Morning vs. Evening Coffee

March 15, 2011 By Laura

Raise your hand if you had coffee this morning!

This morning I had this:

Black coffee. Mmmmm!

With a side ‘o this:

Scrambled with onion, spinach, red pepper flakes, and basil

Fuel for the road – I’m off to DC! (Work-related, but I love a trip.)

Last night’s coffee was a bit more fun.

Despite the fact that I am ~~unrealistically~~ optimistic the spring-like weather will be here to stay, the evening called for a warm beverage.

A kahlua-laced mocha. It was a looooong day.

Kahlua Mocha

1/2 cup strong coffee
1/2 C unsweetened almond milk
1 T good-quality cocoa powder
Shot of Kahlua

Brew 1/2 a cup of strong coffee (I used a vanilla-flavored instant coffee – VIA). Pour into coffee cup, filling half way.

In a small sauce pan, whisk together the milk and cocoa. Heat over medium-high heat until simmering (NOT boiling). It will look foamy.

Pour the milk mixture over your coffee, add your shot of Kahlua, give a quick stir, and enjoy!

***

Do you have a favorite “treat” drink?

I’m a fan of the night cap. Especially when I remember to make it with decaf. ~~Oops~~.

Can’t Pinch My Soup

March 11, 2011 By Laura

This time last year I was putting the finishing touches on the plans for my trip to Ireland.

Cliffs of Moher

That’s right. I went to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day!

It was crazy… but the bigger party happened a couple nights later when what I think is like the Super Bowl of Rugby was held in Ireland. Ireland vs. Scotland. Yes, there were more kilts than you can imagine!

If you ever have the occasion to go to Ireland, I highly recommend it. We stayed in Dublin most of the trip, but had I to do it again I would rent a car and explore the countryside more.

My Irish Top 5 Attractions:

Tour the Guinness Museum – The history/backstory is fascinating and the beer really does taste better on-site.
Eat at the The Winding Stair – Make a reservation!! It was easily one of the best meals I’ve eaten. Order this bottle: Gigondas, Domaine La Bouïssier, a 2004 Grenache/Mouvedre/Syrah blend from Rhone, France.
Get out of the city and check out the Cliffs of Moher – The view is breathtaking (note: the “do not go beyond this point” signs are optional).
Wander around St. Stephen’s Green – Excellent people-watching and many, many photo ops.
See St. Valentine – Well, see his shrine/remains at the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church. This church is teeny, but there was something so peaceful about it. And locals actually go here!

In honor of the upcoming green holiday, I decided to ensure that my soup bowl doesn’t get pinched.

And I have been craving the tasty yet hard-to-chew asparagus.

I discovered that I can eat crackers when they’re crumbled up and soggy in soup. Ah, the small things.

FYI – Trader Joe’s Sea Salt and Black Pepper Lentil Chips are awesome!

And the soup! This was a delicious, VEGAN, souper-green cream-less asparagus and spinach blend.

Souper Green Asparagus-Spinach Soup

1 bunch asparagus (~1 lb), chopped
1 T salted Earth Balance (or butter)
1 T coconut butter
1 T EVOO
1 medium shallot, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 C high-quality vegetable broth
1 C water
3 oz spinach (1/2 a bag)
handful cilantro
1/4 c nutritional yeast
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp coriander
1/8 tsp nutmeg
S + P, to taste

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add salt, return to boil, and add asparagus tips. Cook until just tender. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath. Transfer asparagus tips to ice bath, letting cool for ~1 min. Drain and set aside.

In a large pot, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add shallot and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are tender and just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic for the last min, being careful not to burn.

Add remaining chopped asparagus stalks (i.e. NOT the iced tips), and cook 2-3 mins longer. Stir in broth and 1 cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking until asparagus is tender, ~10 mins.

Remove from heat. Add spinach, cilantro, nutritional yeast (or cheese), lemon juice, and zest, stirring to combine.

Puree soup using immersion blender (or regular blender in batches). Return to heat and cook until heated through, adding seasonings.

