Hotel Food + WIAW

June 12, 2013 By Laura

This community blows me away.

That tickles my ta-tas.

All joking aside, I am so, so appreciative of everyone who stopped by and left supportive comments about yesterday’s announcement. I was fully expecting to get slammed by at least a few people, but I didn’t get the first negative comment! It is a personal choice and everyone seemed to acknowledge it.

My mom was surprised I posted about it, but I’m not going to act like I magically grew boobs overnight (wouldn’t it be cool if there was a boob fairy?) and randomly decided to take a break from working out. Keeping it real, y’all.

On top of all that, no one asked awkward questions! I guess you guys are more polite than I am. 😀

What I did love were comment from those of you who’ve had it done. I am really nervous about the recovery and you made me feel a LOT better.

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This day of WIAW is actually a day and a half-ish. I was traveling for work, and due to storms on the East coast I ended up spending 8.5 hours in the Atlanta airport. Preparation saved me.

Check out my travel eats below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see what everyone else is enjoying!

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Airport Snack 1:

I knew I’d need to eat one meal in the airport, so I’d come prepared with a crab salad. This was just crab, red bell pepper, raw zucchini, nutritional yeast, cumin, cayenne, turmeric, and black pepper.

The best part is the utensil I found at a fast food place to eat it with: a spork!!!

Airport Dinner:

Having to eat this meal in the airport was a surprise. Delta delayed my flight over and over before they finally cancelled it. In total, I spent 8.5 hours in the Atlanta airport. I (finally) made it out, but on another airline.

I always travel with emergency tuna packets and random spices in my bag. The little Ms. Dash was obtained from a cafeteria on a previous work trip. The salad was purchased from Quizno’s in the airport.

Hotel Surprise:

That night when I (finally) arrived in the hotel I had a surprise waiting for me:

Hotel Zasa‘s turn-down service includes a rice krispy treat!!! It was delish, but I managed to stop at half and eat an apple taken from their gym.

Pro Tip: Hotel gyms almost always have a fruit bowl. Perfect place to grab a free snack.

Pre-Workout:

Normally I eat before liftingin the morning, but I’d gotten in and had my snack so late I wasn’t starving. I DID have my morning cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos). It turns out that you can get through security with a small container of apple cider vinegar.

Totally patted myself on the back for this one.

Despite the late night I was motivated to go after seeing it the night before. There were chandeliers in the workout room!!! I’m also motivated by the fast that today is my last workout before surgery. I’m trying to enjoy it while I can!

Side note: The women in the background was with my client. We hadn’t met in person before, so I didn’t realize it until the meeting started a few hours later.

Breakfast:

Our meeting began early in the morning, so breakfast was supplied in part by the hotel. I got berries, eggs with some onions and red pepper, and a strip of bacon. The eggs weren’t good (hotel eggs never are), so I mainly ate bacon and fruit. And my own little #strangebutgood creation: chocolate protein powder mixed with coffee. Mocha protein pudding!

Mid-Morning Snack:

We had a working snack time. The hotel brough in mixed nuts and fruit. These nut mixes are salty and have those totally unhealthy little crackers in them. I enjoyed every bite.

I stole the mint garnish for the pic. #sorryimnotsorry

Lunch:

More hotel meeting food. I took the meat out of some dried out tortillas and ate it with the pico and guac. Only ate a few bits of the dry rice. Have I mentioned I dislike meeting-food?

Afternoon Snacks:

I would normally have eaten the tuna here, but Friday’s delay threw me off. I did have this mini Recharge bar leftover from Blend schwag bags. It was pretty good!

There were also the obligatory pretzels on the (delayed) fight while I worked away. I got over the Biscoff addiction, but can never say no to pretzels.

Dinner:

I was desperation hungry by the time I finally got home. I did have some veggies on hand, so I thawed a veggie burger and used collard greens to make a “taco.” The stuff on top was parsnip rice mixed with diced cucumber, basil, nutritional yeast, cayenne, cumin, turmeric, and pepper.

Dessert:

Since I’m having surgery on Thursday, I can’t eat after midnight Wednesday. And my surgery isn’t until 1p!!! Obviously, I am already worried about being hungry. Despite a late dinner, I had a double size Carrot Cake Protein Batter… after eating a lot of unpictured Muesli Fusion (also from Blend) straight out the bag. Bam.

It topped with with cacao nibs and peanut flour fluff (I do random peanut flour mixes – this one was with almond milk, flax, cinnamon, and chocolate stevia).

