It’s Bananas

March 19, 2011 By Laura

The perfect end to an out-of-control b-a-n-a-n-a-s week is a new ‘do.

My hair is now blonde-ish.

I love Karen, Stylist Extraordinaire

I’ve been going to Karen since I was 15. She moved 5-ish years ago to open her own salon – Lava Hair Studio – almost 60 miles outside of Atlanta… and I drive all the way out there to see her.

If I moved out of state, I’d probably fly back to see her.

Crappy in-the-car-rushing-to-meet-friends cell phone pic, but…

It’s no longer red-brown (therefore NOT clashing with my bridesmaid dress for upcoming wedding)
It’s no longer bushy (why does my hair grow SO fast?!)
I can style it in 5 mins flat.

FTW

Active.com recently posted an article called 5 Reasons to Work Out in the Morning.

In light of my recent morning work out success, I got really excited to read this and decided to share my own Top 5. (There may be some overlap… they were spot on!)

My Top 5 Reasons to Work Out in the Morning

It’s done – there’s no backing out because you’re too tired after work/would rather go to happy hour
One shower – they listed this too and I couldn’t agree more. 2-3 showers/day es no bueno
No crowds – the gym in my building is usually empty in the morning, so there’s no wait, I can control the TV, and no one is in the small-ish gym stinking it up
Temperature control – in the winter months, it warms me up for the day and in the summer months it’s not unbearably hot
Alertness – yes, it’s hard to actually wake up enough to get going, but once you do it’s almost better than coffee for my wakefulness

Speaking of being awake… I’m eating my pre-work out banana breakfast appetizer and hitting the pavement for a quickie run before resuming wedding shower prep!

It’s going to be 80 degrees and sunny today! If I leave the balcony door open, I wonder if Stevie will try to jump off…

Note to self: train kitten NOT to go on kamikaze missions.

I love grilled bananas – they caramelize and create a delicious banana syrup.

Plate them and immediately top with cocoa powder your favorite nut butter, letting the hot bananas turn the butter slightly melty. Mmmmm…

Caramelized Banana Bites

1 banana
1 T nut butter
1 tsp cocoa powder

Heat pan to med-high on stove top. Cut banana into 1 inch slices and place in pan. Grill ~2-3 mins, or until just turning brown. Flip and grill 1-2 mins longer until other side is browned. Plate, sprinkle with cocoa powder, and top each slice with your favorite nut butter.

Try not to lick and left over syrup/cocoa mixture off the plate if others are watching.

***

Make me feel more sane.

Do you drive a ridiculous distance to you stylist/restaurant/market/etc?

Reunited with Green

March 18, 2011 By Laura

This week has been NUTS!

I was really glad I had Zucchini-Banana Muffins in the freezer for breakfast this morning.

This is how I feel right now

D.C. was a great trip though. My meetings went really well and I had a chance to go running through the Mall Wednesday night with bossman.

If you’re ever in D.C., I highly recommend it. There’s nothing like seeing a city by way of a good run. It also makes the run go by more quickly… which I needed.

The Tough Mudder threw my body for a loop. I’m not so much sore as I am worn out. My legs feel like bricks. Spaghetti bricks.

At least I have something to show for it:

Muddy cuts

Random bruising

But damn it feels good to be a gangsta’. 😉

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I really missed green smoothies (and St. Patrick’s Day!) while I was traveling. File under: things I never thought I’d say.

So here’s my oops-I-missed-St. Patrick’s Day Smoothie of the Day.

I was too excited and almost forgot to take a pic before it was too late!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Smoothie

1 C unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop cookies’n’cream protein powder
1 tsp maca powder
1/3 C pineapple
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp ginger
6-8ish almonds
huge handful spinach
ice/water (to taste)

Just what the doctor ordered to feel human again just in time to throw a wedding shower this weekend.

Shower recipes coming ~~Monday~~ soon! (I may need a buffer in order to sleep at some point.)

Worth the wait: mini quiches, fruit + cannoli cream, and my favorite savory cookie recipe.

***

I love entertaining, but I hate the fact that you have to clean house. It seems ridiculous since you have to clean again post-party. Let’s start a movement to change expectations!

What’s your best time-saving party-prep secret?

Do you have a favorite/go-to dish to make for entertaining?

The Cure + Zucchini-Banana Muffins

March 14, 2011 By Laura

As expected, I woke up the morning after Tough Mudder feeling ~~like death warmed over~~ a bit sore. (Check out my recap here.)

