Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Strawberry Pretzel Ice Cream

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Have you ever walked past a display in the produce section and been stopped in your tracks by a (good) smell?  Last night my nose located some fresh strawberries at the grocery store that I couldn’t resist.

It was enough to inspire a breakfast repeat (a rarity).  Strawberries and Cream Oats were just as amazing the second time around.

My brain cells pulled through again and I remembered Leanne’s recipe for Strawberry Ice Cream.

Shout out to Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit for keeping me in good supply of low-sugar treats (and for teaching me to spell pursuit… it’s just one of those words for me…).

I fully intended to make a nice, normal strawberry ice cream.  Then I spotted those pretzels and rekindled my romance with sweet + salty.

Shout out to my job for keeping me in good supply of Delta Airlines’ pretzels.

This Strawberry Pretzel Ice Cream was quite tasty.  The pretzels were awesome in it.  Even if you don’t add them – *gasp* – do use a shake or two of salt to bring out the strawberry sweetness.

Strawberry Pretzel Ice Cream

  • 3/4 C light coconut milk
  • 1/4 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup strawberries
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 T maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp guar gum
  • 1 package of Delta pretzels, slightly broken up (probably 3-4 regular pretzels)

Combine all ingredients EXCEPT the pretzels in a blender and blend until smooth-ish (I left a few bits of strawberry).

Pour into ice cream maker and make as directed by manufacturer, adding pretzels in the last 1-2 minutes.

Scoop into 2 bowls and enjoy!  (One at a time.)

Notes:

– According to Leanne, you can do this without an ice cream maker by pouring into a bowl and freezing 1.5-2 hours.  You need to remove every 30 mins to whisk so it doesn’t make a strawberry ice cube.  You’d probably want to add the pretzels in the last 15-30 mins

– You could use agave, honey, or stevia rather than maple syrup to sweeten this

– You can probably do this without the Guar Gum.  It’s a thickener, so your ice cream will be more cream-like with it

***

The Royal Wedding is tomorrow!  Are you waking up to watch it?

I was going to resist… but I may do a strategically-timed-uncharacteristically-early morning workout.

A PR Recipe. And Apple-Carrot Muffins.

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Recipe for a ridiculous PR:

  1. Enjoy some pasta the night before your race
  2. Don’t skimp on the red wine (heart healthy!)
  3. Drink yer water
  4. Wake up early enough to drink more water.  And coffee.
  5. Take a B-12 (serious energy)
  6. Eat a miracle muffin and some PB
  7. Run, Forrest.  Run.

Last night I met up with some friends to indulge in some pasta in preparation for the Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K this morning.  (Any excuse for pasta!)

We had a great time… and I had 3 glasses of vino.  Oops.  But I drank a lot of water, set my alarm and got in bed before midnight.

Fast forward to 6:15am:  I roll out of bed, started the coffee, chugged some lemon water, popped a B-12, and ate a miracle muffin.  With PB.  Seriously, I credit the wine Apple-Carrot muffin for this race.

What was this ridiculous PR?

24:10

A moment of silence, please.

That is nearly 2 MINUTES faster than my previous of 26:02.  Honestly, I don’t know where that came from.

Pete the Cat shirt and a post-race Mix 1 (which had 10g protein and was pretty tasty!)

You should really try these muffins.

Apple-Carrot Muffins

Closely adapted from these by Anja @ Food 4 Thought.

  • 1 egg
  • 2 T EVOO
  • 2 T unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 C 2% Greek yogurt
  • 1 carrot, grated (about 1 C)
  • 1 medium apple, grated
  • 1/4 C chopped pecans
  • 2 T goji berries
  • 1/4 C quick cooking oats
  • 1 C white whole wheat flour
  • 3 T palm sugar (you can also use agave/maple/stevia)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Whisk together all wet ingredients in large bowl. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt.

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.  Fold in the carrots, apples, nuts, and berries.

Divide evenly among 7* greased muffin tins.  Bake 20-25 mins.

*The original recipe said it makes 6, but mine filled 7 standard-size muffin tins to the brim.

Nutritional Info: 178 calories,  8.6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 20.7g carbs, 3.4g fiber, 5.4g sugar, 5.5g protein

***

Now, I will reward myself with a mall trip.

When was the last time you shocked yourself?

Pre-Race Strategy

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This morning I had a grand plan to run 2 5Ks.  Wellll… I pulled my hamstring last weekend, there was a crazy storm last night, and this week has been exhausting.

These are my excuses to keeping the 5Ks to a minimum today.

I was going to do the Georgia Tech Pi Mile and the Sweetwater 420 5K.  One doesn’t start until 11a and has free beer at the end.  Choosing between the two was the easiest thing I’ve done all week.

Without further ado, here is my pre-race strategy for a late, beer-promising 5K:

1. Eat a tasty dinner.

Yakatori leftovers.  Mmmmm… carbs.