***

While I’m recovering I have a few guest posts lined up… I know people sometimes ~~ignore~~ skim those, but as I got through them I’m really hoping you will take a sec to read. They are awesome! I even have a guest #strangebutgood for Friday. 🙂

Have you ever used a spork?

Honesty. Always the best policy? I sometimes wish I had a 5 second delay on my mouth…

Strawberry Fields Forever

June 10, 2013 By Laura

Let me take you down…

Random fact: I listened to The Beatles religiously high school.

I’ve been religiously adding berries to everything lately. You’ve seen these if you follow me on Instagram, but here’s round up of some marvelous strawberry creations last week.

You may have noticed that I love to add fruit to seafood. Most of the time it’s in the form of a salmon creation
(Like salmon and peaches. Try it.) Last week I was on a crab bender, and so this salad was born:

Crab and Strawberry Salad

Crab meat
Strawberries, sliced
Basil
Balsamic
Lime juice
Pepper
Paprika

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Strawberries are also good for breakfast! Friday morning I treated myself with a breakfast pizza. Normally this would involve yolk porn, but I was out.

Instead, I made a creamy spread by blending my cottage cheese, and used bacon and strawberries as toppings. The kicker was the fig balsamic glaze I’ve been adding to everything.

Strawberry Breakfast Pizza

Flatbread or pizza crust (I used P28)
1/4 C no-salt cottage cheese
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp almond extract
3-4 drops liquid stevia
Strawberries
Bacon, pre-cooked and broken into “sprinkles”
Optional toppings: hemp seeds, cacao nibs, balsamic

Top pizza and place in oven under broil for a few mins.

Sprinkle with hemp seeds, cacao nibs, balsamic… or other toppings of choice!

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Lastly, we must have strawberries on dessert! My #1 favorite “healthy” dessert is my 150 Calorie Chocolate Cake. Who knew 2 minutes in the microwave could produce such a perfectly moist individual cake?! I followed my original recipe, but used mashed sweet potato in place of the apple sauce. I think I’ll be doing that from now on – it was fabulous!

For the strawberry topping, I simply mashed up some fresh berries in a bowl, added a tiny bit of balsamic, and microwaved it to warm. The heat juices the berries even more, making for a delicious fruit syrup.

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One more thing… I’m now a strawberry blonde! I went lighter for the summer. Yes, my hair color is seasonal. Holla at Karen and Lava Hair Studio.

How’s that for a berry Marvelous Monday? Check out all of the Monday Marvels at Katie’s linkup!

***

I have a little announcement tomorrow… I’m a little nervous about it, but I’m all about being real. Suspense.

What is your favorite way to use strawberries (other than plain)?

Do you change your hair or something about your “look” seasonally?

Strange But Good: Butternut, Collard & Tomato Wrap (BCT)

June 7, 2013 By Laura

Get excited. The mystery breakfast is about to be revealed.

You were holding your breath, I know… 😉

I loved seeing all of the guesses on Instagram and in Wednesday’s post comments. They gave me a ton of ideas for new iterations! It wasn’t quinoa, TVP, chickpeas, or tofu… however, you can easily make it vegan with any of those subs.

This creation was two days in the imagining process. It started as a BLT in a collard wrap and by the time I actually got into the kitchen it had become a Butternut, Collard & Tomato Wrap. Thinking of my Sweet Potato Pan-lette from my very first #strangebugood post, it further evolved into an egg-laced scramble.

Mashed butternut squash creates quite the voluminous scramble when combined with egg! That subtly sweet squash with a few fun spices provides you with a fluffy flavor explosion, all ~~neatly~~ wrapped in a giant, raw collard leaf.

The nutritional yeast adds the “cheese” factor, while the tomato adds to the Indi-Mex (that my new food style – Indian and Mexican fusion) flavor profile. Now that we all know that sesame seeds, garlic, and basil are detoxifying, I was sure not to leave those out of the mix.

I couldn’t help myself – I added some turkey to the scramble for even more protein. Like I said above, any of the guesses would make excellent subs to keep this dish meat-less.

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Butternut, Collard & Tomato Wrap (BCT)

1/2 tsp sesame seeds
1/2 C butternut squash, mashed
1 egg white
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch of cinnamon
Juice of 1/4 lime
1 small tomato, diced
1/4 C basil, chopped

Optional: turkey or other protein
Raw collard greens

In a pan, lightly toast sesame seeds until golden. Set aside.

Meanwhile, mash butternut squash in a bowl. Add egg while and scramble together. Add garlic, nutritional yeast, and spices, stirring to combine.

