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Work It Out: Motivation & Inspiration

August 27, 2013 By Laura

Motivation is a key success factor in a fitness program.

 

And in life, for that matter.

We aren’t always 100%.  That would be super human.  When I’m struggling with motivation, I look for things that inspire me.  That inspiration gets me fired up to Work It Out.

sprint2table-workitout

 

The need for motivation and inspiration isn’t limited to working out.  I seek it out as it relates to recipe creation, work, relationship building, writing… even to fighting off procrastination.

There’s no better way to procrastinate than to surf the web seeking inspiration!

Places I Find Inspiration:

  • Magazines – I like Muscle & Fitness Hers, Food & Wine, Gourmet; I rip out the pages of the articles/pis I want to keep.  Some are taped to my fridge…
  • Websites – In addition to a million blogs, check out sites like Lifehack and Greatist
  • Other People – Do you have a boss or friend that has a particularly positive energy?  Call them up for a chat!
  • Your “Idols” – We all have a few people we want to be when we grown up.  I have a couple related to fitness, and a few in the business world.  Follow them on Facebook or Twitter; you get a “surprise” tidbit in your feed, and you can stalk them check in to see what they’re up to when you need a boost
  • Pinterest – Don’t laugh.  I have a board just for Inspiration, and I browse it when I’m needing a boost
  • Music – You know the song that gets your foot tapping?  The one you can’t help but bob your head to?  BLAST IT!!!

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In addition to my general suggestions, here are some quotes that light a fire under me:

 

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” -Socrates

secret of change

 

“Your biggest challenge isn’t someone else. It’s the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you that yells ‘I CAN’T’. But you do not listen. You just push harder. Then you hear that voice fade away and start to whisper ‘I can.’   That’s the moment you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are.”

I can

 

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” -Anais Nin

anais nin courage quote

 

“If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, you don’t ask what seat. You just get on.” -Sheryl Sandberg

rocketship sheryl sandberg

 

I mentioned in my list above that I take inspiration from other blogs.  Below are a few recent posts that have made me think:

  • Bonnie’s post on body image and her new motto, “Fitness for a Fuller Life”
  • Amanda’s 20 Ideas for Socializing Without Food (so timely as I head into competition mode!)
  • Thomas, a competitor and trainer at my gym, sent me a link to this post on his blog when I mentioned I was struggling with motivation (side note: dude is a beast)
  • Calee is always so good at keeping it in perspective; from her post: “Stop working out like it’s your job… Fitness should work for YOU. YOU should not be working for fitness.”

***

I also love before and after stories.  As hard as the path my seem, there’s always someone who’s come further. #noexcuses

Where do you find motivation/inspiration?

Who are your “Idols” – for fitness, career, life, etc?

 

Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: inspiration, motivation, quotes, work it out, workout

Getting Big is Marvelous

August 26, 2013 By Laura

This weekend was especially marvelous.

 

Not that all weekends aren’t good.

After several weeks in a row of go-go-go, it was nice to be in town and left to my own devices.  One might say it was absolutely marvelous.

Click the image for Katie’s Marvelous Monday link up!

 

Saturday I had brunch with some friends from grad school.  We had a great time catching up and resolved (again) not to go some long without a reunion.

On my way home, I stopped at The Fresh Market and picked up a few treats.  Apparently I was feeling ginger?

Ginger buys

 

Then I hit the gym.  Hard.  I am finally feeling comfortable lifting again, and seeing some good progress.  A guy I don’t know, but had seen around for a year or so know agreed… he stopped to tell me I was making some good progress and looked a lot bigger than I did a year ago.  I almost hugged him.

Just a couple of years ago I would have killed someone for telling me I look big.  On Saturday I was flattered and thrilled.  So much so that I had a photo shoot in the locker room… paying no mind to the lady changing and giving me the “WTF?!” look.  #sorryimnotsorry

gym progress

 

When I got home, I had a package.  The timing couldn’t have been better.  It was a delivery of my favorite protein powder from Growing Naturals!