2. Have a chocolate protein shake.

Get your protein in the night before – too much the day-of can cause cramping.

In my shake:

  • 1/2 dark chocolate EAS
  • 1/2 scoop cookies ‘n cream protein powder
  • 1/2 large banana
  • 1/2 C kale (frozen)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ice + water

3. Spend the evening writing a proposal for work and ordering free Bragg samples.

I love their Apple Cider Vinegar drinks too – Apple-Cinnamon is the best!

4. Wake up too early (stupid work programming me to be an early riser).

Post-storm sunrise

5. Drink coffee.

I know, I know… I drank 2 glasses of water too!

6. Devour Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (a la Oh She Glows).

You should make this.  Double the recipe… you will want seconds.

My additions: nutmeg and ginger, topped with greek yogurt and pecans (icing!) rather than Angela’s muffins (mine must be lost in the mail…).

7. Blog about pre-race activities and catch up on some reading.

8. Race!!!

***

Good luck to everyone running this weekend!  How did you all do?!

Is anyone else going to a festival?

Atlanta has at least 3 this weekend – Dogwood, Sweetwater 420, and Alpharetta Arts Fest!

Empire State South

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After complaining about the funk and then reading an inspirational post by Caitlin @ Healthy Tipping Point about Ellen, a very cool 73 year-old marathoner, I cranked out a run.

One of my favorite quotes from the interview: Remember, energy begets energy…and it’s contagious.

 

As per usual… I feel better.

Someone just kick my in the arse out the door next time, please!

 

Stats:

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 33:54

Pace: 8:36

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They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  I agree… but brunch is certainly the most delicious meal of the day.

Especially if you can enjoy it at Empire State South (999 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-541-1105).

I’ve visited for dinner twice.  Although it was before I could chew much of anything (my order was an odd mix of sides), I highly recommended you eat every meal here (I live right down the street… danger!).

L to R: Kimchi Rice Grits, Brussels, Oyster Mushrooms with Bok Choy

 

The Kimchi Rice Grits are addicting.

 

Back to brunch.

I met a group for brunch at ESS last Saturday – this is a pretty food-oriented group and we were not disappointed.

I’m not a Bloody Mary fan, but I did sample the Caesar Bloody of someone in my party.  It was made with clam & tomato Juice, worcestershire, olive brine, tabasco, black pepper, lemon. It was GOOD – to the point that I almost ordered one.  Almost.

I drank a delicious cup of Brazilian coffee, made using the pour-over method.  This method renders the freshest cup of coffee you will ever taste. I drank mine black.

 

As a starter we tried the pimento cheese with bacon marmalade.  It was served in a little mason jar with a side of crisp toast.  The chewy, candied bacon was a nice addition to the creamy pimento.  I’m a big fan of the salty-sweet combination to being with.  Add bacon and I’m over-the-moon.

 

Then came the mains.

 

If you’re in the mood for something light, don’t miss the Spring Farm Salad.

 

It consisted of farro, local lettuce, legumes, goat cheese, orange segments, carrots, cucumbers, English peas, and radishes. It was crunchy and full of flavor – more “toppings” than lettuce made it extra satisfying.  It was drizzled with a balsamic reduction and a citrus vinaigrette (I ordered on the side). The vinaigrette was perfectly balanced with the sweet citrus, sea salt, and olive oil.

 

Another dining mate ordered the Pork Confit served over a Jalapeno & Bacon Biscuit with poached eggs, arugula, balsamic onion jam, hollandaise mousseline.

I did a little taste test and can vouch for its deliciousness – the confit was impossibly flavorful and juicy.  Not over salted or greasy, as I have found to be the case around Atlanta lately.  Sadly, he ate it before I got a pic.

 

Then there was the Special. OMG – it was special.

I wish I had written down the description, but from what I recall it was a: Pheasant Empanada with a green chili chow chow, poached egg, local lettuce, orange segments, and a balsamic reduction.  Holy mother of deliciousness.

I’ve never been a big pheasant fan, but this couldn’t have been better.  The empanada was flaky and light – not too greasy (as I find is often the case).

 

And they brought out a little dessert-snack.  Some sort of peanut butter fudgy-toffee.

Just when I thought I couldn’t love them more…

If you’re in Atlanta and in need of brunch this Saturday/Sunday, ESS is worth the trip.

Reservations recommended – especially with the Dogwood Festival this weekend!

***

What is your favorite meal of the day?  Is brunch a weekend must or a special treat?

Happy Friday!!!


Blueberry-Pear Overnight Pudding

By

It is safe to say that warmer weather is here!  *knock on wood*


This means (but is not limited to meaning):

  • Living in the park (even the homeless dudes think I reside there)
  • Braves games
  • Sun burns tans
  • Softball season
  • LOTS of patios

 

Softball season kicked off Sunday morning.  I got 2 doubles, 2 singles, a walk, and a RBI.  I’ll take it!

