Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Mexican Raw Bulgur Bowl

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The “ayes” are in.

By “ayes” I mean the votes I received to my new specs.  I made everyone in the eye store vote (by everyone I mean 6-7 people).  Post-eye store I posted pics my top 3 choices for you guys and then left you in suspense. (Admit it.  You were still wondering about it. 😉 )

This is my serious, glasses-wearing face

Gucci won.  (If they had carried D&G, they probably would have won – yes, I’m like that.)

Speaking of seeing things… (<— most cleaver topic transition ever)

The recipe on my bulgur package caught my eye as I was making my Blueberry-Cilantro Bulgur Salad.  It was for a tabbouleh, but that’s not the interesting part (though it sounds good).  The part that jumped at me was how the bulgur is prepped.

Raw.

Apparently you can soak it for 15 mins and voila – raw bulgur.  I told you it’s like oatmeal!

As such, I made it for breakfast-ish.  Ish because I ate it for breakfast, but many of you would consider this to be a lunch or dinner dish.  To each their own.

Added bonus: it’s NOT hot (like overnight oats!) – perfect after a sweaty morning run!

Mexican Raw Bulgur Bowl

The crunch from the raw bulgur was awesome, especially with the creaminess of the avocado.  Even if you can’t stomach it for breakfast, try it out at lunch.  It’s a great way to add more raw food (and protein!) to your diet. 🙂

Think about it: many people put salsa on their eggs.  You can often find avocado on breakfast sandwiches.  Why wouldn’t you put it on bulgur?

Mexican Raw Bulgur Bowl

Mexican Raw Bulgur Bowl

  • 1/4 C bulgur (uncooked)
  • 1/4 C water
  • 2 T salsa
  • 1/2 avocado, diced
  • 1 T fresh cilantro
  • S+P, to taste

Combine the bulgur and water in a bowl.  Let stand for 15 mins.

Fluff with fork.  Top with salsa, avocado, and cilantro.  Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoy!

***

It’s Friday!!!!!  I can’t even complain about this week – it FLEW by.

Do you think I made the right choice on the glasses?  Don’t tell me if you hate them.

Do you like sweet or savory breakfasts better?

Cherry Tomato-Mango Gazpacho

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Reviewing my search terms cracks me up.  

I can see how some end up at here… but some totally baffle.

Some of the best ones lately:

  • Meaning of family name sadilla
  • Can you eat raw edamame (yes)
  • Schizophrenia vegetarian (that’s me!)
  • Planking in bikini (you can even plank in your birthday suit if you like!)
  • I swallowed a jackfruit seed (they are edible – but I bet that was uncomfortable)
Hello to anyone searching gazpacho / soup today.  Cold soup.  It’s hot.

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Remember those citrus-y orange cherry tomatoes I scored at the People’s Health Day 5K?  The citrus quality they possess made me think they would be especially good in a fruity gazpacho.

And they were.

 

What I didn’t foresee what the color that would develop when combining orange mangoes and tomatoes with green cilantro and peppers.  For those of you used to drinking green smoothies, this won’t be an issue. 🙂

Despite it’s appearance, this soup was quite good.  The mango makes it a thicker gazpacho and adds a sweetness that I love with the spiciness.

You may be tempted, but don’t just toss everything into the blender.  Setting aside half of the mango, tomato, and peppers makes the texture of each bite so much better.

 

The feeling of the plump cherry tomato piece in each bite along with the smoothness of the mango and crunch of the bright pepper takes the soup from good to finger lickin’ good.

 

In lieu of tortilla chips, I made cumin-spiced socca to sop up the soup.  Spreading the batter out thinly across a pan to cook made it more crispy.

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Cherry Tomato Mango Gazpacho

  • 1 medium champagne mango
  • 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes (orange if you can find them!)
  • 1/2 medium green pepper
  • 1/2 small shallot
  • 1/2 jalapeno, seeded
  • 2 T fresh cilantro
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Juice from 1/2 small lime
  • pinch of chile powder
  • S+P, to taste

Chop first 3 ingredient into small cubes.  Set aside 1/2 of the cubes.

