Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Vegan Protein-Packed Ancho Bean Burgers

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Sad, but true:

 

 

We are so lucky to have the knowledge we do about clean eating.  I am continually surprised by how many people legitimately have no clue how to make good food choices.  Not to mention those who just don’t care.

Remember then craziness most of us ate growing up?  Ding Dongs, Pop-Tarts, orange soda… I wouldn’t even think to buy those things now!  (Note: there is a restaurant in Atlanta that makes homemade Ding Dongs… those, I would buy. 🙂 ).

 

In my adult life, I shop the perimeters of the grocery store.  When I do buy packaged food, I read labels to ensure the ingredient list is recognizable.

 

Source: http://www.inshapeindiana.org

 

No one is perfect.  I’d be lying if I told you there weren’t a couple of questionable items in my freezer.  The point is to eat as clean as you can most of the time.

One of the items I’ve become more aware of are frozen veggie burgers.  I try not to eat many processed foods, but in my constant quest for protein I picked up a box of the burgers for a quick fix.  Then I realized I could quite easily make my own and keep them in the freezer for those times of need.

 

 

Beans are one of the top sources of vegan protein; however, I cannot eat enough beans to get my 25g required per meal.  I CAN mix them with other protein sources to amp it up though!

Note: I am not vegan, but I am striving to continue to eat as plant-based as possible while I train for a figure competition.

 

 

These ancho chile burgers combine beans, textured vegetable protein (TVP), and vital wheat gluten to deliver a homemade, protein-rich vegan burger.  The chili power and ancho chili pepper in chipotle give it a nice heat (if you’re sensitive to heat simply leave out the ancho chili).

I served one for dinner with sautéed shiitake mushrooms, onions, garlic, and spinach.  The remaining patties were wrapped up for later meals.

 

 

Between the liquid smoke and the grill marks (thanks to Mr. George Foreman and his grill), these bean burgers have turned my cubicle into a lunchtime picnic.  Ok, I exaggerate… but they are tasty! 

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Ancho Bean Burgers

Inspired by JL’s Chickpea TVP Burgers.

  • 1/2 C fava beans, cooked
  • 1/2 C cannellini beans, cooked
  • 1/4 cup TVP
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/2 C Vital Wheat Gluten
  • 1/2 C fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 C onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ancho chili pepper in chipotle, diced
  • 1/4 tsp liquid smoke
  • 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • S+P,  to taste

 

In a food processor, pulse the cooked beans (leave some larger pieces).

Combine the TVP and vegetable broth and let stand for 10 mins.  Stir in the Vital Wheat Gluten.

Add the TVP and all remaining ingredients and pulse until well combined.

Refrigerate 1 hour (or overnight).  Form the patties, making them fairly thin so the middle get “cooked” on the grill. Return to the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or over night.  At this point you may place in the freezer for future use.

Set out at room temperate about 30 minutes before grilling.  Cook on a grill pan (or grill if you have one) for ~6-7 mins on each side, or place in George Foreman grill for 6 mins.

Makes 5 4-oz burgers.

Approximate Nutritionals: 116 calories, 0.5g fat, 144mg sodium, 13.6g carbohydrates, 3.8g fiber, 1.7g sugar, 14.3g protein

***

In 5 days I will be 29 years old.  The last year of my 20s.  How did this happen?!

Is there anything shameful in your freezer or pantry? Make me feel better… lol!

Have you become more health conscious in your “old age,” or did you grow up eating clean?

 

Rockstar Riff On Spaghetti + WIAW

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My sister is a rockstar.

Which is the goose and which is the fox?

Alli played a local venue on Monday night with her boyfriend, Noah.  It was an open mic contest (well-known for launching John Mayer’s career).  They didn’t win but I think they were one of the best.  There is just SO much talent in Atlanta.

Alli and Noah’s band is called Goose & Fox.  Check them out on YouTube!  Shameless plug of one of my favorite songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-gxzyUd51U

 

Given that we have a huge food-focused holiday one day away, it seems funny to be posting a tame WIAW… but at least it involves balls!

Check out Peas and Crayons to see how everyone else pre-gamed Thanksgiving on Jenn’s What I Ate Wednesday.