I immediately busted out the vanilla and made a smoothie with spinach and raw sweet potato. It was good, but I want to perfect before sharing.

Growing Naturals

 

That night I went to see an artist I used to listen to in college – Melissa Ferrick.  The group of friends was totally random; they all responded to my plea for a concert buddy via Facebook.  Crowd sourcing concert buddies. 🙂

The venus is a listening room where there are tables and a full menu.  I brought my own food in.  It was really good!  And I saved some carbs to have a Guinness.  The best part about bringing your own healthy food to a show?  Coming home to a healthy dessert in an almost empty Greek yogurt container!  This was my favorite Carrot Cake Protein Batter, topped with granola and cocoa powder sauce.

Melissa Ferrick

 

Sunday I got up and made my Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes and a broiled grapefruit.  Is it just me or are pancakes are the perfect way to start the day?

I semi-homemade my own syrup.  It was 1 tsp sugar-free syrup, 1 tsp peanut flour, cinnamon, and a little water to thin.  I’ll be doing that again!

Cauliflower Protein Pancakes

 

There was a little snafu.  I left to run errands and forgot to turn off the stove.  The black beans I was cooking for the week turned to a char.  Oops.

No matter!  I had a date with some new friends to run sprints up Stone Mountain!  Even more fun was getting to introduce them to my favorite market, where I bought some things to make the dish below.  

I will share later.  Bwhahaha…

***

In other marvelous news, it was actually sunny and warm in Atlanta most of the weekend.  A nice change after our monsoon season.

What do you do with a “do what you want,” agenda-free weekend?

What was the last thing you burned?  After burning those beans, my condo smelled like a giant fart. 🙁

 

Filed Under: Breakfast, Fitness, Products, Weights Tagged With: breakfast, dessert, ginger, Growing Naturals, legs, Melissa Ferrick, MIMM, pancakes, protein, weight lifting, workout

Strange But Good: Jicama & Tofu Nachos

August 23, 2013 By Laura

Mexican-inspired breakfasts are some of my favorites.  Jicama & Tofu Nachos are my morning take on the giant plates of nachos I love for dinner!

This Mexican-ish deliciousness happened for breakfast, but I think it makes a good brinner dish too.  When is breakfast not appropriate?!

I don’t make guarantees often, but I promise that if you try this, you will be in love.  It seems like a lot of steps, but they happen simultaneously so it’s not too time consuming.

Jicima and Tofu Nachos 1

If you haven’t had jicama before, here’s what you need to know:

  • Pronounced HIK-ka-ma
  • Root vegetable, sometimes called a Mexican turnip
  • Tough brown skin should be peeled before eating or cooking
  • Inside is white, wet and crunchy… like if a potato and an apple had a baby
  • Flavor is slightly sweet, a little nutty
  • Low in calories
  • High in Vitamin C and fiber… but not just any fiber!  It’s fiber infused with oligofructose inulin, which has zero calories and doesn’t metabolize in the body
  • Inulin enhances absorption of calcium from other foods and is a prebiotic (read: promotes “good” bacteria growth)

Jicama is good raw in salads like my Edamame and Jicama Salad, but it’s also great roasted.  I cut it into “chips” and roasted it in the oven for use as the nachos in this recipe.

It was awesome topped with tomatoes and creamy avocado… and tofu!  If you haven’t baked tofu before, now is the time to try it.  It poofs up like marshmallows!  In a good way.

Jicima and Tofu Nachos 2

Even more fabulous was the runny egg on top.  That #yolkporn dripped down into the crevices of my nacho creation, making each bite worthy of a giddy grin.

My only complaint was the not-so-happy ending – I was really sad when the last bite had been taken.

[Tweet “Jicama & Tofu Nachos are a healthy, breakfast spin on nacho plates!”]