Combine the rest in a blender (or Magic Bullet!) with remaining ingredients.  Mix until just combined.  Transfer to a bowl and mix in the chopped veggie pieces.

Enjoy!

Makes: 2 sides or 1 larger serving

***

I can’t believe it’s over 100 degrees here.

Do you like cold soups?

 What are some of the best/funniest search terms you’ve come across?

 

Indian-Inspired Tofu Scramble

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Impromptu dinner parties are the best.

My friend Jessica stopped over to share a bottle of wine and dinner.  She’s pretty brave, as I was trying a new recipe.

How I’ve never made a tofu scramble before, I do not know.  What I do know is that I’ll be doing these a lot more in the future!  Much like scrambled eggs, you can throw basically anything into them.

 My first scramble had a decidedly Indian flare (surprise, surprise… it’s a little bit of an obsession).  

Garam masala with sautéed onion, fennel, and garlic were my starting points and I amped it fom there.

Red pepper flakes, turmeric, cumin, paprika… I’m hoping I remember it all!  Despite all of the spices, for once I didn’t add so much that Jessica’s mouth caught fire.

It turned out really well!  I loved the Indian flavors and the texture of the scrambled tofu against the crunch of the fennel.

She was an awesome guest and brought over some Whole Foods mango-pineapple salsa (if you haven’t had it, I highly recommend!), as well as dessert!

Red cherries and American Grafrutti Coconut-Chocolate balls!

Side note: American Gra-frutti is a great local gluten-free bakery with items that can be found at Whole Foods.  Try out their pimento cheese too – and my mini-review here!

The wine we shared was a 2008 Bodegas Ateca Garnacha “Atteca“ from Calatayud, Spain.

It was a great bottle, especially after it had a few minutes to open up.  Very drinkable, even with the spicier food.  The long finish was especially pleasing and I loved how the rich, berry flavor stood out when paired with the cherries for dessert.

Indian-Inspired Tofu Scramble

  • 1/2 T EVOO
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp coriander
  • 1 (14 oz) package extra firm tofu
  • 1/4 C cilantro
  • S+P, to taste
Add olive oil to large skillet over med-high heat.  Stir in the spices, then quickly add onions and fennel.  Saute until onions soften (3-4 mins).  Stir in garlic, cooking until just before then brown (~1-2 mins).
Add crumbled tofu, stirring to combine.  Cook until warmed through (~5-6 mins).  Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.  Remove from the heat and stir in cilantro.

Plate and enjoy!

Makes: 2 mains or 4 sides.

***

What’s your favorite scramble?

Have you ever scrambled tofu?

Blueberry Cilantro Bulgur Salad

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Naming recipes is hard.

Better-Than-S’mores Brownies = easy to name.  

Salad with lots of stuff = harder.  Unless I just call it “Salad with Lots of Stuff.”  Hmmmm… the zucchini and the vinaigrette made this one hard.  That’s just too much for one title!

This is my first time working with bulgur.  I really liked it – maybe even better than quinoa.  It seems to have a bit more bite and a nuttier taste, both characteristics I find attractive (though not as attractive as being independently wealthy with a house on the Mediterranean coast).

So why is bulgur a good gain choice?

  • Minimal processing allow it to retain protein and minerals
  • Good source of protein, B vitamins, folate, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus
  • High insoluble fiber content (more than oats, buckwheat, or corn!)
  • Low glycemic index helps to stabilize insulin levels
  • Can be prepared raw (by soaking) or cooked in just 15 mins.
The ingredients may have been too much for one title, they were NOT too much for one recipe!

The crisp zucchini gives this salad a satisfying “crunch” and chili vinaigrette provides a gentle (really) punch at the end of each bite.

Out of zucchini?  Squash or cucumber would also work nicely.

Don’t keep ancho chili powder?  Try paprika or regular chili powder.

No bulgur? *gasp*  Use wild rice, quinoa, or another favorite grain.

This may seem like an odd combo, but trust me.  (Why do I feel  like I type that sentence a lot?!)  