Pre-Breakfast:

I made a late-night post-concert trip to Kroger for melting chocolate so I could coat more Red Wine Cake Balls!  They looked so pretty and smelled so good… they were calling my name!  So I may have pre-gamed breakfast with balls…

Don’t judge me.

The winner so far has been these Red Wine Balls, but the Sparkling have received a ton of votes.  It comes down to preference.  Do you prefer your… desserts… sweet and white or dark and rich?

Pass the dark and rich over here.

Breakfast:

In preparation for the Thanksgiving Half, I’m loading up the carbs and protein.  This morning’s oatmeal with egg whites hit the spot.

Check out that nut butter good-ness!

In my Oats:

  • 1/2 C oatmeal
  • 1/2 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 C water
  • Shake of salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/4 C blueberries
  • Scoop of Cinnamon Cacao Nut Butter

Prepare oatmeal according to package instructions.  When almost done, quickly whip in the egg white.  Add blueberries.  Transfer to bowl and top with nut butter – I used Cinnamon Cacao Nut Butter I made yesterday.

Delicious and super filling thanks to the protein and “good” fat.

Lunch:

Just before lunch, I jogged to the Thanksgiving Half Expo to get my number.  Only 1 more day – eek!  I signed up with the 1:45 pace team.  In hindsight, that may be a little ambitious.  Guess I’ll find out tomorrow.

On the way back I passed Evos, a small chain that claims to make a healthier burger.

Their fries are air baked, burgers are made with naturally raised beef, milkshakes use organic milk and sugar – they even offer fruit shakes!

I settled on a Veggie Garden Burger.  The vegetarian patty was pretty good (they also offer a vegan variety) – plenty of veggie and bean chunks in it (a must IMHO).

I really enjoyed the avocado spread, but the BEST part was the ketchup.  They make their own flavors – Original, Cayenne,  Mesquite, and Garlic.  The garlic was pretty fantastic. 🙂

The problem was the bun – it was one of those sticky, chewy grocery store buns with the sesame seeds on top.  Change the bun and I’ll come back, Evos.

The lady at the counter was really patient nice and let me sample an air baked french fry.  I didn’t order my own, but they were pretty good!  They tasted a lot like McDonald’s (which I haven’t had in years… but they remain my favorite)  but only have 170 calories and 5g of fat.  No, it’s not a health food but it is a healthier option when you want to indulge.

Dinner:

One of the most creative bloggers I know, Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen, created this vegan, “adult” version of Spaghetti-O’s.  Sarah is also the queen of repurposing items to create the coolest dishes (airplane bottle of V8 –> tomato-vegetable soup?!).

Eying the last of a carton of Trader Joe’s Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup, I channeled my inner Smart Kitchen and went to work.

See my bastardized modified version at the end of this post.

Snacks:

Lucky (pre-race moment of brilliance?) me scheduled a late-afternoon massage!  It was one of the best I’ve had in a loooong time.

I made a quick pre-massage protein shake to tide me over until dinner.  It was my basic: spinach, protein powder, almond milk, almond extract, and banana (trying to get the potassium in).

This is all that was left when I remembered to take a pic.

A massive Asian Pear and pomegranate made up a great “dessert.”  I cut the pear into bite-sized pieces and sprinkled it with fresh pomegranate seeds, freshly ground cinnamon, and a teensy bit of paprika.

Normally I scoff at the idea of fruit for dessert, but this was shockingly satisfying.

Saucy Soup & Spaghetti

  • 1.5 C TJ’s Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
  • 2 T nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 servings pasta (I used a veggie-laced fettuccine)

Prepare pasta according to the package.

Meanwhile, combine first 6 ingredients in small pot and warm over med-high heat.

When pasta is cooked, drain and pour into 2 bowls.  Top with soup-sauce, garnish to taste with red pepper flakes and fresh black pepper.

Makes 2 servings.

***

Things will probably be slow going in the blog world over the next few days.  I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday filled family, food, and fun.  Safe travels and successful turkey runs!

What are your holiday plans?  Travel?  Races?

What dish are you most excited about tomorrow?