The good news is I found The 3-Step Cure.

Step 1: Cut a hole in the box.

Noooo… I’m kidding. The Cure actually began the night of the race with…

1. Fro-Yo

A post-run, post-blogger dinner Dark Chocolate-Vanilla swirl @ Three on the Tree.

Calcium! (Pretty sure I earned this. x1000.)

This is the most tasty yogurt in Atlanta. I’d bet my first born on it. If I were to have a first born.

2. Brunch

I had an awesome brunch with some good friends at Rosebud, one of my favorite restaurants. Ron Eyester (@theangrychef) is the chef/owner and he never disappoints (with food or hilariously honest tweets).

Whole Wheat Pancakes w/ Sage-Vanilla Butter. They don't skimp on the butter and you shouldn't either.

Starter Beverage: Jasmine green tea (full disclosure: I wasn’t being noble… no booze until ~~church lets out~~ noon on Sundays in GA).

Appetizers: Biscuits + gravy (my friend who doesn’t even like gravy loved this!) and an epic grits + egg + brisket creation Ron graciously sent out.

Meal: Whole wheat pancakes with sage-vanilla butter, special Rosebud syrup… and a side of grits. Just because.

Draaaank: The Orange Thing – vodka, gran marnier, and orange pellegrino. Two thumbs up.

3. Spa

The Korean spa, JeJu, in Gwinnett. $25 for the whole day.

I seriously considered never leaving.

Don’t be scared. There will be nudity (only in the M/F segregated areas!). There are hot tubs, cold pools, wet and dry saunas, and 7 different “healing rooms.”

They also offer massages (no happy ending), body scrubs, and foot massages.

The healing rooms have different themes. For instance, the one I spent the majority of my time in was the clay sauna. It’s good for muscle recovery.

Others include: charcoal for detoxing, jade for inner peace, salt for circulation, etc. The dome are lined with appropriate substance in each room.

I sent and extra $50 for an hour-long foot massage. It was the best idea I’ve ever had. If you go there after a race, it’s worth the splurge.

JeJu has wi-fi, towel service, and a Korean restaurant. You could literally stay there for 24 hours.

So, that’s my 3-Step Cure*. Free of charge.

*This is not to say that I’m not sore today. I am. Just less so than I would have been ~~(Translation: I’m able to walk)~~.

Day 3 of recovery started with muffins.

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You’re not going to believe it, but these are vegan, low-sugar, < 100 calories, AND they taste good.

Sneaky Veggie Muffin

Zucchini makes for a dense muffin. If you want them fluffier, reduce the grated zucchini by 1/2 C.

Relying mostly on banana to sweeten them, these muffins these are a perfect breakfast for those that aren’t in need of an AM sugar-high. I think you could replace the agave with Stevia… if you try it, let me know!

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These were inspired by the Babycakes vegan cookbook and Marci Gilbert’s Loaf.

Zucchini-Banana Muffins

(a.k.a. The 98 Calorie Muffin)

1/2 C white whole wheat flour (I use King Arthur)
1/2 C spelt flour
1 tsp baking soda
1tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of salt
2 C grated zucchini (~2 medium)
1.5 C ripe bananas (~2 medium)
1/4 C light agave nectar
2 tsp vanilla
1/3 C chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 12 regular-sized muffin tins with Pam/butter/Earth Balance.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients (the first 8).

In medium bowl, mush bananas with a fork. Add grated zucchini, agave, and vanilla and hand mix.

Add the wet to the dry, mixing until just combined. Fold in the pecans. Pour into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating pan half way through.

Makes 12 muffins.

Approximate Nutrition Info: 98 calories, 2.5g fat, 18.2g carbohydrates, 2.2g fiber, 8.7g sugar, 2.2g protein

***

Do you have a “magic” cure for next-day soreness?

(Hangover cures ~~are appreciated~~ count.)

Tough Mudder is Tough

March 13, 2011 By Laura

The Tough Mudder was today.

I am more proud of myself for finishing this race than any other I’ve done.

They aren’t kidding about the “Tough” part

When my friends and I registered, the course hadn’t been finalized. The race was supposed to be 8-10 miles of obstacles and trail running (followed by a “party” with 2 free beers).

Then we get more info in an email. It’s actually 11 miles. Fine. What’s one more mile?