Place mixture in a coated or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Scramble as you would an egg, cooking until mixture begins to fluff (this indicated the egg white is cooked).

Add lime juice, tomato, basil, and any desired proteins. Cook 2-3 mins more, until warmed through.

Remove from heat and scoop butternut mixture into collards. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Enjoy!

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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. 🙂

Loading InLinkz …

***

I know my site has had some issues loading, and I apologize for that! It will come up eventually… I’m working to get it sorted out ASAP. Technical stuff isn’t my specialty. #strangebutnotgood

Do you ever go to bed thinking about a breakfast idea? It’s my version of counting sheep.

Have you ever had squash or sweet potato for breakfast?

Georgia Running Trail Review + Pancake Fuel

May 30, 2013 By Laura

Starting out on the right foot is important.

Yet so often I forget…

Kat’s post today is all about trail running, I thought I’d share a quick pancake recipe (sorry if you saw this on Instagram already). She talks about hiking fuel at the end of this post, but my recipe would be good for pre-hike fuel!

These cakes have a great mix of carbs and protein to start you off feeling the right amount of full! I really loved how moist they were (yes, I used the word moist) thanks to the cottage cheese. Leaving some larger pieces of the oats gives it a fabulous chew, especially if you use a mix of grains (mine is oats and millet).

Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes

(Inspired by Morganne)

1/4 c oats
1/3 c egg whites
1/4 c cottage cheese
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp butter extract
1/4 tsp baking powder
Stevia or other sweetener, to taste

Place all ingredients in a lender (I used the small Magic Bullet container) and briefly mix, allowing some larger pieces of oats to remain. Cooked in a pan over medium heat, flipping half way through.

Top as desired. I used raspberries, strawberries, and peanut butter syrup. My syrup mix consisted of sugar-free syrup, peanut flour, caramel extract, and a little water. I didn’t measure… but just guess and adjust as you go.

I’ve babbled enough! Here’s Kat!!!

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Mega Trail Heaven – Trail Reviews!

Since I last wrote, yes, Law School Graduation happened! It was a crazy day, and yes, it’s true, family drama cannot be kept at bay. I did have friends and family visit from all over, and it ended up being completely AWESOME. I am especially grateful to my friends who came from out-of-state, and even from locations 8 hours away.

And afterwards, we went out on the town. Dancing with Mom and Grammy was awesome!

After the fancy cocktail party, we went to a local club to dance the night away. Grammy I think won us all over, and my friends dancing with Grammy was also not too shabby… the pics below are not even the highlights but I don’t want to really embarrass anyone. 😉 (Editor’s note: Yes, let’s not ruin any political careers…)

And, in honor of celebrating graduation and my little break before bar review, I am having a little fun! (Editor’s note: WELL deserved!)

First, I got a new bike! She is a Scott Plasma tri bike, and she rides like a Porsche! I took her out on Friday for our first ride together! (Editor’s note: What’s her name?!)

Second, I am trail running like crazy! I have hit over 5 different trails in the last week for some long, much needed and deserved runs. Here is an overview of some of the trails and my personal “Trail Review.”

1. Sope Creek trails

Sope Creek is located just outside the Atlanta perimeter (285). A short drive for local Atlanta folk, and they are GORGEOUS. These trails are easy to navigate with maps at every turn. There are not many hills, and most of them are also suitable for mountain biking! There are also some cool old paper mill ruins.

(Editor’s note: I grew up RIGHT there and went to Sope Creek Elementary!)

2. Yeti Trails

Saturday, I went over to the Tributary and got a good run in on the Yeti Trails, which are located near Sweetwater State Park. (Editor’s note: I love these trails!)

These trails are pretty mild with some incline and decline, but no mountains, that’s for sure. They’re well-shaded and provide scenic views of water crossings and the river. You can also throw in some steeper hills at the power lines and gas lines, if you desire! (All before I went car shopping! You will get to see my new car next time!)

Yeti Trails

3. Hiker Hostel

Then I headed up to the mountains and stayed at Hiker Hostel, a cute little hostel that allows dogs! So we could bring pups up to hike AND I could run some trails.

Hiker Hostel is great because it’s family owned by a husband and wife who are super friendly, and they have their own bees for honey, and their own chickens! Such an adorable home. If you are ever in North Georgia, it’s a great place to stay! They also have a fully equipped kitchen downstairs so you can make your own dinner.

They have chickens to provide eggs for your breakfast!

They also sell their coffee by the pound, and with a message!