 


Jicama and Tofu Nachos

Jicama & Tofu Nachos

  • 1 small jicama, peeled and sliced thinly
  • 6 oz tofu, cubed
  • 1 tsp Mexican spice blend (use your favorite)
  • 1/2 medium tomato
  • 1/4 avocado
  • Egg (optional)
  • Garnish ideas: lime, red pepper flakes, pepper

Place the thinly sliced jicama on half of a parchment-lined baking sheet.  

Season cubed tofu with your favorite Mexican spices and place on the other half of the baking sheet.  

Cook both under broil for 10 mins, flipping half way through.  Make sure you watch the jicama closely so as not to burn it.

While that is roasting, cut your tomato and avocado into cubes.  Set aside.

When the chips and tofu are done, remove from the oven.  Arrange chips in nacho-form on the baking sheet.  Top with tofu, tomato, and avocado.  Place the pan back in the oven under the broiler for ~5 mins, until warmed through.

Meanwhile, cook egg to desired level of doneness on the stove top.

Remove chips from over and verrrry carefully slide off onto a plate.  Top with the egg (if using) and garnish as desired.


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.

Sprint 2 the Table

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


***

Today my dad would have been 58 years old. I still feel the hole in my heart… but the Mitch Albom quote holds true: “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” I feel his presence, love, and support every day. His lessons live on through the lives he touched. Happy Birthday, Old Man.

How do you like your eggs?  Green with ham? 😉

Have you ever had jicama?  Do you prefer it raw of cooked?

Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipes, Strange But Good Tagged With: breakfast, brinner, eggs, gluten-free, jicama, Mexican, nachos, strange but good, tofu, vegan, vegetarian, yolk porn

Keeping it Healthy in San Francisco

August 22, 2013 By Laura

 Vacations are an important part of staying healthy.

 

Mental health is no joke!

I took Monday off of blogging because my friends and I impulsively decided to extend our stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  My sanity and I needed it.

It was a fun-filled weekend… there was plenty of debauchery, but we stayed active too.  Curling giant bottles of wine counts, right?

Blue Ridge

 

We braved rain and chilly weather to go paddle boarding.  It was my first time!  I think it would be more fun if it had been warm amd sunny… and you best believe I’ll be trying again!

I didn’t fall in once!  Fear of cold water will give you balancing super powers.

Paddle boarding

The dog (Milo) went down the river too!

 

The more “traditional” relaxation activities ensued as well.

The cabin’s hot tub was well-loved.  We refueled with a feast cooked by the lovely Latina women on the trip.  And we played board games that involved poetry writing.  Have you ever heard of Quelf?  Good fun!

The poem for me. 🙂

 

I may not be a natural at everything, but relaxing?  Relaxing is my jam.

Kat is having her own relaxation time after taking the Bar Exam.  Of course, her version includes winning races in San Fran and running a 50K.  You know, for fun.

Read on for this force of nature’s adventures and healthy travel tips!

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My San Francisco To-Do List – Keeping it Healthy

Because I’m not working full-time yet, I am actually taking some time to relax, enjoy life, go on a couple of trips and maybe do a little conferencing.  This week I am in the San Francisco Bay Area (Editor’s note: Color me jealous.  This is one of my favorite parts on the country!) for the annual Lavender Law Conference, but I tacked on the weekend to do essential “Kat” things.

To Do List

 

As many of you know and experience, it can be hard to stay healthy on vacation.  Laura did a great job on her birthday trip with running, and some healthy meals (Editor’s note: Shameless plug… this is the post I did about that on my California trip).

I’m having a similar trip, and still enjoying cool food (Editor’s note: I’d break up with you as a friend if you didn’t 😉 ).  I’m also enjoying the cider, wine, and cocktails, but nothing to excess.

