I guess you can’t eat winter squash ALL the year…

I made this for Angie’s bridal shower.  It was so good that I wanted to do it again for Christina.  Another friend brought the berries and I made the cream.  Because there’s no “I” in “team.”

Spring Berries & Cannoli Cream

Mine is based on Giada’s recipe, but I simplify the fruit and booze up the cream with orange liqueur.  This cannoli cream is light and fluffy – the perfect compliment to the berries.  For a richer, more dessert-like treat, you could use frangelico or Irish cream and/or sprinkle with cocoa powder.

Spring Berries & Cannoli Cream

by Laura Hall

Prep Time: 20 mins

Keywords: blender appetizer brunch dessert gluten-free vegetarian ricotta cheese berries Italian spring

Ingredients (10 servings)

  • 1/3 C part-skim ricotta cheese (high-quality!)
  • 2 T + 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 T orange liqueur
  • 3 T powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 C fresh strawberries, hulled, quartered
  • 2 C fresh raspberries
  • 2 C blackberries
  • 2 T fresh mint, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

Instructions

Combine ricotta and 2 T of cream in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat remaining 1/3 C of cream, powdered sugar, orange liqueur, and cinnamon in a large bowl until semi-firm peaks form.

Gently fold the ricotta into the whipped cream. Refrigerate at least 30 mins to allow cream to set and firm up. (Can be prepared the night before.)

Toss the fruit and mint in a medium bowl to combine. Serve with cream and toasted almonds on side for a party-buffer. Alternately, spoon the fruit into dessert bowls, top with cream, and sprinkle with almonds.

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***

Work is interfering with blogging really busy right now!  Recipe for my favorite party item coming tomorrow… it’s reallllly good though.

What’s your favorite springtime dish?  

Have you already switched your menus at home?

Getting Ready to Shower

By

Bridal Shower, that is. 🙂

The other bridesmaid throwing this party would kill me if she knew I was blogging right now.  Shower begins in 3 hours!

It’s been crazy trying to get everything ready.  I thought I’d do a brief, 10 step pictorial of how to get ready to host a shower.

10 Steps to Shower-Ready

 

Step 1: Get your hair did

 

Step 2: Pre-bake mini-quiches

 

Step 3: Hide your clutter

 

4. Go for a run.

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 33:16

Pace: 8:29

 

 

Step 5: Share cannoli cream with a (very happy) kitten

 

Step 6: Buy new dress (apparently jeans are a no-no)

 

Step 7: Break for dinner at Empire State South

 

Step 8: Bake cookies. Do not eat them all.

 

Step 9: Make quick microwave oats for breakfast. Add blackberries.

 

Step 10: Don’t forget to clean the toilet!!!

***

Who ran the Georgia Marathon today?  How was it?

Congratulations to all the finishers!


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