Obesity Outbreak

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HALF of U.S. adults will be obese by 2030.*

Half.

We aren’t talking about a few extra pounds here.  Obesity is a serious problem.

That’s a mug… made of bacon… filled with cheese.

My co-worker and I were running through an airport the other day and he commented that he judges people that are clearly at an unhealthy weight who are eating Big Macs and riding on the moving walkways in airports.

His point is that they are adding to healthcare costs and, in turn, costing everyone.  It may be controversial, but I can’t say that I disagree.

Relax – you’ll never be more than a 145 mile drive from the nearest B’Mac.

 Source: Data Pointed

The other thing that bothers me?

Denny’s new sandwich offering is a 1650 calorie gut-buster: The Mac ‘n Cheese Patty Melt.

The contents?  “A hand-pressed beef patty topped with new creamy Mac ‘n Cheese, melted cheddar cheese, and zesty Frisco sauce on grilled potato bread.”

I get it’s their prerogative and people have the right to choose.  But really Denny’s… is this necessary? 

*As reported in the Washington Post, and according to a report released Thursday on the international obesity crisis in the British medical journal the Lancet.

***

This week of living at the mercy of hotel and airports have driven home the point that it’s not always easy to find healthy options.

Are restaurants being irresponsible serving items like this when half of our population will be at dangerous weights in less than 20 years?

Ginger Lime Edamame Black Bean Burgers

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Yesterday I ate vegan and last night I ate RAW.

 

I was loving that when I checked in at R. Thomas for dinner so many of you commented on Twitter!  My local hole-in-the-wall is well-known!

R. Thomas Deluxe Grill (1812 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-872-2942) is this crazy-looking, eclectic restaurant in Atlanta that has something of a cult following.  If you are in Atlanta or just passing through and looking for a healthy, vegetarian-friendly place, check this out.  (I think it’s mucho better than Cafe Sunflower.)

 

Is it the parrots?  The fact that you’re basically eating under a tent?  The juices and smoothies?  The 24-7 breakfast?  The many vegetarian options?

My vote is all of the above! 

 

Tonight I ordered the Raw Veggie Dinner #2.

 

Can you believe how pretty this looks?!  So many colors!

On my plate (clockwise, beginning from “noon”): cashew cheese, raw falafel, hummus, carrot-coconut-almond salad, guacamole, cauliflower tabouli, sunflower pate, and fennel asparagus salad.  The middle was a cabbage kraut.

 

It was was all good – very fresh and rejuvenating.  My favorites were the kraut, cauliflower, and the pate.  The creativity earned each big points, as well as the distinct, clean flavors in each combo.

I always feel a little high after eating an all-raw meal… is that just me? 🙂

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It seems that lately more and more bloggers have mentioned how inspired they are by others’ recipes – I am no different!

Choosing Raw is one of my favorite sources for ideas/recipes.  Today, I was inspired by Gena’s Ginger Lime Edamame Sweet Potato Burgers.

 

In case you didn’t get your burger-fill over the 4th… try this one!  It’s much different than your typical black bean burger.

 

In fact, it’s possibly the best bean burger ever – and I rarely claim anything to be the “best.”  Asian-style.  Vegan.  Gluten-free.

 

The ginger adds an unexpected zing – definitely don’t leave it out!  I also loved the cilantro and lime playing together in it.  Finally, the sriracha gives it some spice (I was worried that the heaping teaspoon I added would overwhelm, but the flavor is surprisingly subtle).

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 Ginger Lime Edamame Black Bean Burgers

  • 1 C black beans
  • 1/2 C shelled, frozen edamame beans (thawed)
  • 1/4 C red onion 
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, chopped 
  • 1/3 cup quinoa flakes 
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1T liquid aminos (can use soy sauce or tamari instead) 
  • 1/4 C cilantro 
  • 1 tsp garlic sriracha
  • ~1T water (as needed)

 

Preheat oven to 350.

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until desired consistency is reached.  I like mine to have a few larger pieces of beans left for texture.

Form into 4 patties and bake ~30 mins.

***

I’m slowly working through the billions of bookmared recipes I have!

What have you been inspired to make by another blogger?