4. Vogel State Park

This cute get-away allowed us to first go up to Vogel State Park where we hiked the Bear Hair Trail with the dogs, and I got to go for a run on the Georgia Death Race course.

The hike on Bear Hair was awesome – lots of beautiful plants, including “flaming azaelias,” a local wild flower, and plenty of water crossings. There were enough hills to make it a difficult hike, but a fun couple of hours with the pups.

Vogel State Park

Then, I hit the Appalachian Trail… a bit easier to run here than on Bear Hair, and not QUITE as much scenery. The trails are pretty rocky, with some water crossings. I had never seen these trails during the day!!! I also had a cathartic moment where I revisited the location where I sprained my ankle.

5. Woody Gap

Monday morning I went for a run at Woody Gap, a section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) between Vogel and Amicalola Falls State Park. These trails are comparable to the AT by Vogel but has better scenic overlooks and is a bit rockier.

They are a difficult run, but worth the beauty. I also ran into a bunch of hikers, surprised to see a runner out there! (Editor’s note: further proof you’re a bad ass.)

Woody Gap

6. Amicalola Falls

Then we went to Amicalola Falls on Monday afternoon for some more hiking. While you can also get on the Appalachian Trail for running from here, we stuck to the park area, which was over-crowded due to the holiday weekend.

The park definitely had a more peaceful feel to it with all of the water (Editor’s note: the falls are gorgeous!), and the hiking was actually pretty difficult. I was pooped after just a few short miles. The dogs were ready to go too!

Amicalola Falls

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Overall, it was one of the best Memorial Day weekends I have ever had!! 5 sets of trails AND a bike ride in 5 days – BLISS! This was all followed by an adjustment on Monday night with Nate, who also adjusted the dogs! (Editor’s note: Whaaaat?!)

With all of this activity all over the trails, it’s important to care for your body! The trails do it for the mind and soul – they make me happy… but how about fueling this type of outdoor activity?

My favorite trail foods are usually foods that provide the right amount of sugars and carbs to keep me going, with just enough protein (Editor’s note: Yay, protein!) to fill me up!

Like Laura’s What I Ate Wednesday, I’m going to give you a “What I Ate on the Trails”:

First, I always fuel on Lara Bars, especially the Cashew Cookie. I also enjoy the Peanut Butter Cookie. They have none of the crap that many other bars have. They are simple ingredients of nuts and dates, unless you get fancier versions, but still few ingredients are added.
Typical trail food also includes potato chips and gummy bears! (Editor’s note: These hot summer months are the time when I’d be with you on the salt!!!)
I also enjoy the following raw veggies as fuel on the trails – these items don’t squish in your pack, and they take a bit longer to digest, so you get a constant supply of the sugar and carbs you need to keep going:

Apples
Sweet Potatoes
Sliced Beets
Packets of Honey (you can make these at home)
The puppies enjoyed some beets while hiking

However, even more than eating just right, it is very important to hydrate! Sunday, I drank over a gallon of water between breakfast and dinner, and I was still thirsty! It’s getting hotter, and this is my plug about being smart with hydration (and it doesn’t hurt to throw in some electrolytes like coconut water) so you can go all day and not feel bad!

I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend and are enjoying the warm summer weather!

***

Just when I think I’m active… I read Kat’s post. 😉

What are your favorite outdoor sports? Any favorite trails?

Do you like to run or hike with your dogs?

Strange But Good: Bacon, Eggs, and Coffee (Pancakes)

May 24, 2013 By Laura

I’m not a huge coffee drinker.

Morning energy is key though.

Since having my morning cocktail everyday, I’ve simply not craved coffee. Combine that with my mental block for some reason I think coffee takes far too much effort to make (yet I will spend time making breakfasts like this… no logic, I know), and I rarely make coffee.

Anyway, I decided to make coffee on Monday morning (I was still dragging from the post-Blend excitement!). when I do prepare coffee, I always make extra to have during the week. With my leftover coffee, I make things like Tiramisu parfaits and pancakes!

This pancake creation hit all the high points when it come to breakfast: it is possible to have your bacon, eggs, and coffee all in one bite!

It may be a little strange. It definitely is a lot good! We all know how I like my waffles at Waffle House. That may not be the healthiest way to eat breakfast, but this creation is one you can feel good about.

Fluffy, protein-rich cakes made silky with coconut flour. These were laced with mocha coffee goodness and filled with blueberries that burst in your mouth. Their syrup is a delicious egg yolk that pops with flavorful bite of bacon sprinkles. Breakfast porn at its best!