Then more: the county the race is in is dry. No beer. Whatever.

Then we get to the start… and the announcer says it is about 12 miles.

It was actually 13.5 miles. (Or 15, depending on whose GPS-tacking claims you believe.)

The Short Story:

They ran out of water cups at stations… and out of water.
There was no sort of electrolyte replenishment (13+ miles => need better fuel stations… esp. when distance isn’t accurately communicated)
They dumped ICE in every ~~mud~~ water obstacle we swam/slogged through
~~Mountains~~ hills I never thought I could make it up 10 miles in with wet, mud-caked shoes were conquered
Displays of camaraderie and willingness to help other racers was by far the most impressive I’ve encountered.
I ran in just a sports bra for the first time ever (wet, muddy shirt was discarded on a mountain tree branch)
Chocolate Muscle Milk is good. (Bonus points for Georgia Tech-themed bottles)

The Summary: It was 13.5 miles/3.45 hours of TOUGH.

***

Will I do it again? HELL NO.

~~Not today anyway.~~

Muhammara

March 9, 2011 By Laura

Yesterday I did my last long-ish run before Saturday’s Tough Mudder. Good thing since it’s blustery, rainy day in the South!

Especially thankful for the ability to work from home today!

Still not up to 11 miles, but I can do half of that… that’s a good start… right?!

At least I’ll have all of those ~~breaks~~ obstacles.

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 42:22

Pace: 8:44

I’m going to be ridiculously fast after having to run into the wind the past couple of weeks! 🙂

Then I came home and made dip for the vegetarian dinner par-tay.

~~A fine running-reward.~~ Tasting was strictly for quality-control purposes.

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The menu from my kitchen: Muhammara +Veggies, Non-Crab (Tempeh) Cakes, Remoulade (for cake-dipping)

I dare you to eat just one

I was told the Tempeh Cakes were, in fact, reminiscent of crab cakes… I wouldn’t know since I don’t eat seafood.

Non-Crab Tempeh Cake recipe to come tomorrow!

One friend brought yummy polenta cakes.

Of course we had dessert.

Another guest brought Is It Really Better Than Sex? Cake.

I’ll refrain from answering the cake’s title question… but… it was damn good.

Minds outta the gutter!!!

Today I want to share the recipe for my new go-to dip. Which says a lot since I am hummus-obsessed.

Muhammara.

A creamy Lebanese dip made from roasted red peppers and toasted walnuts. It has a neat flavor profile thanks to the molasses, peppers, and spices. It is at once savory, rich, and spicy.

Basically, it’s addicting.

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Besides being delicious, this dip is full of healthy fat, protein, Vitamins A and C, and lycopene (thought to reduce risk of certain cancers).

Muhammara (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Adapted from Epicurious and Good Food, Good Wine, and a Bad Girl

1 C roasted red peppers, roughly chopped
1/2 C panko breadcrumbs
1/3 C walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
2 T fresh lemon juice
3-4 cloves garlic
3/4 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 T blackstrap molasses*
1 (heaping) tsp muscadine jelly*
1 tsp dried hot red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/3 C extra-virgin olive oil

Using a food processor, pulse the first 8 ingredients roasted red peppers, panko, walnuts, lemon juice, and spices until mostly blended.

Add the molasses, jelly, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.

Pour in the oil in a thin stream into the food processor – running on low speed -until oil is incorporated. The dip should have a hummus-like consistency. You may add more oil or water as needed to thin.

Transfer to serving bowl and serve with warm pita and vegetables for dipping. (It’s also good ~~by the spoonful~~ on top of a leftover black bean burger.)

*The original calls for pomegranate molasses, which I did not have. In order to get the molasses tang AND the sweetness, I used blackstrap and added a bit of my grandmother’s homemade muscadine jelly. It works like a charm!

Makes ~2 cups (8 servings)

***

Overall, I ended Fat Tuesday feeling sufficiently ~~fattened~~ full.

Did you do anything fun for Fat Tuesday? It smacks of being a perfect “treat” day.

Leggo My Egg… ffin

March 8, 2011 By Laura

This past weekend I had a derby promo photo shoot.

I missed the original date due to my Jay Leno-esque swelling.

Fact: I do not like having my picture taken for anything outside of a quick snapshot. It makes me self-conscious.

There were cool. My team’s theme is “We Mean Business.”