 

Baked Falafel + WIAW

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It’s WIAW time again!

Which means this is What I ate Tuesday. 🙂  (Check out what everyone else at too @ Peas and Crayons!)

I was supposed to be on a business trip this week, but was cancelled last minute.  I can’t say I was terribly upset… sometimes I get to go to cool cities, but that doesn’t mean I get to see any of them!

Due to this (and a lot of dinner plans), I am having a “use what’s in the fridge” week.

The Challenge

I can be am terrible at letting things go bad.  It’s wasteful.  There are starving kinds in Africa.  Money doesn’t grow on trees. *Insert whatever lines your parents used to force encourage you to clean your plate.*

Muffin trial run, eggs, restaurant leftovers, last week’s hummus, dregs of an artichoke jar, the last bottle of beer… they’re all being utilized!

Breakfast

Blueberry muffins, egg, and raw milk.

Recipe will come soon… I need to do some tweaking.  Good, but not quiiiiite great.

Lunch

Last night I met my very pregnant BFF for dinner at Cafe Sunflower, one of the few exclusively-vegetarian restaurants in Atlanta.

Overall it was good.  I liked my Jamaican Black Bean Patties with Pineapple Salsa and ate the leftovers for lunch.


The server was really weird.  He leaned around the wall by our table and whispered that he had a crush on me.  Then, when my friend went to the bathroom, he asked if I had a boyfriend and told me I have a good energy.  (Note: he had creepy energy.)

I’m here to eat, not get hit on! At least it got me a free sample of the 3 Bean Chili (which was horrible, btw).

Snacks

It was a back/bicep weight day, so I got my post-workout 20g of protein from a Banana-Cinnamon Protein Shake.

In the mix:

(measurements are approximations – I eyeball it)

  • 1 banana
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp maca
  • 1/2 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 C frozen kale
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of guar gum
  • Pinch of lemon-salt
  • Ice + water (as needed)
  • Granola sprinkled on top

Pretzels, carrots, cucumbers, and a bowl of cereal were also consumed.

Dinner

After a 5 hour conference call, I played with my food.

Falafel face

One of my 5 million bookmarked recipes included a baked falafel by Sarena @ Non-Dairy Queen.  In the spirit of using what I had, I made Japanese-ish Baked Artichoke Falafel – spicy-style!

I ate my falafel with another recipe I have been meaning to try – Baked Grilled Zucchini with Goat Cheese from one of my new favorite blogs: Rufus’ Food and Spirits Guide.

If you never listen to anything else I say, listen when I say you HAVE to try this Stuffed Zucchini.  Grill or bake it this weekend for the 4th!

It is so easy – cut rows into a zucchini, stuff with cheese (I used goat), drizzle with olive oil, top with herbs, S+P, wrap in foil, bake or grill for 20 mins.  Devour.

Japanese-ish Baked Artichoke Falafel

  • 1/4 C Japanese-ish hummus
  • 1/8 C jarred artichoke hearts, rough chopped
  • 1 T coconut flour
  • 1-1.5 tsp garlic sriracha
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp hosin sauce
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • Brine from artichokes, as need to moisten

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together.  Form 5 balls (1 heaping tablespoon each) and place on foil-lined baking sheet.  Bake for 20 mins.

Note: You can use any hummus or flour to make this.  Add some herbs and you favorite spices and you’ll have your very own customized falafel!

***

I’m so pumped for tonight – it’s the second in a Chef Series I’ve been attending and tonight features one of my favorite Atlanta chefs.  Full report to come… probably not until Friday though!

Show me your WIAW!!!

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten so far this week?

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Bean Burgers

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In Atlanta we have weekly events called “Screen on the Green.”

 

They put up a giant screen in the city’s largest park and project classic films.  Everyone comes out early with their Frisbees, dinner, and bottles of wine.  It’s a lot of fun!

Last night’s movie was Imitation of Life.  My beverage of choice was a beer from one of my breweries – Hitachino.  I noticed on of their beers on a menu at The Porter and had to try it, as I’d never seen a Japanese white ale!  They make a fantastic ginger ale as well – unlike many gingers, it isn’t too sweet for my taste.