Ladle into bowls, add toppings, and serve immediately.

Potential tasty topping selections: grated Parmesan and lentil chips (pictured), crispy prosciutto, cilantro, sweet potato chips, blue cheese… etc.

***

Why is St. Patrick’s Day not on the weekend? My green beer likes to sleep in.

Are you doing anything fun for St. Patrick’s Day?

Do you celebrate on the day or or wait until the weekend?

Rainy Days and Mondays + Granola

November 29, 2010 By Laura

Going to work after a holiday week is always hard. Combine that with the first really cold day this winter and a grey, rainy sky… and you have a tough Monday.

The icing on the cake is that I have to be on the first flight out to Detroit tomorrow. Rock City.

I’m lucky to have a great job… but rainy days and Mondays always get me down.

Enough with the complaining!

Quick, name 5 things you love!!

My new grey sweater
The fact that my pants are still loose after T-giving
Peanut Butter-Sunflower Seed Granola (recipe below!)
The Avett Brothers: Live Volume 3 album
The Honey dog

This day also calls for a “funny.” Auto-correct-style.

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Now that that’s out of the way. I made some rockstar granola, thank you The Best of Clean Eating cookbook.

Take note: granola was meant for peanut butter. How have I never made it with PB before?!

It was especially tasty on top of Greek yogurt this morning. With a sweet potato-blueberry pancake crumbled on it for good measure.

As if being delicious isn’t enough, this Peanut Butter-Sunflower Seed Granola is lower in fat and sugar and higher in protein than most grocery store varieties.

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Peanut Butter-Sunflower Seed Granola

(from The Best of Clean Eating)

3/4 C Sunflower seeds (raw, unsalted)
1 1/2 C Oatmeal (uncooked)
1/4 C Flaxseed (roughly ground)
1/2 C Dried cranberries
1/2 C slivered almonds
1/2 C Unsweetened coconut
3 T Crunchy peanut butter
2 T Cacao nibs
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/3 C Agave syrup
1 tsp Vanilla

Preheat oven to 300F. Combine ingredients in a large bowl and stir until blended. Make fruitless effort not to eat raw mixture.

Press mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 mins. Store in air-tight container.

Serves 12.

Nutrition info:

Calories: 124, Total fat: 13g, Sat. Fat: 3g, Carbs: 25.5g, Fiber: 9g, Protein 7.5g, Sugars: 12.5g

The final day in San Fran

November 7, 2010 By Laura

We didn’t want to leave, but if you have to end a trip this was the way to do it.

Laura arranged for us to have massages at her spa. I got the hot stone massage and Mallory got wrapped in eucalyptus leaves. The ladies lounge had a misting room, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Naturally, we spent and additional hour lounging after our massages. If you are in the Bay Area, I highly recommend checking out Burke Williams. Ask for Taylor or Tuesday!

After a light lunch at one of the cafes in the Ferry Building (and some dessert sampling), we walked around Pier 39. Check out the sock store. Before we knew it, it was time to get back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.

Proud side note: I Whittled My Middle before we left!!!

The Sumos enjoyed the Trolley

Did I mention the Giants were in the World Series?!

Classic San Fran – Giants, Trolley… and a German flag?!

Dinner was something totally different – raw food at Cafe Gratitude.

Everything on the menu was raw and vegan (except for 3-4 items… but they were still vegan!).

I am grateful

You order an item like our appetizer – nachos. But the nachos are called “I Am Honoring.”

And they consist of flax chips with sunflower seed “refried beans” over mixed greens with guacamole, salsa, & cashew nacho cheese.

I am Honoring

Then, when they bring them out, the server places the dish in front of you saying “You are honoring.”

Side note: raw refried beans are wayyyy better than the real thing.

My favorite was the lasagna Laura ordered: layered zucchini, cashew mozzarella, olive tapenade and pesto topped with marinara, cashew ricotta and Brazil nut Parmesan.

I Am Fabulous

Mallory’s was good too – a sushi bowl consisting of quinoa tossed w/kale, avocado, cucumber, nori, scallions & herbs in sesame-ginger sauce.