Blueberry Cilantro Bulgur Salad

  • 1 C bulgur (uncooked)
  • 2 T EVOO
  • 2 T rice wine vinegar
  • 1 T nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/3 C fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • S+P, to taste
  • 1 C blueberries
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • Lime slices

Prepare bulgur according to package instructions.

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, nutritional yeast, and spices.  Adjust, adding salt and pepper to taste.  

Toss the cooked bulgar in the vinaigrette.  Fold in the cilantro, blueberries, and zucchini.  Garnish with lime.

Serve hot or cold.

Makes 2 main dishes or 4 sides (approximately 4 cups).

***

I’m participating again in Spicie Foodie’s Your Best Recipe this month.  Link over to her site to join up, or check back on July 31st for a round up!

Do you struggle with recipe naming?

How about with recipe making? 🙂

Thirsty Thursday

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It’s about a million degrees outside.

 

 

The only thing I want for breakfast on these days is a big arse smoothie!

 

My mornings usually consist of the following:

  • Rolling out of bed
  • Wetting down my crazy spiked up hair (short hair + restless sleep = rockstar AM ‘do)
  • Brushing my teeth
  • Eating a date or spoonful of PB
  • Throwing on running clothes
  • Running or the gym


The date/PB keeps me going to 4-6 miles – more than that and I’d need more substance – but in this heat I’m never very hungry when I first get back.

 

The solution?  A smoothie!  It’s easier to drink than eat post-run and the coldness helps me stop sweating (yes, I even sweat post-shower) before going to work.

Ever since the jaw-breaking incident, I’ve been pretty creative with making a substantial drink.

 

99.9% of the time I use a protein powder – bonus is that is adds sweetness without excess sugar.  You can also use dates, Stevia, honey, agave to get the right level of sweet sans protein.

I also ALWAYS toss in a cup o f spinach or kale.  You really can’t taste it and you get all those nutrients.  Why wouldn’t you add it?

 

My Top 5:

(click the names for recipes)

 

1. Sweet Potato

This is a go-to for me.  I usually have a sweet potato laying around.  Usually half eaten from the previous meal.

Adding the potato makes this smoothie sweet, super creamy, and reminiscent of the pie (in a good way – I don’t actually like the pie… maybe a consistency thing?).

 

2. Avocado-Banana

 

Avocados after the perfect ingredient – they give your drink a creamy shake-like texture and have virtually no taste.

I’m always guilty of letting 1/2 an avocado go to waste – I eat part on a salad, the other half turns brown, and I toss it (basically throwing away a dollar per!).  Until I discovered that you can freeze avocado.  Cut it into quarters and toss it in tupperware (with your collection of frozen bananas 🙂 ).

 

3. Butternut Squash-Cherry

 

I hate to play favorites… but this one is my favorite.  It’s like a cherry bomb with squash!  Yes, I realize that doesn’t sound as appetizing to normal people as it does to me.

Seriously though.  Again with the creaminess, but this one has that rich, winter squash sweetness too.  You already know (I hope!) that cherries and chocolate are a great combo.  Just think of the nutrients in this one little drink!

By now you should be bouncing up and down with excitement in your desk chair.  Try it – you’ll know I’m not nuts.

 

4. Savory Protein Lassi

 

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Indian food.  It borders on addiction.  As such, I naturally love lassis.  Mango is good, but they can sometimes be too sweet.

When I saw a more savory lassi on a local menu, I knew I needed to amp it up with protein and call it a recovery drink.  Indian-style.

 

5. Mocha Banana

 

I cannot believe I almost forgot about this creation!  Banana + chocolate + coffee.  It is a great way to use the leftovers from your pot o’ coffee, ensuring that you’ll be properly caffeinated for the day.

If you are really hard core – and I am – you’ll crumble a chocolate muffin on top too.  Guess what I’ll be having for breakfast… *still kicking self for going so long without this smoothie*

***

Many say they couldn’t get tired of oatmeal or peanut butter or cookies… I couldn’t get tired of smoothies.

What’s your favorite smoothie?

What the one thing you could never tire of?

 

Eggplant Shirataki + WIAW

By

In honor of my crazy work week(s)…

I’m copying the growing wordless WIAW* trend.  Does good food really need words?  I think not.