 

My favorite tips for keeping a healthy vacation:

  • Find rock-star baby-sitters for your fur-babies.  It can put your mind at ease, and keep stressors low.  I could not be here with out Khristina and Tara helping me out.
  • Try to stay with a friend, if possible.  It makes many of the following tips easier.  (My friends Sara and Jenny are angels for hosting me for 10 days).
  • Go to the grocery store and pick of some of your favorite healthy staples!  (I immediately got apple cider vinegar and bee pollen).
  • Plan a few nights to have meals at home.  You know what’s in your food, and can make healthy (and delicious) choices.  (Doesn’t hurt that Sara is also an awesome cook!)
  • Make or find fresh juices and don’t have a heavy breakfast every day. (Oh, and Sara juices with fresh fruit and veggies every morning… I’m in heaven).
  • Plan to be outside!  It’s the easiest way to stay active – weather walking, running, biking, hiking, etc.  (I planned two races and 3 other day trips!)
  • Breath Deeply.
  • Actually try not to think about work!  I didn’t check email all day today.  Laura can attest to this, as she thought a blog was not coming for Thursday!
  • Give yourself a break.

 

I know a lot of them overlap, but how many of you still sometimes work (even a little) on vacation?  I bet more of you than want to admit it.  But time off, to renew and regenerate is key to happy, healthy living.  It can help you be a better girlfriend, wife, employee, mom, friend, etc., etc. when you get back.

Note To Self

 

I know breathing deeply doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it is.  (Editor’s note: I have to remind myself of this on the regular.)

Sara and Jenny have taken me to 3 overlooks, just to enjoy the views, breath, smile, and relax.

Wildcat Canyon Road Overlook from Berkeley

Wildcat Canyon Road Overlook from Berkeley

San Francisco From Twin Peaks – check out how the fog opens up!

San Francisco From Twin Peaks – check out how the fog opens up!

(all photos taken from the same spot within 5-7 minutes)

San Francisco from Sausalito

San Francisco from Sausalito

 

I also decided to keep it active and fun by exploring tons of new trails!  I first had a Cinderella 30K race at Joaquin Miller Park and the Redwood Regional Park on Sunday (and I placed in my age group!), then I did some exploring in the city on Monday (who knows how many miles Jaime and I walked).

Tuesday I ran/hiked all the trails on the southeast side of Tilden Regional Park, and Wednesday I went to Half Moon Bay for a walk on the beach, and to Huddard Park for the MOST FUN run of the week.  I was flying.

Joaquin Miller Park

Joaquin Miller Park

Tilden Regional Park

Tilden Regional Park

Halfmoon Bay & Huddart Park (redwood central)

Halfmoon Bay & Huddard Park (redwood central)

 

Next weekend, I get to participate in the Mount Tam 50K.  It’s got limited entries, and I got in off the waitlist!  yay!

I could go home now and not be disappointed.  But the conference starts today, and I’m super excited to network, learn a bunch, and maybe even party a little with the folks from the conference!  (Editor’s note: My career counselor in grad school taught a class called “Networking or NOT working” – SO true.)

I feel compulsive about wanting to share my adventures with you guys (Editor’s note: Welcome to being a blogger)!  But I guess there will be more in two weeks!

Random Vacation Pics

Random Vacation Pics

***

Kat’s post this week is making me want to go back to SF!  Also, I giggled while posting the hot tub pic… 😉

How do you stay active and healthy on vacation?  Do you turn off your cell phone?

Any tips for more stuff to do in the San Francisco area?  There might be zip-lining in Sonoma on Sunday!

 

Filed Under: Fitness, Guest Post, Travel Tagged With: Blue Ridge, Kat, paddle boarding, Quelf, running, San Francisco, wine

Samsung Galaxy Camera + WIAW

August 21, 2013 By Laura

Once in a blue moon I surprise myself…

 

Get it?  Last night was a blue moon…

I’ve always lamented having to take pictures of food.  I just want to make it and chow down.  My inner fat kid doesn’t like to wait for a photo shoot.  

Then there’s the transfer of pics to the computer.  Then editing.  That is less painful than I build it up to be, but it doesn’t stop me from some serious procrastination.  In short, I’m lazy and I’d rather do everything on my iPhone via Instagram.

