Sriracha Tours + Accidentally Gluten-Free WIAW

February 19, 2014 By Laura

Atlantarctica no more!

Working from home was nice, but the cold was no bueno.

This week we are finally thawing out down South (sorry about your luck, in the Northeast). While I hope it’s here to stay, I find myself craving a getaway. To some ~~place~~ thing warm.

Now that they aren’t shut down, California’s Huy Fong Foods factory (a.k.a. where Sriracha is made) is giving tours of the factory! It’s purportedly to educate people about “how our Sriracha is made and how delicious it smells” after near-by residents complained that the spicy Sriracha production caused “unpleasant odors and burning eyes.” ~~Wusses.~~

Source: http://theoatmeal.com/

Who’s up for a field trip???

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This WIAW I’m back in the office and on the wagon with meal prep. I brought back a few favorites, and learned to cook something new!

Read on for my eats, and then check out Jenn’s blog for everyone else’s delicious creations!…

Tagalong French Toast + A Broccoli Weekend

February 17, 2014 By Laura

I could eat a box of Tagalongs in one sitting.

Thankfully I haven’t proven that, but I’m sure I could.

While I was snowed (iced) in last week, I decided to make myself a healthier version. One that I could eat an entire plate of. And I did.

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Strange But Good: I’m Seeing Red

February 14, 2014 By Laura

Red is an extreme color.

And I love extremes.

Red is typically used as either a color of danger or a color of love. Obviously, this season is of love.

I happen to love food. Desserts especially. Even better if it’s strange (but good). My contribution to the #strangebutgood linkup today is a round-up of red-themed healthy treats. Many are even one-serving for Singles Awareness Day. 😉

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Mocha Beet Frappuccino

I make this 4-5 times a week. Usually without the coffee – I rarely drink it so I don’t keep it around.

Red Velvet Chia Cheesecake

It’s been too long since I’ve made this. Happening again next week. For breakfast.

Red Velvet Protein Mugcake

You guys know I’m a mugcake addict. I married this with my Marshmallow cake this week… there are no words.

Red Velvet Protein Bars

I didn’t come up with these, but I wish I had. These were a guest post by Kammie. They taste as good as they look. I keep a batch in my freezer for a quick snack when I need a chocolate fix. ~~Which is quite often.~~

Vegan Goat Cheese Stuffed Oven-Roasted Tomatoes

No, I’m not going to try to tell you a tomato is dessert. Just in case you already have dessert plans I wanted to include a savory item for you. This is a complicated-looking, gorgeous dish. And it’s extremely easy.

♥ Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥

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How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week? The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

An InLinkz Link-up

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Curious about the Fitmark giveaway? Click here to check to see the winner! Now, I must go get ready for my hot date.

What are you doing to celebrate VD? *snicker*

What’s your favorite red recipe? Link it up!

A Morning Cocktail + Fitmark Giveaway

February 12, 2014 By Laura

Atlantarctica.

No, that’s not a Ben & Jerry’s flavor.

My city is shut down over the winter weather. After the disaster 2 weeks ago, government leaders and business are taking no chances. We shut down yesterday… when nothing happened but rain.

Today promises to be more entertaining, but with nothing to report as of the time of this post… we’ll get right to the food and the giveaway.

This WIAW was unexpected work from home day. I love these days because it means I have time to put together meals and eat off of real plates! It’s the small things…

Read on for my eats, and then check out Jenn’s blog for everyone else’s delicious creations!…

Ingredient Spotlight: Cod

February 11, 2014 By Laura

Cod is a great choice for when you need something light.

By now, everyone has heard that a good diet needs to contain at least two portions of fish.

According to the NHS, we all need to start eating more fish, not just because they’re great sources of vitamins and minerals, but also because oily fish like salmon and fresh tuna are also high in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which the American Heart Association says is excellent at reducing risk of heart disease and arrhythmias….

5 Things I Love

February 10, 2014 By Laura

Last week was a long one.

Understatement of the year.

This past weekend I made sure to savour every blissful moment. I took an extra moment to appreciate new product finds, watch my sister’s music video on repeat, and enjoy dinner at a special restaurant for no particular occasion.

In this month of love, I wanted to share a few apples of my eye with you guys! ♥

1. Jojoba Oil

It is saving my skin from winter. My skin is dry in this crazy weather, yet it is also oily in spots and prone to breakouts. Slathering it with oil was a terrifying thought… but I trusted my sister’s advice and gave it a shot. Lo and behold, it works!

I now use Jojoba oil as a nightly moisturizer, along with a bit of tea tree oil on any acne spots. Both can be found at Whole Foods or most natural food stores.

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Strange But Cheesey

February 7, 2014 By Laura

What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?

Nach-yo cheese!

Today’s post isn’t about nacho cheese. It’s about cream cheese. However, if you know me you know that I love that joke. Any excuse to share. 🙂

We do have cheese today! Greek yogurt cream cheese. I buy mine from a local company called Atlanta Farm Fresh, but I’ve started seeing it from larger brands.

I’m not a big cream cheese fan, but I love the texture and the taste of the yogurt-based version. It’s less thick and rich – normally not a positive to me, but it always bothered me that cream cheese sort of sticks to your mouth.

I’ve been on a role using it for sweet and savory breakfasts, and for dessert. It may have resulted in some strange spreads, but they were good! Below are a few ways I’ve used it this week.

PrOATein Pancakes with Maple-Cinnamon Cream Cheese

PrOATein Pancake
2 T cream cheese
2 tsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp butter extract (optional, but not really)

Prepare pancakes according to instructions. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl.

Plate pancakes and slather with creamy, maple deliciousness.

In the Atlanta, we don’t have a lot of lox and it’s hard to find a good bagel. This is my Southern version of a New York classic breakfast.

Southern Breakfast Salmon

1 tortilla, toasted and sliced
Salmon
2 T cream cheese
1 T finely chopped parsley
Red pepper flakes, to taste

Slice and toast tortilla and remove pre-baked salmon (mine was done with lemon and dill) from the fridge.

Mix together cream cheese, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Spread onto tortilla slices. Top with salmon and more red pepper flakes, if desired.

Zucchini Batter with Butterscotch Cream Cheese Protein Spread

Zucchini Batter Protein Bowl
1 T cream cheese
1 T vanilla protein powder
1/4 tsp butterscotch extract
Water, to thin
Optional cherry on top

Prepare zucchini bread batter and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add water (or milk) slowly to reach desired consistency.

Spread atop the batter and top as desired.

I could have stopped there with the cherry a chocolate drizzle. But why?

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂

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It’s Friday and I have no plans for the weekend other than then gym tomorrow. I am elated.

Do you like cream cheese? Have you tried the Greek yogurt version?

What is your favorite dessert bowl topping? I’m all about the popcorn crunch!

Running Happy and Increasing Mileage

February 6, 2014 By Laura

A runner, I am not.

Unless it involves chocolate ~~or wine~~.

I’m sort of kidding. I used to consider myself a runner (hence the name of this blog), but my ACL had other plans.

Regardless, I was struck when Kat sent me her guest post for today. A lot of what she touches on is applicable to any area – whether it be other physical activities, work, or just life.

Who couldn’t use more stretching and rest? As much as we all hate to admit it, we aren’t invincible. Here’s Kat…