*As usual (except for last week), Wednesday = Tuesday eats.

But first, a run.  I don’t know why I stopped posting these breakdowns… I like to look back at them.  Nevermind the fact that you have to suffer through them. 😉

Stats:

  • Distance – 4 miles
  • Time – 32:37 mins
  • Pace – 8:09 mins

___________________________________________________________________________________

Breakfast

I did say it is almost worldess WIAW, right?

The delicious Chocolate Breakfast Pudding.  So.  Good.

Lunch

Salad topped with carrots, celery, Purple Haze goat cheese, a Lightlife Chick’n Cutlet.  A bit chewy, but it wasn’t bad!

Snack

Cottage cheese tastes really, really good with peanut butter.  Someone call Intervention.

Not pictured: celery and hummus, Think Thin bar, and random handfuls of cereal.

Dinner

Big.  Win.

Mom recently told me about Shirataki Noodles – apparently it is just tofu pressed into noodles.  It’s gluten-free, vegan, low-cal, and – most importantly – a QUICK-FIX.

The only downside is the smell when you first remove them from the package, but that does go away once you rinse them (thoroughly) and pop them in the microwave for a minute.

To go with my noodles, I roasted some eggplant, red onion, and garlic in a quick vinaigrette.  Then tossed it all with an heirloom tomato (because I didn’t get enough at the tomato festival) and more Purple Haze goat cheese.

Perfect light dinner for a summer day!!!

…followed by a little something I like to call…

Dessert

____________________________________________________________________________________

Roasted Eggplant with Tofu Noodles

  • 1 medium eggplant, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1T EVOO
  • 1T marsala wine
  • 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp herbes de provence
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (reduce to 1/2 if you are sensitive to spicy foods)
  • 1 package Shirataki noodles (or 2 servings of pasta)
  • S+P, to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh tomato, cheese (I used goat)

Preheat oven to 425.  

Cut eggplants into 1/2 inch slices.  Generously salt the slices, allowing them to sit for 15-20 mins.  Wiping away the beads of water that form (this process removes excess moisture – which makes ggplant “slimey” – and bitterness).

Meanwhile, whisk together the oil, marsala, vineger, herbs, and pepper flakes.

Cut the eggplant slices into 1/2 inch cubes and toss in a large bowl with the garlic, red onion, and vinaigrette.  Spread eggplant onto foil-lined baking sheet and roast for ~3o minutes, tossing once halfway through.

Prepare noodles as instructed on package.

Divide among two plates, adding extra toppings as desired (I loved how the goat cheese melted and clung to mine!).

Makes 2 servings (or 4 sides).

***

I’ve taken to working from Starbucks lately.  They have a the bar where I can stand and a constant supply of caffine… perfection.

Do you find you get more work done from a “third-party” location?

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten today?

Chocolate Breakfast Pudding

By

How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat?

 

If you do eat your meat first, Google might give you a green light.

 

 

Apparently Google has begun giving their food a rating system.  (You know, the food that they supply their employees for FREE… no, I’m not jealous…)

  • Green = eat anytime
  • Yellow = eat occasionally
  • Red = splurge rarely


What’s next?  The Google Food Pyramid?

 

 

It is an interesting concept.  I wonder if it has the desired effect?  Would color–coded foods make you think twice?

 

Apparently vending machines (the only items that aren’t free to Google employees) are priced according to nutritional value. 

 

 

For example:

 

“Quaker Chewy Bars are 15 cents each, Famous Amos cookies re 55 cents, and an enormous Ghirardelli chocolate bar

is $4.25.”

 

 

Not that Quaker Chewy Bars are the pictue of health… but there are worse out there.

 

Check out this article for more info.


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If you are ME and you want pudding before you eat your meat you simply make it for breakfast.  Breakfast makes sweets acceptable – duh.

 

 

When searching for a sweet yet healthy source of protein for breakfast (read: too busy to go buy eggs or Greek yogurt), look no further then your trusty protein powder/drink supply.

 

Can’t decide between chocolate and vanilla?  Use both!

Want to cinnamon?  Dump it in!