Thank you, Tim Moxley, for doing an incredible job and making me laugh a little ~~through the terror~~. 🙂

Let’s talk about what I didn’t burn…

Eggs. Muffins. The staples of breakfast. It’s only natural that they become one.

Machessmo did a great job re-creating the Egg McMuffin. But I need something even more simple with my tardy record.

This literally took 5 mins to throw together. They can be prepared in advance in the oven as instructed below… or the lazy way. Zap it in the micro for 15 secs and I have a hot, grab-and-go breakfast for the week (well, this and a Greek yogurt).

You can add different spices and veggies to shake it up:

Feta cheese and onion
Bacon (fake or real) and cheddar
Soysauge and brie
Capers and cream cheese
Herbs (NOT those herbs)

The sky is the limit! Take that, sugar-filled/fake-looking egg fast food options.

Eggfin

3 eggs
3 egg whites (1/2 cup if you buy them in a carton)
1 C spinach, rough chopped
1/4 C cilantro, chopped
1/4 C red pepper, diced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1.5 oz herbed goat cheese
1 T unsweetened almond milk
S+P, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 4 ramekins with olive oil.

In a medium bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Distribute evenly among the 4 ramekins (or 4 spaces in a large muffin tin).

Place in oven and cook for 20 mins. Finish on broil for 1-2 mins to solidify tops (if necessary).

Chickens, eggs, all the same to the cat...

Be sure to guard your eggfin

***

Tonight I’m having friends over for a vegetarian dinner. I cannot wait to share these creations tomorrow!

What is your favorite hot, non-oatmeal week-day breakfast?

Black Bean Burgers

March 7, 2011 By Laura

It wasn’t just a fluke last week! The Sleep Cycle app once again got me out of bed in time to exercise before work this morning. Amazing.

The real test will be tomorrow. I have a one-month membership to a local gym (thank you, Groupon). A friend of mine swears by a certain 630am class… and I committed to meeting her there tomorrow. At 630am.

*deep breath*

I can’t remember the last time I woke up that early.

The icing on the cake is that I haven’t tried spinning since high school. I made it through one class, then vowed “never again” ~~after it left my crotch feeling bruised~~.

TMI?!?

If last week was Indian week, then this week is faux-burger week.

Last night being burger-less became unbearable.

There is no way I can chew a real burger (plus I’m not so sure I want to go back to red meat), but a soft, black bean burger seemed do-able. Off to the kitchen I went to create.

The result was awesome. I couldn’t stop at just the burger. Inspired by the recent ~~over-saturation~~ onslaught of burger-creations in Atlanta, I added a fried egg and some tasty (mayo-free!), spicy pimento cheese.

I used the American Gra-frutti gluten-free pimento cheese I wrote about last week. Again, I’m not gluten-free. I just like good food. This stuff is GOOD.

Whole ~~Paycheck~~ Foods had a tasting this weekend where I was able to try American Gra-frutti’s “They’ll Never Know” gluten-free chocolate chip cake. It was awesome. Not too sweet and, as promised, I would have never known there was anything different about it.

The burgers are vegan… the egg on top notsomuch.

Vegan Black Bean Burgers

1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 carrot
1/4 C fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves
1 T olive oil
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 C red onion, chopped
1/3 C whole wheat panko
S + P, to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine first 5 ingredients in a food processor and blend until coarsely chopped. Add spices, blending once more and adjusting to taste. Incorporate the onion and panko at the end, blending just a moment (if you, like me, prefer a little texture). Salt and pepper to taste.

Place on lined (or non-stick) baking sheet and cook for ~45 mins (or until firmed up), flipping 30 mins in.

Makes 4 burgers.

***

Do you enjoy trying “specialty” foods even though you may not have “special” food needs?

What’s the best new product you’ve discovered lately?

Protein Kitten

March 6, 2011 By Laura

Quick update because I’m excited about two things…

1. I rallied and went running!

Distance: 5.5 miles

Time: 46:02

Pace: 8:37

If anyone is struggling with motivation… just do it. I feel SO much better.

2. The kitten really is my child.

Stevie likes green protein shakes

Stevie’s Recovery Shake

1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 large banana
1 C spinach
1 C unsweetened almond milk
1 T chia seeds
1/2 tsp allspice
1 tsp cinnamon
Shake of salt

(No, I didn’t actually let her have a shake!)

***

Do your pets eat strange things?

I once had a cat that liked salt and vinegar chips.