Last night I tried the Red Rice brew for the first time.  I really liked it!  It is a light, crisp red beer with a bread-y taste and a refreshing hint of strawberries.  YUM.

It was fun hanging out with my friend and celebrating (almost) making it through another work week.  Too bad we can’t do this every night!

________________________________________________________________________________

Wayyyy back in the day (translation: college), I used to eat burgers weekly.  I also ordered the bacon-blue cheese version.  With fries and a side of ranch.  It’s been a while since I’ve eaten that much red meat in one sitting.  I’ve nearly cut the stuff out of my diet completely.  Way before cutting out the red meat, I did stop the blue-cheese-bacon-bomb burgers.

Fast-forward to the healthier life and I’ve learned to love homemade bean burgers.  One of my favorite parts about a good burger has always been melty cheese and a salty-spicy bacon taste.  I’ve come to realize that my lifestyle change doesn’t mean I can’t still enjoy those flavors!

 

Top 3 Tips for Bean Burger Enjoyment:

  • Use high-quality blue cheese – the flavor is more pronounced, so you don’t need such a massive amount
  • Add paprika for a spicy-smoky taste that satisfies almost like bacon
  • Add other fun flavors to make the bean burger more “fun” – make them spicy, herb-y, Mediterranean-inspired, Italian… beans actually allow added flavors to shine more so than beef does.

My blue cheese of choice?  Montchevre Chevre in Blue.  It was suggested to me by Matt, who has never led me astray in the cheese department!  Roaring 40’s Blue would also be great, or a cheese from another family.  I’m thinking a sun-dried tomato herbed goat cheese…

 

As far as the fries and ranch… I think I grew out of that (ranch now sounds soooo unappealing to me).  I enjoyed my burger with my Butternut Rosemary Hummus and celery.  And a side of work.

Then, after a tricep/chest workout, I went back for Round 2 with a fried egg on top.  Gotta get that protein!

 

Tomorrow I’m going with a side of sweet potato chips to compliment my leftover burger.

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Blue Cheese-Stuffed Black Bean Burgers

  • 1 can black beans, rinsed
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 C walnuts
  • 1/4 C whole wheat flour
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/3 C cilantro
  • 1/2 C red pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 C onion, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • S+P, to taste
  • 1 oz blue cheese

Preheat over to 400 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Pulse black beans, vinegar, walnuts, flour, cilantro, and garlic together in food processor until beginning to stick together. Add red pepper, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper and lightly pulse until just mixed (can also mix by hand).

Form 4 patties, leaving ~1/3 of the mixture behind.  Place patties on prepared baking sheet.  Top the burgers with blue cheese, keeping the cheese closer-ish to their centers.  Add remaining bean mix to the top so that the cheese is covered and press lightly to mold together.

Bake 10-12 mins on one side.  Using a spatula, flip and bake an additional 5-6 mins.

Makes 4 burgers.

***

A few hours to go before fun, sunshine-filled weekend!!!

***Updated to urge you to check out Act Fast Chef and the Friday Edition love she gave me!***

Do you like bean burgers?  

Do you prefer to make your own or order out?


Black Bean Burgers

By

It wasn’t just a fluke last week!  The Sleep Cycle app once again got me out of bed in time to exercise before work this morning.  Amazing.

The real test will be tomorrow.  I have a one-month membership to a local gym (thank you, Groupon).  A friend of mine swears by a certain 630am class… and I committed to meeting her there tomorrow.  At 630am.

*deep breath*

I can’t remember the last time I woke up that early.

The icing on the cake is that I haven’t tried spinning since high school.  I made it through one class, then vowed “never again” after it left my crotch feeling bruised.

TMI?!?

If last week was Indian week, then this week is faux-burger week.

Last night being burger-less became unbearable.

There is no way I can chew a real burger (plus I’m not so sure I want to go back to red meat), but a soft, black bean burger seemed do-able.  Off to the kitchen I went to create.

The result was awesome.  I couldn’t stop at just the burger.  Inspired by the recent over-saturation onslaught of burger-creations in Atlanta, I added a fried egg and some tasty (mayo-free!), spicy pimento cheese.