How about some chia seeds for extra post-run hydration?  Done.

Want a little crunch with it?  Those raw Banana Nut Bars I made Friday are even better after sitting a couple of days.

Note: the banana granola and the banana in the pudding were a perfect pair! 

 

You’ve just witnessed the thought process that lead to the birth of Chocolate Breakfast Pudding.

____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Chocolate Breakfast Pudding

  • 1/3 dark chocolate EAS (or any chocolate milk alternative)
  • 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 banana, mashed
  • 1/2 T chia seeds
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon


Mix it all together and refrigerate overnight (or at least 2-3 hours for the chia to become “pudding”).  Stir and devour!

***

I would love healthier (and free!) options at my office’s lunch spot!

How would you feel if your employer implemented a similar system?

Does your opinion change if they are supplying the food to employees for free?

 

My Birthday Banana Bars

By

Today I am 28.

 

Just 2 years away from the dreaded age of 30.  Surprisingly, I don’t really care about turning 30.  In fact, I am looking forward to it.

It seems like a solid age.  One where you’re more established in your career and people take you seriously.   This should be fun to look back at in 2 years… 🙂

 

But I digress (progress?).  Today I am only 28.

 

I was going to pontificate on 28 things I’ve learned or do some equally inspiring; however, I was up most the night working.  

Kidding, kidding... I still love my job. Now pass the caffeine.

(Lesson learned #1: the “real” world doesn’t care that it’s your birthday – you still have to get yer shizz done.)

 

Instead, I’ll share with you a special delivery I got last night right when I was about to have a nervous breakdown around 11pm:

Sea salt and olive oil on the side

 

This is my favorite cake.  Sweet, salty, fudgy deliciousness.  Midnight snack worthy, fo’ sho’.

 

Part 2 of the delivery is the book you see in the background – Vino Italiano.  I cannot WAIT to devour this one.

Did I mention I’m going to a wine/food trip to Italy this fall?!  More on that later. 🙂

 

So what if I spent the beginning of my 28th year up all night working?  

 

This year the July 15th is under a Capricorn full moon (insert Twilight Zone music here) and that apparently means abundance, career, and money.  I can get on board with that.

 

Tomorrow my awesome mom throwing me a birthday party at her house.  Think: pool, corn hole, grilling Big Green Egg-style, and mas cerveza y vino and 30+ friends.  There may not be any photo evidence.

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

On top of all that, I invented my new favorite granola bar (which I’m munching on as I write – ‘scuse the crumbs).

 

It’s bananas.  Nutty.  No sugar added.  Crunchy and almost raw.  (Almost = “dehydrated” in the oven at 170 degrees.)

 

Try it out with your favorite nuts and seeds.  I used Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and cashews.

 

For a little bit of added sweetness, I used NuNatural Pure Liquid Vanilla Stevia (yes, they sent me samples… no, I wouldn’t lie to you).

I love how the vanilla scent it added went with the banana flavor!  (B-A-N-A-N-A-S!  I was trying realllly hard not to do that – blame Gwen Stephani.)

Vegan and gluten-free, ya’ll.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Banana Nut Bars

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 25 drops NuNaturals Pure Liquid Vanilla Stevia
  • 1 T nut butter (I used PB)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2T chia seeds
  • 1/4 C sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 C cashews
  • 10 Brazil nuts 

 

Preheat oven to 170 degrees.  

Place first 4 ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.  Add seeds and nuts, pulsing until seeds are beginning to break up and incorporate into the banana paste.  

Spread batter onto parchment-lined baking sheet to desired thickness (mine was about 1/4 inch thick).  

Place in oven for 6-8 hours, flipping 2-3 times after first 3-4 hours.  Turn oven off and allow to continue drying out overnight (~7 hours).  

Break into pieces/bars and enjoy!

***


EXCEPT I will post the winner of the awesome earbud giveaway!  If you’re a runner/walker, you should especially check these out – they won’t wiggle out and the music quality rocks.  

You have until midnight tonight to enter – good luck!!!

What’s your favorite way to celebrate your birthday?

Are you a big party-type of person or an intimate dinner?  Somewhere in between?

 

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