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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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?

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. 🙂

***

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???

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?

Facing Fears and Microwave Huevos Rancheros

May 2, 2013 By Laura

2. More. Days.

I am one workout, a car ride and a spray tan away from the stage.

I’m convinced that part of the last week’s misery prep is to make you so tired and sick of prep is to make you so uncomfortable that nerves are the least of your worries.

Yesterday I ran sprints, worked, did shoulder and glutes, practiced posing, and ate a lot of asparagus. Today I need to run sprints, work, work my chest and bis, practice posing, go to the chiro, get a mani/pedi, and eat still more asparagus.

And I can’t forget to pack my post-competition treats:

Barney Butter, Bacon-Caramel Chocolate, and thick Fig Balsamic. The balsamic won’t come with me, but I’ll be enjoying that when I get home. It will NOT be used on asparagus.

I would also like to eat the recipe Kat is sharing today. So without further delay, I will let her take it over… with another how-did-she-read-my-mind post.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Facing Fears and Microwave Huevos Rancheros

My theme this week will hopefully resonate with many of you. I feel like we come across people and situations on a daily basis that would be easier to avoid and run from than to face head on.

Lately, I find the people I admire the most are people who live authentically – the people who are not afraid to be themselves, and do or say whatever comes to mind when it comes to mind. The people who speak their mind, regardless of what others might think. the people who take risks even when they doubt themselves. This fear takes away the “Happy.”

All doubt, shame, and other negative emotions stem from fear of some kind – maybe a fear of failure or judgment. Take a second to think about what your fears are, and what you might be able to do to face them. Live fearlessly! (This is one of the reasons I seriously admire Laura – I’m sure she is afraid when she gets on stage to pose but she’s about to do it… she’s fierce and fearless. I’m not even sure that is a fear I could face. She is a badass.) (Editor’s note: YOU are a bad ass. But thank you.)

Tying into running!

I recently read The Summit Seeker, by Vanessa Runs. While her fears and struggles are absolutely different from my own, she is true to herself and faces her fears on a regular basis.

She quit her job and sold all of her belongings and got in an RV with her boyfriend to run. Yes, just to run Ultras and run wherever they wish. She does not take more than she needs, she gives back, she explores, and she lives authentically and fearlessly. I love her.

I also have friends who are inspiring me to be more fearless (Editor’s Note: I think this is so important in life – it’s why I try to surround myself with friend’s like Kat). Fear comes in all forms so being fearless comes in all forms. Without going into further detail, I want to thank my friends Martha and Krista for inspiring me to be more fearless. The two of them are incredibly true to themselves and help me on my journey in life, and in running.

Spending time with them running or at a concert or just at dinner, I feel connected and true to myself. Martha has taught me more about loyalty than any friend I have to date, which helps me to feel secure in my friendship with her.

Facing fears alone is possible, but with friends on your side, everything is a bit more rose-colored and you get some different perspectives. I hope everyone is as lucky as I am.

Fearless friends at the impromptu Jimmy Buffet Concert AND got free tix

Lately, my main fear has been injuries. RUNNING injuries. Many of you are familiar with this running stigma and have dealt with it, maybe over and over. I have finally discovered the root of one of my running injuries, and am able to manage it. It is helping me to run stronger and more fearlessly. When I run fearless, I live life the same way. Try it!

So, my injury! In case you were curious. I was having some foot issues. Yes, just inflammation that would come and go and I could NOT pin point where it came from. It turns out that the IT Band Syndrome many of us have can lead to tightness in the calf. That leads to problems with the Peroneous longus (see image) and brevis tendons, which in turn cause that inflammation in the foot I just told you about. It’s crazy HOW connected the body is. (Editor’s Note: training has taught me this BIG time!)

Solution? My chiropractor, Nate, is a god and he really helps me out with this. (Please check him out if you are in the Atlanta area). But other than that, I ice the foot and roll the IT band once a day. The pain is gone and I am back to fearlessness! I love finding solutions to problems that are so hard to overcome!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

And, thinking about solutions, how about breakfast or midnight snack solutions that we want to take us only 3 minutes to prep, start to finish!?!?

Huevos Rancheros with a perfect runny egg! (Editor’s Note: I cannot WAIT to have a runny egg… maybe that’s where some of my balsamic will go!) Topped with salsa of your choice! Not only is the egg perfect and running, but the tortillas are also perfectly cooked.

Feel free to add avocados and other seasonings! This is just a basic needs recipe that allows for flexibility.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Microwave Huevos Rancheros (minus the beans)

2 corn tortillas
1 organic, cage free egg
¼ avocado, sliced
2 T salsa
1 oz gouda (or cheddar cheese), cut into small pieces
Sprinkle of salt

Place one corn tortilla and in a small, microwave-safe bowl (about the size of the tortilla).