I used the American Gra-frutti gluten-free pimento cheese I wrote about last week.  Again, I’m not gluten-free.  I just like good food.  This stuff is GOOD.

Whole Paycheck Foods had a tasting this weekend where I was able to try American Gra-frutti’s “They’ll Never Know” gluten-free chocolate chip cake.  It was awesome.  Not too sweet and, as promised, I would have never known there was anything different about it.

The burgers are vegan… the egg on top notsomuch.

 

Vegan Black Bean Burgers

  • 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 carrot
  • 1/4 C fresh parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 C red onion, chopped
  • 1/3 C whole wheat panko
  • S + P, to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine first 5 ingredients in a food processor and blend until coarsely chopped.  Add spices, blending once more and adjusting to taste.  Incorporate the onion and panko at the end, blending just a moment (if you, like me, prefer a little texture).  Salt and pepper to taste.

Place on lined (or non-stick) baking sheet and cook for ~45 mins (or until firmed up), flipping 30 mins in.

Makes 4 burgers.

***

Do you enjoy trying “specialty” foods even though you may not have “special” food needs?  

What’s the best new product you’ve discovered lately?

Figgy Wild Rice and Mushrooms

By

My favorite day of the week is Funday.

Ok, it’s the only day I really adore.

It all started with sleeping in, which I LOVE.  I can rarely stay asleep past 9a any more, which was the case this morning.  However, I turned back over and didn’t wake up again until 1030a.  *insert sigh of happiness*

This luxury was followed by a hot cup o’ tea and Man vs. Food – in Atlanta!  Adam Richman ate the Double Bypass burger at The Vortex.  This burger is “topped with 2 fried eggs, 6 slices of American cheese, and 8 slices of bacon.”  Served between 2 grilled low-fat cheese sandwiches.

Mr. Richman needs a cleanse after that one. 🙂

After drooling over red meat some TV watching, I made a tasty salad with grapefruit, daikon, cucumber, guac, and grilled chicken.

Mmmm… chicken returns!

And a little bit of my new favorite soup for dessert.

Butternut Apple Soupy Goodness

Then it was looking rainy… so I went shopping.  It couldn’t be helped – it was Gap’s 30% off Friends and Family!  Reusable and good at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic

You better believe I made good use of it at all 3! 🙂

Tonight I adapted KERF’s Stuffing.  The SP Cleanse doesn’t allow bread or nuts (oh sweet peanut butter, how I miss thee…), so I had to make a few adjustments.

Cooking on the stove top

Now that I’m on the the lean protein portion of the cleanse, I added grilled chicken.  You could easily leave it out though.  My version is gluten and nut-free.

This dish was one I’ll definitely make again!  The wild rice and mushrooms had a great earthy taste.  I was tempted to just serve it as a stir-fry without adding the broth and putting it in the oven.  That would have been a mistake – those additions gave the dish a creamy texture you don’t want to miss.  The figs provided just the right amount of sweetness, too.

Crisped in the oven

Served with sauteed garlicky mustard greens

Wild Rice with Figs & Mushrooms

  • 1 1/2 C Wild rice (cooked)
  • 2 T EVOO
  • 2 T butter (I used black truffle butter)
  • 3 Celery stalks, chopped (about 1 1/2 C)
  • 1/3 C Yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 C Mushrooms, sliced (I used a mix of shiitake, baby bella, and oyster)
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Rosemary springs, chopped (about 3 T)
  • 4-5 Sage leaves, chopped (about 4 T)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 6 Fresh figs, quartered
  • 2 Chicken breasts, grilled and chopped
  • 1 1/2 C Vegetable broth

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt butter and oil in a large iron (oven-proof) skillet over medium heat.  Add celery and onion.  Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until celery and onion are tender.

Add garlic, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper and mushrooms.  Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender.

Add cooked rice and stir.  Then add figs and chicken, tossing evenly to combine.  Pour in broth.  Cook until just warmed through, about 3-4 mins.

Cover the skillet with foil and bake for 10 mins. Remove foil and bake 10 more mins, until top is slightly crisped and broth is (mostly) absorbed.

***

Figs are fun.

Are you a fig-fan?

Do you ever sleep in?

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