But a new toy has come into my life and saved the day.  Thanks to Verizon and the Fitfluential Ambassador program, I was given a Samsung Galaxy Camera with Verizon 4G LTE network to try.  ***As always, all opinions are my own.***

camera

I was entertained on the drive to the mountains by taking pics of my iPhone and posting them to IG from my camera… while playing with IG on my iPhone too.  Simple minds, simple pleasures…

 

The Samsung Galaxy is basically a iPhone in camera form.  It even has a preloaded Instagram app to make over sharing stupid easy.  Sharing is done quickly, directly from the camera over Verizon’s 4G LTE network.

Instant gratification, for the win. 😉

20130817_193701

Foggy Blue Ridge Mountains

 

Some of you camera enthusiasts might appreciate that fact that it’s a 16 megapixel and 1080p HD video camera that features a 21x optical zoom lens.  I appreciate that there are pre-set modes allowing a total novice to take decent pics – even at night.  (Never fear for the camera geeks – there’s also an Expert Control mode to manually adjust shutter speed.)

Check out the blue moon last night:

20130820_212250

Taken using the “Night” setting

 

The large HD LCD touch screen makes it convenient to edit photos and videos right from the camera.  You can share it on any number of social networks, add it to your Dropbox, and even email it to yourself!

Mind = blown

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This WIAW was a bit disorganized.  Deciding to stay an extra day in the mountains meant I missed my farmer’s market run (Worth.  It.).  Most of this was obtained from the freezer or from a 15 min sprint 2 the local grocery chain. 😉

WIAWbutton

Read on for my odd-ball food, and then check out Jenn’s link up for everyone else’s delicious days.

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Breakfast:

My favorite addiction, my morning cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and  Fitmixer Aminos) started my day out productively… if you know what I mean…

It was an egg-y morning.  I made a quick omelette seasoned with cumin, cayenne, and cilantro.  It was stuffed with avocado and turkey.  That was followed up with a side of grapefruit.

eggs and grapefruit

 

Mid-Morning Snack:

This was my post-workout refuel.  I made a Zucchini Bread Protein Smoothie , only I subbed 1.5 oz of tofu for the cottage cheese and left out the spinach (I’m all out!).  I topped it with my custom granola from last week.  Really, really loving it!

And a cherry on top (followed by a few more on the side).

Zucchini Bread Smoothie

 

Lunch:

Swordfish (surprisingly good from the freezer) with red bell pepper, zucchini, and a slice of Ezekial bread.

Steak of the Sea

Afternoon Snack:

Another lazy man’s turkey salad.  I ripped up some no salt added turkey meat from the deli and mixed it with celery, red pepper flakes, cumin, nutritional yeast, and apple cider vinegar.

I ate my Dora edamame on the side.  Kid food is 100% acceptable as a single adult, no?

dora edamame

 

There was also a new gum involved.  I really liked the Pomegranate flavor, and I appreciate the crew at Pur Gum sending me these samples … but I wish the flavor had lasted more than 5 mins. 🙁

pur gum

 

Dinner:

Sea Bass (also surprisingly good from the freezer) with some hard-core roasted brussels and Injera (Ethiopian bread made of teff flour and water).

injera and sea bass

“Dessert” was what I was really excited for… roasted kabocha!  I topped it with peanut flour sauce and more of my custom granola.

cocoa roasted kabocha

 

Dessert:

Still struggling to hit my carbs, I added a little extra yum to my Carrot Cake Protein Batter.  I stirred in oats and topped it with my custom granola (again) and a cocoa powder sauce.  And cherries. I’m still a little low, but it was close!

Taken and shared on IG via my Samsung Galaxy camera!

Taken and shared on IG via my Samsung Galaxy camera!

***

You know I’m excited about a camera when I go wandering through the park after dark to take pics of the moon.  I’m a little shocked I didn’t get mugged…

Have you ever even heard of a smart camera like this?  How long until cameras and phones are always one in the same? 

Do you like “real” pictures or are you an iPhone photographer?

 

Filed Under: Products Tagged With: breakfast, dessert, dinner, kabocha, lunch, protein, Samsung Galaxy Camera, seafood, snacks, Verizon, WIAW

Work It Out: Chest and Biceps

August 20, 2013 By Laura

It’s wrong to play favorites.