Crack the eggs directly into it, so the tortilla cradles it. Next, take your cheese and put it directly on top of the raw egg, and the avocado directly on the cheese.

Lastly, place the other corn tortilla on top and microwave for 1.5-1.75 minutes.

Enjoy!

***

I already requested Waffle House Sunday morning. Chocolate chip waffle topped with a runny egg. Don’t judge. #strangebutgood

What running injuries are you afraid of? What other injuries? (Editor’s Note: Falling off my plastic heels on stage)

What fears are you facing? And how is that going? (See above comment)

Strange But Good Vegan Bacon Bits

April 26, 2013 By Laura

Bacon is good.

And a huge part of why I didn’t make it as a vegetarian.

Long ago Heather hipped me to the fact that Bacon Bits are vegan… but I have never cared for them. They taste like what I imagine dog food to be.

When Kat posted a recipe for vegan TVP Bacon Bits, I couldn’t WAIT to try my own recipe. Since I can’t have bacon this close to my competition (too much fat and sodium), this was the perfect time to make my own bits! I took Kat’s idea to use nutritional yeast and cumin, but I cut the sodium, sugar, and the oil. That does NOT mean I cut the taste though!

These smokey, spicy little bites are crunchy and packed with flavor. For the longest time I had only regular paprika in my cabinet… let me be the first to admit that was WRONG. Smoked paprika is the way to go. It makes a massive difference; I was shocked at the amount of smoke it lends to dishes.

I used stevia for a hint of sweetness and I added maple extract because… who doesn’t like maple bacon? I also like my bacon peppered, so that went into this mix as well.

In case none of this is strange to you, I created a #strangebutgood breakfast salad using these Smoked TVP Bacon Bits. It’s a simple mix of heirloom tomato, pear, cilantro…. and raspberries. Don’t be scared – tomatoes pair really well with fruit! The coolness of the fruit and the smokey, slightly spicy Bits are a fantastic contrast party in your mouth.

Eaten with cinnamon oatmeal and turkey “sausages” (that recipe is coming next week).

Smoked TVP Bacon Bits

1/4 C Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP)
1/4 C hot water
1 T nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp maple extract
5-6 drops liquid smoke
3-4 drops liquid Stevia

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Stir the TVP into the water and allow to soak. Meanwhile, mix the dry ingredients together in a small bowl.

Once TVP has (mostly) absorbed the water, stir in the dry ingredients and add extract, smoke, and sweetener.

Squeeze out excess moisture and spread mixture across a lined baking sheet. This is important – you need to really spread it out so that moisture doesn’t gather.

Place in oven and bake for 20 mins, stirring half way through. When crispy and golden, remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

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. 🙂

***

This time next week I’ll be with my trainer on the road to my 2nd figure competition to check in and get spray tanned!!!

Do you like bacon bits?

What one thing would you find most difficult to cut out of your diet? Healthy fats are the hardest for me right now!

Griddled Chicken & Grapefruit Pizza

April 19, 2013 By Laura

This will be shocking: the recipe was inspired by a recent meal at an Indian restaurant.

One day I’ll get over this Indian obsession.

In my defense, this #strangebutgood creation doesn’t actually involve Indian flavors (for a change). Unless you count cinnamon and ginger, but I put those on basically everything. Several weeks ago I enjoyed a meal at a new Indian restaurant, Chai Pani. New to Atlanta, I should say. They have a location in Asheville, NC. It’s an Indian street food concept, but it actually is a sit-down restaurant. And it’s good!

The inspiration for my pizza creation came from the Tandoori Fish Wrap I ordered. It consisted of “Tilapia seared with tandoori spices in a griddled wrap (brushed w/ egg) with onions, cilantro, rice, roasted lentils & chutneys.”

Tandoori Fish Wrap at Chai Pani

My non-Indian pizza version was a simple baked chicken breast. The sweet and tangy grapefruit against the plain chicken was refreshing.

The bit of basil on top was a nice green addition, both in terms of taste and looks. Of course I topped it with a little more cinnamon. The warm spice always reminds me of dessert!

This could so easily be made vegetarian with tofu. I absolutely love the way it puffs up when it bakes… that will for sure be my next version! I think you could even use a flax egg in place of my “real” egg whites for a vegan version. Someone let me know if that works.

Griddled bread. Coolest idea ever. It’s like French toast from the ‘hood. (Get it? Wrap? Rap? Blessed are those who amuse themselves…) See the crispy, egg-y goodness peeling back from the tortilla? That’s #strangebutgood heaven, friends.

Griddled Chicken & Grapefruit Pizza

2 T egg whites
1 tsp flax seed
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 corn tortilla
1/2 grapefruit, sectioned
2 oz chicken, cubed
Basil

In a small bowl, combine egg whites, flax, and spices.