Coffee Pancakes

2 T raw oatmeal
1 T coconut flour
1/2 scoop (10g) protein powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp no-salt baking powder
2 T egg whites
1/4 cup brewed coffee (I used a mocha flavor)
1/4 tsp maple extract
6-8 drops vanilla liquid stevia
Optional: blueberries, runny egg, bacon sprinkles

In a small bowl, stir together dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir to combine.

Heat pan over med-high, spoon batter onto pan, and cook until done (~3-4 mins each side). Add blueberries half way through, if using.

While your pancakes are cooking, prepare your toppings. I amped up the #strangebutgood with a runny egg and bacon “sprinkles.” The egg rocks because the yolk becomes your pancake syrup!

How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week?

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. 🙂

***

I am look forward to an amazing long, relaxing weekend with friends... and my new CAT!!! Lucy is picture shy as she acclimates, but stay tuned...

What are you looking forward to this long weekend?

What's your favorite way to enjoy yolk porn? 😉

Strange But Good: Blueberry-Basil Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

May 17, 2013 By Laura

I’m trying to be better about repeating recipes.

Even though repetition pains me.

I’m slowly re-making some older recipes on the blog, but adding new twists to keep them interesting! This recipe is based on a more savory bake – a Cottage Cheese and Egg Herb Bake I made back in June of 2011 (have I really been blogging that long?!).

Today’s version is more strange but still good. This is a sweet egg bake! I used blueberries and basil, along with a little lemon stevia and cinnamon to make this a dessert-like breakfast.

Making a bake for breakfast may seem ambitious during the morning rush, but if you make it in steps while you’re getting ready it’s really not so bad! What results is a fluffy, souffle-like breakfast filled with bursting berries and the almost sweet, clove-like basil. Bursting with strange deliciousness.

My pics are from a version that I completely over-stuffed (it’s a chronic affliction). This has become a good thing in my book… but I have adjusted the recipe so that won’t happen to you. 😉

[tasty-recipe id=”18070″]

***

I’m at the Blend Retreat all weekend hanging with some of my best ~~strange~~ blogger friends. Not that I’m bragging… LOL! SO EXCITED!!!

Have you ever made sweet eggs? How about PB & Jeggs?

What are you looking forward to this weekend? Will I see you at Blend???

Strawberry Cornmeal Protein Pancakes

May 13, 2013 By Laura

A weekend without plans never happens for me.

I have such good intentions to relax…

This weekend it happened. And it was because I made a mistake. I thought for WEEKS that this weekend was the Food & Wine Festival. Last year it was on Mother’s Day weekend. This year it apparently is NOT. So suddenly I had a whole weekend, wide open. And it was marvelous.

Of course I worked out. My kickboxing streak continued with a lunchtime class on Friday. I rocked some shorts that may have more personality than I do.

I received these funky green bottoms from YMX as part of being a FitFluential Ambassador. More than the unique look, what makes YMX workout gear special is the fabric they use. It’s called MadKool fabric. It’s meant to regulate your body temperature, keeping you warm in cool weather and cool when you’re hot. The boxing gym is HOT. The fabric was as-advertised… AND it was so light and comfortable I felt like I wasn’t even wearing bottoms. Strange… but good. 😉

Totally asked the instructor to take a pic of me. At least I waited until AFTER class! #shameless

To get your own naked-feeling YMX gear click here. You move like a butterfly and sting like a bee comfortably too! Try this quick circuit:

100 jab-crosses
10 burpees
100 upper cuts
50 mountain climbers
20 Side kicks (each side)

Repeat ~~until you pass out~~ 3-5x.

After that you should refuel! To be honest I was a little mad at Lindsay when I received my first order of Healthy Bites. They are so amazing… I was pissed she didn’t MAKE me try them earlier. I swear I’m not just saying that.

These bites are the most delicious snack I’ve had in recent memory. They are filled with good, clean ingredients, they’re low-sugar, and they’re gluten-free.

My custom order included a protein-laced Reeses flavor, Cinnamon Biscotti, Coconut Caramel, and Birthday Cake. They are all amazing… but the Reeses were my top pick. Or the Cinnamon. Tough choices!!!

They are almost gone. Whoops!

Sunday I hung out with my amazing mom and grandmother. Mom is truly a rock. I owe my passion for food and for being active to her.

Before I left her house, my mom and my grandmother asked me to make them overnight oats to have in the morning! I made an oatmeal version of my Cherry Ginger Smoothie.