Unfortunately, the Braves didn’t experience the same success… we lost to the Phillies (yo).  Not that this stopped us from smiling while earning the first sunburn of the season.  Despite several coats of SPF50.

The post-game Avett Brothers concert did me in – my shoulders are pink red.

If you haven’t heard of them before and you like good, well-written music, I strongly suggest checking them out.  Here, let me help ya…

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Warm also means the return of cold breakfasts.

I have made banana-chia pudding.  I have made overnight oats.  Both are fantastic warm-weather breakfasts.  Naturally, I don’t want to wait to eat either one… so last night I thought to myself: “Self, why not have your cake and eat it too?  Just combine them.”


Then I thought: “Duh.  Sometimes you can be pretty slooooow.”

Then myself rolled my eyes at me and went to the kitchen.

 _______________________________________________________________________________________

 

Blueberry-Pear Overnight Pudding

  • 1/2 medium pear
  • 1/2 C blueberries
  • Juice of 1 lemon slice
  • 3/4 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 C oats
  • 1 T chia seeds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • Stevia, to taste (I used 1/4 packet)

 

Mix everything together, mushing the pear and blueberries a bit.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from fridge in the morning, stir, and enjoy!

***

What are you looking forward to now that warm weather is coming/here?

Do you like being out in the elements when it’s hot? I’d much rather be sweating than shivering!

 

Favorite Friday

By

Friday tends to be a round-up day for me.  Why fight it?

 

This week there was a lot of good.  I may complain at times about being overwhelmingly busy, but being busy also makes me feel accomplished.  This was for-sure one of those weeks.

Next week is shaping up to be the same.  (Any DC restaurant recommendations are appreciated!)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Here’s my Top 5 on Friday:

1. Fried Twinkies

That’s right.  Thursday night I gave in and enjoyed fried twinkies.  Because they aren’t unhealthy enough without the fryer involved.

They have NO redeeming qualities… but they are DAMN good.

PSA: Twinkies don’t go to your boobs

 

 

2. Socca Success

I may have woken up still smiling about yesterday’s Socca win.  It has opened up a whole new world of possibility!

You can put anything in socca, top it with anything, eat it with anything… I love a blank canvas.

3. Kitty Potty-Training

That’s right.  I am potty-training my cat.  On the potty.  Thank you, Citi Kitty.

She’s doing really well!  And I’m ecstatic about not having to clean a litter box anymore.

4. Repeats

Ok, it was only one repeat.  The Qu-egg-sadilla.

I need to start repeating more – no shame in reruns!

5. Avocado Smoothie

Speaking of reruns… I’ve made this smoothie a LOT recently.

Avocado in a smoothie makes it super creamy and adds a punch of good fat to your workout recovery drink.

It’s Stevie’s favorite too

Creamy Avocado Smoothie

  • 1/4 large avocado*
  • 1/2 banana*
  • 1/2 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 C frozen kale
  • Ice + water to taste

Put it in a blender and enjoy!

*Ever wonder what to do with the other half of an avocado or banana?  Freeze it!  Both fruits don’t keep well after opening, but they DO keep well if you freeze them.  Freezing makes it perfect for a cool smoothie.

***

I’m looking forward to Farmer’s Markets opening back up this weekend.  And the Braves opening at home.

Do you shop at a local market during the warmer months?  

What’s your favorite local-food find?

 

Qu-egg-sadilla Returns!

By

Many “food” bloggers have mentioned that it is rare for them to make the same meal twice.  When you feel like you have to create new content constantly, it is understandable!

I definitely have that problem… but it was an issue before I ever began blogging.  Content is a driver, but my original problem was simply excitement over trying new things.  (Much like my grocery shopping problem.)

This morning I am proud to announce that I did repeat a meal!!!

The Qu-egg-sadilla.

I’ve been traveling since Friday afternoon.

There isn’t much food in mi casa.

The basics: champagne, eggs, PB, random flours, lemons, and limes

The chammy is leftover from the bridal shower.  Really.  I didn’t drink the leftovers… yet. 🙂

Aside from being tasty, Qu-egg-sadillas don’t require a lot to make: tortillas and egg.  The rest can be improvised!

Today’s modifications:

  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 C sautéed kale
  • 1/2 tsp ginger

You can find the original recipe here.

Lucky me had a little of my favorite Atlanta Farm Fresh Greek-style yogurt leftover!

I keep pureed ginger in my fridge.  It’s fresh and I don’t have to worry about the root drying out. Plus it’s much easier than grating it myself! This was a Whole Foods find.

Nom Nom

At the risk of blasphemy, I may like this better than oatmeal.

***

23g of protein and I am full for hours after.  FTW.

Do you repeat meals?  

Do you even care if you do?

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