Place tortilla in a small pan over medium-high heat. Pour egg mixture on top.

Cook 1-2 mins, until egg starts to firm. Flip the tortilla, cooking 1-2 mins more.

Remove from heat and place on a baking sheet or pizza stone (or keep on pan if oven-proof). Top with grapefruit sections, chicken, and basil. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if desired.

Place in oven under broil for 15 mins, until slightly browned. Watch closely so as not to burn.

Remove from oven, plate, and enjoy!

Who else has enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family (or the occasional restaurant worker) 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’m headed back home today. I packed all that food, but now I have NO idea what I’ll eat until I get to the grocery store Saturday afternoon! Whoops!

Have you ever had a griddled wrap?

What’s been #strangebutgood in your life lately?

Healthy PB&J French Toast

April 11, 2013 By Laura

PB&J isn’t just for kids.

Confession: I ate that or a bologna sandwich for lunch every single day from K-5th grade.

To this day PB&J is one of my favorite sandwiches. One might even say It’s my jam. I pass on bologna though.

My mom used to make grilled PB&J. She buttered the bread, and the peanut butter would get all runny and hot… it was pure awesomeness. Something about a mamma-made sandwich just taste better, right?

Mom also used to make this incredible french toast on homemade sourdough bread. She’d make it in the morning and bring it up to my bathroom as I was getting ready for school (yes, I realize how ~~spoiled~~ lucky I was!). ~~I’ll never know how i wasn’t obese.~~

This recipe combines two of my favorite things, transforming a couple of less-than-healthy childhood treats a guilt-free breakfast.

Lightening up this combo-treat doesn’t mean it’s less delicious. The PB&J part takes a little creativity, but it can be done! I replaced jam with a homemade version by mashing and then heating fresh raspberries. The peanut butter is a low-fat, high-protein peanut flour creation, and – even better – the bread is high protein too!

The French toast part was easier to lighten up – all you really need to make it are egg whites. You could eat it open-faced with the PB&J as your only topping. Or you could go all the way and add syrup. For me, French toast requires (sugar-free) syrup. Go big or go home.

Note: I realize a lot of sugar-free syrups have scary stuff in them. I recommend trying to find one sweetened with Stevia or Xylitol (check your health food store!) if sugar-free is important to you.

This may look like a lot of ingredients, but it comes together quickly. I get my toast ready and place it in the pan to cook while I mix up the PB&J. I had this done in 10 mins, max.

If you haven’t tried peanut flour yet… I cannot recommend it enough. Peanut flour is simply defatted peanuts in powder-form. Super high in protein and they don’t add the sugar and sodium that PB2 has. It can be ordered online through iHerb.com. Use discount code USO924 for up to $10.00 off any order!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

PB&J French Toast

For the Toast:

1 large or 2 small slices of bread
1/4 C egg whites
1/8 C water
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp butter extract
5-6 drops liquid Stevia (or other sweetener)

For the Jelly:

1/4 C raspberries
1/8 tsp xanthan gum (optional)
2 drops lemon liquid stevia (optional)

For the Peanut Butter:

2 T peanut flour
2 T liquid
1 tsp ground flax
1/4 tsp almond extract
2-3 drops vanilla liquid stevia

For the Toast:

In a wide bowl, beat together egg whites, water, cinnamon, extracts, and sweetener.

Over medium-low heat, heat pan coated with a thin layer of oil or PAM.

Place the bread into the bowl, letting it soak up egg mixture for a few seconds, then carefully turn to coat the other side.

Transfer bread slices to pan, heating slowly until bottom is golden brown. Turn and brown the other side.

For the Jelly:

In a small bowl, mash berries until only small pieces remain. Add sweetener and gum (if using), and mix together.

Microwave until warm, ~10 seconds.

For the Peanut Butter:

In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients.

Plate the toast and top with your PB&J. Add syrup, if desired. Devour.

***

Apparently I’ve been on a French toast bender. The Hummus French Toast and now this. I guess mybody knew it wouldn’t be having this again until after the competition! There will be NO asparagus toast. 😉

What did you eat for lunch in elementary school? Do you still eat it today?

Have you even had homemade bread? It’s divine.

Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes

Fluffy Cauliflower Protein Pancakes

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

Coffee Pancakes

Strange But Good: Blueberry-Basil Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Strange But Good Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Facing Fears and Microwave Huevos Rancheros

Microwave Huevos Rancheros (minus the beans)

Strange But Good Vegan Bacon Bits

Smoked TVP Bacon Bits

Griddled Chicken & Grapefruit Pizza

Griddled Chicken & Grapefruit Pizza

Healthy PB&J French Toast

PB&J French Toast

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