She said she couldn’t believe how much it tasted like sushi.

I couldn’t believe she ordered something called “I Am Accepting.”

I Am Accepting

Since I can never get enough Mexican, I ordered the enchilada – a live vegetable tortilla with sprouted seed filling, topped with spicy salsa verde & cashew sour cream. It was served with cilantro coleslaw and quinoa.

It was good. Better after they brought out the hot sauce.

I really just wanted to say “I Am Elated”

Then there was dessert. Why stop the gluttony on the last day?

I didn’t get a picture of mine, but I can declare that I AM SUPER. At least when it comes to the dark chocolate nugget I ate.

Mallory was Devoted in the form of a coconut cream pie.

I Am Devoted… to dessert 🙂

Laura was the winner (IMHO) with a scoops of vanilla and chocolate nut-milk ice cream. I was praising her choices.

Verdict: I wish we had something like this in Atlanta. I will always prefer “real” cream pie, but this is a great alternative. The lasagna is crave-worthy and I am happy anytime I can get a good quinoa dish.

Something cool happened while we were in the restaurant…

The GIANTS won the World Series!!!

The city erupted – it was really neat to be there and watch everyone (literally) go nuts.

Go Giants!

I would tell you what we did next… but I’d have to kill you.

We went to one of those super-secret unmarked bars. We knocked on the door and have to give a password to get in!

It was well worth the effort – I had the best cocktail of my life. The Citizen Cane.

And just like that, the awesomeness was over. 🙁

Back at the ranch… the cleanse update…

Day 3 was better. My headache was gone, but I was still feeling pretty low-energy.

Despite this, I completed P90X Biceps and Back – with the Ab Ripper X at the end. Then I promptly fell asleep for 45 mins.

If you haven’t tried it, I recommend the DVDs. I’ve never followed the program exactly (would LOVE to hear if anyone has!), but they are some great workouts when you aren’t motivated to pull together your own.

We were starving before dinner, so I made baked kale chips as an appetizer. They have been written about ad nauseam in the blog world – for a good “how to” check out Smitten Kitchen’s play-by-play.

Washed, dried, and coated with EVOO, salt, and red pepper flakes

These didn’t last long around Baby Sis and Mamma

On to the main event… I tried my first spaghetti squash! I couldn’t get over how much like real spaghetti this was! The consistency of the squash was such that I almost didn’t miss the noodles.

We prepared an awesome tomato sauce to go with it. (Kale chips are delish dipped in tomato sauce, btw.)

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

1 Spaghetti squash
2-3 T EVOO
1/2 C Yellow onion
2 Garlic cloves
750g (~24 oz) Tomato puree
1/4 C Parsley
1 tsp Oregano
Red pepper flakes, sea salt, and pepper to taste
3-4 Basil leaves

Cut the squash in half (can soften in microwave first). Remove the seeds. Place in a glass baking dish, cut side down, in about 1 in of water. Microwave for 7-8 minutes, or until shell is tender when pierced with a fork. (Yes, we were lazy hungry… you can also do this in the oven at 350 for about 45 mins. I thought the microwave worked fantastically.)

Remove the flesh with a fork. Place in serving bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Meanwhile, warm olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Saute until softened and beginning to brown(about 4 mins). Add tomato puree and adjust heat until sauce comes to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes. Add the parsley, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over very low heat.

Top with sauce, fresh basil, and chopped onions.

Other potential adds: Parmesan, capers, olives, rosemary, peppers, carrots, wine.

I would also have used chunky (not puree) tomatoes (San Marzanos are my fav), but Baby Sis doesn’t like the big pieces.

Now for the most exciting news… We found a cleanse-approved dessert!!!

No one said it had to be pretty…

Pineapple-Raisin Crisp

1 Pineapple
1/4 C Raisins
2 tsp Coconut butter
1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/4 Cinnamon
1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper

Core pineapple and cut into 1 in rings. Toss with pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and cayenne.