You know you have one.

There are children foods you like more than others, and the same goes for workouts.  Try as I might to love leg day, my heart lies with Chest and Bicep day.

After last week’s Work It Out FAQ post, I received a lot of questions about what a typical week of workouts looks like for me.  I thought it would be an easy post to throw together until I realized I’d actually neglected my favorite Day!

sprint2table-workitout

A typical week of workouts will come, but today’s Work It Out couldn’t be delayed – its high time I post my favorite workout.

And you all have to try it as a personal favor to me because I’m not allowed to do chest yet.

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Working out Chest and Biceps on the same day may seem odd to some of you.  The more traditional school of thought is to do Bis/Tris and Chest/Back.  I used to subscribe to that theory too.

The idea behind doing Chest/Bis together and Back/Tris together is that you use your Biceps as a secondary muscle for Back day, and Triceps as secondary on Chest day.  By splitting them up, you are about to get more out of each muscle group.  For example, if you do Chest with Tris, you will be fatigued before you should be on your Tri exercises because you used them while doing bench presses first.

People will argue any number of ways is “right.”  Bottom line: Don’t be afraid to experiment and figure out what YOU like best.

On to the fun part!  This is my favorite workout of all time.  I hope you like it too!

Chest and Biceps

Click the names for explanations:

  • Flat Bench Press – dumbbell
  • Decline Bench Press – bar
  • Incline Bench Flys – dumbbell
  • Vertical Press Machine
  • Preacher Curls – EZ bar
  • Standing Bicep Curls – dumbbell
  • Lying Bicep Curls – cable
  • Standing Concentration Curls – dumbbell

***

Check out my free Macro Calculator, which helps time your meals to get the most out of your workouts!

What is your favorite workout?

Which muscle groups do you like to work together?

Filed Under: Fitness, Weights Tagged With: biceps, chest, figure competition, weight lifting, work it out, workout

Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes

August 16, 2013 By Laura

Cauliflower is surprisingly versatile.

Or maybe I’m surprisingly strange?

Either way, these are good.  Cauliflower may seem like a strange thing to make pancakes with, but it’s one of those veggies (like spinach) that doesn’t have a strong taste.

Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes 2

 I had to do a few trials, but persistence paid off.  My first trials were without the oats, but it does need that addition to thicken properly.

What results in a super-fluffy pancake hiding a little extra veggie punch that NO ONE will ever guess is in there.  I added a quick blackberry syrup and decorated with some toasted sunflower seeds, which added a nice crunch to every bite.

Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes 1

A couple of tips:

  • Cut the cauliflower into small pieces to so that they will blend smoothly
  • Make sure to grease the pan well to make flipping easier
  • Don’t touch the pancakes until they are ready to flip.  If you mess with them, it will take away from the fluff factor.

Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes

Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes

For the Pancakes:

  • 2 T oatmeal
  • 100g (~2/3 C) cauliflower
  • 1/4 C egg whites
  • 1 T (1/2 scoop) vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp no sodium baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp butter extract (optional)
  • 5-6 drops liquid stevia

For the Blackberry Syrup:

  • 1/4 C blackberries, mashed
  • 1 tsp sugar-free syrup

In a blender (I used a Magic Bullet), pulse the oats into a flour.  Place in mixing bowl.

Place cauliflower in the blender cup with egg whites and mix until smooth.  

Add oats back in, along with the remaining ingredients.  Blend until combined.

Cook in a well-greased skillet (I used PAM).

Meanwhile, mix together syrup ingredients in a small bowl.  Place in the microwave for ~10 seconds to warm and “melt” the berries.

Plate the ‘cakes and drizzle with syrup.  I also added sunflower seeds as a crunchy garnish.

Serves 1.


 

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.

Sprint 2 the Table

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

***

This week has certainly been strange… it’s so cool in Atlanta it feels like October!  Normally this would be awesome, but I’m crossing my finger for a little warmth because I’m supposed to try paddle boarding for the first time this weekend!

What is your favorite way to sneak in extra veggies?

Do you like to make pancake breakfasts?  Or are you an oat/egg/yogurt/other person?

Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipes, Strange But Good Tagged With: blackberries, breakfast, brunch, gluten-free, oats, pancakes, protein, strange but good, vegetarian

The Most Luxurious Hummus Ever

August 15, 2013 By Laura

This is a bold statement.

I didn’t make it.

Claims like these typically make me skeptical… but I make an exception when it’s made by a Greek food blogger.  After reading her recipe below you will be a believer too.  I started drooling at the mere mention of truffles.

I first met Anna at a Food Buzz conference a few years ago.  She immediately impressed me with her height ability to eat copius amounts of hummus #strangebutgood approach to food.  Her blog has been in my Reader Feedly ever since!


When she proposed we do a hummus recipe exchange, I was a little nervous. I mean, this IS the lady that dreamed up Peanut Butter Bacon Hummus.   After gathering my balls courage, I finally came up with a recipe for Guacamole Hummus.  It’s pretty gosh-darn good if I do say so myself.  Why wouldn’t you combine the two best dips ever?!

Note: My recipe includes THE secret for achieving perfectly smooth hummus. 😉

Guacamole Hummus 1

Check out Anna’s Luxurious Hummus below, and then hop on over to her blog for my Guacamole Hummus.


I first met Laura at a food blogger conference in San Francisco.  Coincidentally it was a conference of hummus, sponsored by hummus giant, Sabra.  The first night of the conference we all got absolutely bombarded with hummus. The grand finale offering was hummus dessert, which the world might not just be ready for yet.  I’ll leave this to Laura as a “Strange But Good” challenge.

Anna is in the middle

Anna is in the middle

I’m Anna from Banana Wonder. The six-foot spawn of a Greek mathematician and Californian hippie, I’m fanatical about almond croissants, pretzels, and most importantly, hummus. I am addicted to making and eating hummus!  Ever since I got my first mini food processor five years ago, I have not stopped.  The mash-ups are countless!

On this occasion, I made the most luxurious hummus ever.  It’s hummus in a tuxedo and vegan snake-skin boots.  It’s got cashew cream, velvety cannellini beans, white truffle extra virgin olive oil and black truffle salt.  Creamy, rich, and downright elegant, this is the treat yo-self hummus.

Luxurious (Truffle) Hummus bowl

Now, you may be thinking, but hummus is made with chickpeas… ok, ok, so sometimes I blend up other beans with tahini and to me it’s still hummus. Feel free to make it with chickpeas.  I do love chickpeas, but I find white beans made an even smoother, creamier dip.

Truffle oil embodies the dip, giving it body and depth.

Truffle salt boosts the above.

Cashew cream. Well, it’s kind of like butter…

Peep Laura’s Guacamole Hummus over at bananawonder.com!


Luxurious (Truffle) Hummus

The Most Luxurious Hummus Ever

  • 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (do not skip the draining and rinsing part or else your hummus will come out like chunky glue)
  • 1/4 C raw cashews
  • 1/4 C warm water
  • 1/2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp truffle salt
  • 2 T white truffle extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp tahini
  • dash of rice wine vinegar (totally optional) 

Combine cashews and water, let stand for about 10 minutes. Blend until smooth in a processor, blender, or whatever you emulsify in. 

Add garlic, tahini, olive oil, salt and vinegar and blend until smooth. 

Whirl in the beans until smooth. 

Finish with extra cashews and olive oil if you choose. 

***

I emailed Anna as soon as I read this to complain that I’m out of truffle oil.  Looks like a trip to Whole Paycheck is in my future…

What is your favor hummus flavor?

Do you like to make your own hummus or prefer the store-bought?

Filed Under: Dip, Guest Post, Recipes Tagged With: Banana Wonder, guacamole, hummus, protein, vegan, vegetarian

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