I’m a terrible blogger and forgot a pic… but I’ll ask her to send me one to post on Instagram tomorrow. 🙂

Speaking of IG… I also reached a marvelous milestone. My 2000th picture on Instagram!

Eggs from my local farmer’s market. If you’ve never had a farm-fresh egg, you must hunt them down. The difference in taste is astounding. They are more flavorful, the yolks are bright orange, and they make the best runny yolks.

These eggs were first used in my favorite way… #yolkporn! I cracked one into half a pre-roasted kabocha squash and put it under the broiler for a few minutes.

Served over a bed of arugula and smoked salmon with Greek yogurt cream cheese (made by Atlanta Farm Fresh, purchased at Whole Foods).

They also make killer pancakes. The creamy, dreamy pancakes below are laced with local strawberries and hints of lemon and then topped with sautéed berries and toasted coconut. I die.

Strawberry Cornmeal Protein Pancakes

2 T cornmeal
1 T vanilla protein powder
1/4 tsp sodium-free baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 egg (or 1/4C egg whites)
1/4 C fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
2 T water
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/4 butter extract (optional)
6-8 drops lemon liquid stevia (or preferred sweetener)
2 large strawberries, mashed
Optional toppings: syrup, toasted coconut, strawberries

Heat a non-stick pan medium heat and coat with cooking spray (I used coconut oil).

To a medium-sized bowl, add cornmeal, protein, baking powder, and cinnamon and stir to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk egg white until foamy. Add yogurt, water, extracts, and stevia and stir well.

Add wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in mashed strawberries.

Spoon batter onto pan and cook 3-4 mins per side or until they begin to bubble on top.

Add toppings and enjoy!

***

It’s also Meatless Monday! Check out all the links at Heather’s blog using this week’s ingredient: Dark Chocolate. I’m linking my #strangebutgood Chocolate Avocado Cookies from Friday!

Have you ever had farm eggs?

How did you celebrate Mother’s Day?

Strange But Good Turkey Breakfast Sausage

May 3, 2013 By Laura

Sausage doesn’t have to mean “bad.”

Neither does bacon, but that’s another post.

This sausage is 100% competition approved and 100% delicious. I actually like it better than “normal” sausage because it isn’t all processed and loaded with salt. And this strange spin still tastes good.

What I love about this dish is that it takes a fairly bland meat – ground turkey – and makes it full-flavored. It has all the spice of sausage, depth from the liquid smoke, and adds some extra with the fresh herbs. Note: You could always use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh on-hand.

I enjoyed this with a side of cinnamon oatmeal and a #strangebutgood salad – tomato, pear, raspberries, cilantro, and TVP Smoked Bacon Bits.

If you don’t eat meat, I’m thinking this would be a great place to use a bean-based patty!

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

1/2 lb ground turkey
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp fenugreek
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 T fresh sage, finely cut
1 T fresh rosemary, finely cut
1/2 tsp maple extract
10-12 drops liquid smoke
5-6 drops lemon liquid stevia
Red pepper flakes, to taste

Mix all ingredients together with your hands and form small patties.

Warm a pan over medium-high heat on the stove top. Spray with PAM (olive oil or coconut oil work too) and place patties into pan.

Saute patties until just cooked through, about 3 mins on each side (this will vary depending on thickness of your patties).

Makes 3-4 servings.

How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week?

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. 🙂

***

As of the time of publication, I am just 6 servings of asparagus away from my competition. Woo hooooo!!!

Do you like meat at breakfast? It’s grown on me!

Are you doing anything strange or exciting this weekend?

Hotel Food + WIAW

Airport Snack 1:

Airport Dinner:

Hotel Surprise:

Pre-Workout:

Breakfast:

Mid-Morning Snack:

Lunch:

Afternoon Snacks:

Dinner:

Dessert:

Strawberry Fields Forever

Crab and Strawberry Salad

Strawberry Breakfast Pizza

Strange But Good: Butternut, Collard & Tomato Wrap (BCT)

Butternut, Collard & Tomato Wrap (BCT)

Georgia Running Trail Review + Pancake Fuel

Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes

Mega Trail Heaven – Trail Reviews!

1. Sope Creek trails

2. Yeti Trails

3. Hiker Hostel

4. Vogel State Park

5. Woody Gap

6. Amicalola Falls

Strange But Good: Bacon, Eggs, and Coffee (Pancakes)

Coffee Pancakes

Strange But Good: Blueberry-Basil Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Strawberry Cornmeal Protein Pancakes

Strawberry Cornmeal Protein Pancakes

Strange But Good Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

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