Heat coconut butter in ridged grill pan over medium heat on stove top. Add pineapple rings and grill for ~4 mins on each side (until grill marks form and the pineapple becomes fragrant). Add raisins just before pineapple is done.

Top with granola or flax/chia seeds for extra crunch! My topping as a roasted mizture of flax seeds, chia seeds, cacao nibs, cinnamon, and coconut oil (remnants of a partial fail I’ll disclose tomorrow).

Verdict: I would eat this again, cleanse or no. Grilled pineapple is satisfyingly sweet and the bit of heat from the cayenne is enough to keep it interesting. 🙂

Halloween and Squash

November 5, 2010 By Laura

First the fun part – Halloween in San Francisco.

I woke up and ran through the city – along the Embarcadero and through Chinatown. I didn’t save it on my watch, but it was something like 5.1 miles in 43 mins. Not bad with all the hills!

Then the day was ON. After a few minutes in Urban Outfitters where we purchased sumos, Mallory and I had an awesome brunch at Orson (Elizabeth Falkner from Top Chef’s restaurant).

Sumo Thumb Wrestling

We had some “Apple Juice.”

Waiter... there's a sumo in my drink!

Then some toast.

French toast, maple syrup, pumpkin pie butter, and cinnamon cream

And some eggs.

Eggs benedict on house-made english muffin, canadian bacon, spinach, and cheddar mornay sauce

We opted to pass on dessert.

What better way to spend Halloween than at a famous prison?!

Arriving at Alcatraz

Apparently Native Americans occupied the island for 19 months from 1969-1971. All the history surrounding Alcatraz was really neat.

The Sumos enjoyed the view

Gorgeous day for prison!

: I wore stripes, ironically.

Back in San Fran, we took a looooog walk.

Coit Tower

Somehow we ended up in Chinatown right at snack time.

Pork Sticky Buns

The Sumos felt at home

We finally made it home and spent the next hour rushing around to get ready for Halloween!

It was a lazy costume year

We walked through the Mission to get dinner. Kids there trick-or-treat at businesses (the neighborhood isn’t safe conducive to the pastime).

They aren't as well stocked as Laura would have hoped.

Pit stop for ice cream at Humphry Solcombe before dinner (priorities, people!).

Bacon in ice cream. Brilliant.

Once we devoured finished our dessert, we headed to El Metate for dinner.

El Metate = El Tasty

Tacos with corn tortillas are my favorite. I ordered one veggie and one salsa verde shredded pork. The tortilla chips on the side were freshly baked into a nice, thick chip. The spicy array of treats from the salsa bar were delish too.

Taco heaven

My friends had the veggie burrito and the fried chicken. Do yourself a favor and don’t ever get the fried chicken. It was sinfully good and I’ll be craving it for a looooong time. The guac was also hauntingly good.

Finally, we were off to celebrate All Hallows Eve and oogle other people’s costumes!

The Sumos are party animals!

Now that I’ve posted about all that food… what am I eating on the detox?!

…

Read More »

My Future Hometown

November 5, 2010 By Laura

Our first full day in California was spent in Napa. I could write pages on this place. I could move to this place.

Here’s the impressive part – I woke up and did 30 mins on the hotel elliptical and Whittled My Middle. (Can’t remember the exact numbers to post!)

Before hitting the road, we have to have breakfast!

Best. Coffee. Ever.

Laura took us to a place in her neighborhood called Philz Coffee. The walk there included instructions to “watch out for puke on the sidewalk.” Admittedly, I was skeptical.

A 10 minute walk later and I was drinking the best coffee I have ever had and enjoying an unbelievably amazing VEGAN scone.

Trust the local!

Apple Pecan Vegan Scone

Then we were off to Napa!

First stop: Mumm

Favorite Taste: Sparkling Pinot Noir or Brut Rose

Notes: Great way to begin the day – all sparkling wines, helpful staff (they even gave us extra vintages to compare!), and a stunning view.

Cheers!

Second stop: Groth

Favorite Taste: 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Notes: The wines were very good. I even bought a Chardonnay (I typically don’t care for them). The presentation could have been better, but definitely still worthy of a stop.

Yep – It’s pink.

Pit stop: Brix for lunch

Favorite Taste: Crusty bread and butter sprinkled with pink salt

Notes: Brave the 45 min wait at Mustard’s instead. We actually sent back a $21 burger… and they brought it back in worse shape.

Basic, but good!

Third stop: Cakebread

Favorite Taste: 2007 Syrah

Notes: The wines were decent and the view was great… but not our favorite experience. It is the only one I would have skipped.

The view from Cakebread

Fourth stop: Sullivan

Favorite Taste: 2005 Coeur de Vigne

Notes: By far the best winery in every regard. The tasting was personal (we met the vineyard owner!), the tasting room manager was knowledgeable and so nice. And the wines… perfect.

I want to live HERE.

We even met the owner’s son. He is in charge of the wine making… and gave us a sip of this juice:

Good even before fermentation!

After such a great experience, we decided it was the perfect winery to end on. And we were hungry.

Pit Stop #2: Rutherford Grill

Best Taste: Green Chili Cake Cornbread

Notes: Thanks to Fred, the tasting manager at Sullivan, we ordered the chili cornbread. You should too.

This could have been served as cake. Seriously.

After a hunt for gas (no stations for 10 miles!), we got lucky with dinner. Table for 3 at Redd.

I could talk forever about how the fine gentleman cocktail waiter served our drinks and said – and I quote:

“Allow me to bid you cheers, ladies.”

Or how the pork belly was heaven-sent.

Glazed pork belly, apple puree, burdock, and soy caramel

Or how the sweet and sour glazed butternut squash in the fall salad paired perfectly with the Roquefort cheese and apples.

Fall Salad

Or the dessert. Oh, the dessert. The cherry on top of a meal so incredible that it moved us to tears.

Peanut butter milk chocolate gianduja, peanut honeycomb parfait

But I wouldn’t want to make anyone jealous. 🙂

Back in the real world…

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The 21 day challenge.

Mom and I are doing the Standard Process Cleanse (lord, do I need it after the Cali gluttonous foodie experience).

For the first 10 days, you are only allowed veggies and fruit. More raw than not. Preferably organic.

And shakes with their special protein powder.

At day 11 we can add certain fish and chicken.

Obviously, we needed to raid the DeKalb Farmer’s Market to start off right!

Lots of these

None of these!

So, the blog will focus on clean, vegan eating for the next 10 days. Followed by clean, vegan-except-for-chicken eating for the remaining 11.

First lesson: if you can’t add any sweetener, don’t put cranberries in a shake. *pucker*

Tag team, back again

November 4, 2010 By Laura

The last 3.5 days in San Francisco have been one amazing whirlwind of fabulousness.

Every time I go to the west coast, I wonder why I live on the east coast.

I’m trying hard to play catch up at work, upload pictures, and begin a 21 day journey.

The San Fran recap may will happen much like the next 21 days – one day at a time.

First of all: we arrived. Mallory and I landed in San Fran and were greeted by our friend Laura. Then we hit the hotel, freshened up, and sampled a local beverage or two.

Then we trekked down to the Ferry building to see Critical Mass.

This is not a mandatory church service.

On the 4th Friday of every month, cyclists gather in the area to take over the streets, asserting their right to space on the road.

Lucky for us, they also dress up when the 4th Friday falls on Halloween weekend. 🙂

I didn’t get a good picture of the riders, but this is the Ferry Building all lit up in orange in honor of the Giants.

Finally, it was dinner time. Laura lead us to a restaurant called Eureka where we ate like kings. Seriously. Dessert was grilled banana bread with peanut butter ice cream. Entitles “The Elvis.”

Long live The King.

My Dinner: Duck & Pistachio Terrine with Crostini, Mustard, Pickled Onions & Cornichons. Rich. Like a king.

So… what is this 21 day journey? Wellll… I’m sleepy, but I leave you with a hint: