Food Hangovers and Slutty Cake

December 18, 2013 By Laura

Atlanta is a food mecca.

It really has become like a mini San Francisco!

This is the food portion of Sarah’s weekend visit… my favorite part! There’s nothing more fun than watching a friend enjoy a meal. Don’t get me wrong – I love to eat it too, but sharing something you love so much with a good friend makes the experience that much better.

So does the fact that Sarah created an image for the extravaganza:

Friday began with a dinner with Sarah and Heather at Cardamom Hill, my favorite Indian spot. The food is inspired by Chef Asha Gomez’s native cuisine from Kerala, but bring in a Southern influence.

We ordered a few starters: Bhajia (sweet potato and onion fritters served with tamarind sauce), Egg Appam (rice & coconut crepe with a poached egg and chili grilled shrimp), and green beans in a spicy garlic-onion masala.

Then we moved on to dinner. First was an Indian take on the classic Shrimp and Grits: spicy Kerala-curried shrimp over grits with leeks, ginger and roasted peppers. The second dish was a red snapper fillet seasoned with a masala paste over a roasted in a banana leaf. It is topped with a coconut milk curry and served with basmati rice and cardamom-scented sweet potatoes.

It’s all as good as it sounds. One thing I love about Asha is that she doesn’t tame her spices to cater to an “American” palette. Each dish had the perfect level of heat – enough to feel it, but not so much that it over took the flavor of the dish.

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Saturday morning we were slightly suffering from food hangovers, so I served Sarah my special morning “cocktail.” I swear it has magical powers. This, plus some eggs and fruit, fueled one helluva glute day!

After glute camp, protein shakes, the epic grocery trip, coffee, and a trip to Kroger (another grocery store), we – once again – did the stereotypical “blogger” thing for a snack: hummus, veggies, and summer rolls.

Sarah Instagrammed while I took a picture of her taking a picture of our foods. Also note the kabocha on the side. 😉

For dinner, I took her to Decatur. It is one of my favorite parts of Atlanta, and is home to one of the best restaurants in the city, Cakes & Ale.

I’ve,eaten here before, but I swear it gets better every time. This was no exception. In fact, our meal here was one of the best meals I’ve had in recent memory in Atlanta. Thus, it will be known as…

We elected to sit at the bar, which I typically find to be the best seat in the house. A good bartender knows everything about the restaurant – from menu to cocktails – and will often let you sample things.

Evan at Cakes & Ale is a good bartender. He started us off well with a gin drink for Sarah and his take on a Manhattan for me.

This most excellent bartender surprised us with a small gift – Arancini with citrus and fennel pollen! This is one of my favorite dished there. Imagine a cheese stick, but as a rice ball with fun spices. We also ordered the butternut squash “hummus” with naan, pomegranate, cilantro, and za’atar to start. I thought my butternut hummus was good… but the impossibly smooth, whipped quality of this pseudo-hummus stole me heart.

Our mains were a roasted cauliflower and shell beans with turnips, carrots, arugula, feta, and poached egg and a Striped Bass with creamed savoy cabbage, roasted fennel salsa, smoked beets, black trumpet mushrooms. The smoked beets deserve a paragraph of them own. I’ll save you the pontificating and just say that they were go good that upon first bite Sarah and I both paused in stunned silence.

Just when we thought things couldn’t get better, the bartender sold us on dessert. It was a hazelnut Bavarian cake with praline bavarian mousse, vanilla sauce, and topped with a nougatine.

That sounds wonderful, but his personal description is what sealed the deal for me. He called it “slutty cake.”

It was the best kind of slutty. Rich, decadent, cream-filled… silky smooth…

I need a cold shower jut remembering it, so this will conclude What I Ate with Sarah. Check out all the link ups here. And check out Sarah’s recaps here and here.

***

Don’t forget click here to enter the giveaway for the Holiday Sampler box from Sizzlefish. Win 1 for you and 1 to gift!

Have you ever had a food hangover? The struggle is real!

What is the best meal you’ve had at a restaurant?

A Relaxing Weekend

November 25, 2013 By Laura

This weekend was relaxing.

My version of relaxing… which is active relaxed.

This was the first weekend in a long time where I didn’t HAVE to do anything productive. I still did lots of things, but it was nice to not have a set agenda.

Friday night I had an impromptu dinner with my mom at local Italian restaurant Double Zero. We had a great time catching up and eating. I hadn’t seen her since my competition!

My favorite dish was the grilled octopus with pancetta hash, asparagus puree, and citrus vinaigrette, but the lamb farro was a close second. It was a smoke and braise lamb shoulder with apricots, figs, fresh ricotta, and a poached egg. Next to all that the beet salad was underwhelming.

This next morning I woke up ravenous, so I threw together some quick pancakes. I am not the Pancake Queen, so I was surprised when they turned out to be quite good!

I posted this Almond-Chocolate Pancake recipe here. The topping was the icing on the (pan)cake. I used Lorann Oils Irish Cream flavor in it!

Then it was off to the gym for a glute workout with some of my teammates. I normally workout solo and forgot how much fun it is to have a gym morning with friends!

After the workout we stood around talking about food (of course), and my friend Rachael revealed she hadn’t been to Whole Foods before! I suggested a post-workout trip and off we went. 2 hours later, we were full of samples and hot bar boxes and Rachael learned why we lovingly call it “Whole Paycheck.” She Instagrammed her finds – have you ever tried any of these items? Black bean pasta and no-salt mustard are awesome!

Saturday night I had a friend date with Kat. I’ve been looking forward to catching up with her for weeks! We talked and laughed for hours. You know those friends who just “get” you? That’s Kat.

We ate at the bar at Kimball House. Their cocktail program is incredible! Their take on a Manhattan used cola bitters – coolest thing ever! The food was ok… I’d go back for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.

Their take on a Manhattan with cola bitters, sautéed mushroom salad, and beef tartar

I took an “artsy” shot! Sort of:

Sunday was a beautiful day in Atlanta. It was sunny and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky! I decided to go for a run and enjoy the weather… as soon as I stepped outside I realized that – despite the sun – it was in the 30s. About a mile into it I thawed out and enjoyed myself.

I love the trees with the red leaves. They look like they’re on fire!

When I returned I had a lot to do in the kitchen. All fun creations! It was kombucha-brewing day. I have been brewing my own for over a year now. It’s really easy, especially if you have a starter kit (you need a “mother” called a scoby). Mine was from Brooklyn Kombucha, but you could also beg a friend who brews for a scoby.

This week’s flavors are cranberry-ginger-lemon and blackberry-lemon-mint.

I also did some baking for the Sunday evening end of season party at my training gym, House of Payne. I’ll share my #strangebugood brownie recipe next week. 😉

This is what happens when a bunch of competitors get together for a post-season party. It’s ok… we’re bulking…

There were plenty of green veggies, clean sweet potato casseroles, and protein. That pic just wasn’t as much fun.

I am so thankful to have found Steve and his gym. This group of competitors is top-notch. Everyone is kind and always willing to lend a hand. They are funny, genuine people who I am proud to be associated with.

Linking up to Katie’s MIMM again – I’d say this “relaxing” weekend was pretty marvelous!

***

I’m 100% enjoying food freedom again. Bulking season is my favorite.

When was the last time you had an agenda-free weekend?

Have you been to Whole Foods? Do you remember your first time?

Yogurt Cocktails + 70/100 Miles

October 17, 2013 By Laura

Cocktails as a health food?

Could be #strangebutgood…

Yogurt cocktails are apparently a thing. I can’t imagine the texture. Or how the booze doesn’t curdle it… but this looks mighty tasty.

Heirloom Tomato and Frozen Goat Yogurt Float

This article claims it “sounds terrible, tastes good. I’d try it… click through to read them all. Some are really cool. You get probiotics and protein. I’d try it… would you?

I want to make a few of these into a breakfast meal! Maybe without the booze. ~~Unless it’s Sunday Funday.~~

Enough of my sober competition diet cravings! Kat is back this week with a much healthier post about the crazy 100 mile race she did. This is truly awe-inspiring…

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70/100 Miles, Not Bad!

(A race report…and adventures on my radar)

By: Kat

I ran 70 miles (out of 100) at the Oil Creek 100 (Editor’s note: Total slacker). While it is a DNF (Did Not Finish), I’m not injured, and I’m healing up nicely.

The first 62.2 miles were incredible, and I was right on my expected pace as I crossed in to an aid station, after finishing my first 100K.

I ran a great 70 miles, but a couple of things went wrong in the last 5-6 that caused me to stop, honor my body, and get pumped to try 100 again. (Editor’s note: And this is just one more reason why I admire you.)

RECAP:

The race started at 5:00am, and I was off. It’s a race with 3 50K loops (31.1 miles), and then another 7.7 mile loop at the end. I made it through 2 loops, and another 7-8 miles, totaling 70 miles. I ran from 5:00am until about 11:15pm. 18 hours on my feet, a new distance record, and an awesome day leaves me feeling so grateful for a healthy, strong, body and mind.

My new friend, Mark, decided we would run it together, so I could help him slow his pace, and he would help me finish. (Editor’s note: Race friends are the best!) We started together and ran well together for over 40 miles. My pace was nearly perfect, which allowed me ample time at the Aid Stations where I had my drop bag. I had plenty of nutrition, was taking care of lubing the places that needed lubing, and really enjoying the day.

Oil creek was gorgeous! I ran the first 50-ish miles with my friend Gabe. It’s amazing the things you learn about people on the trails. We had very intimate conversations about any number of topics from relationships, to food and nutrition, to past experiences, lifestyle, etc. With Mark as well, we talked about so many things that I feel like I have known both of these men for years and years.

Across ages, socio-economic status, and so many other differences, the trails are a place where you bond with other human beings like you don’t in many other situations.

This was the most I had ever run with the same 1-2 people in a race, and it made me feel wonderful! I literally had a smile on my face 95% of the day. (Editor’s note: That’s the first thing I noticed about these pics – you look beautiful and radiant in your element.)

What I learned:

So a few things went wrong in the last 6 miles. My shoe laces fell out of my right shoe when I stepped in mud, and my foot got stuck, my headlamp batteries started to die, I forgot to eat enough calories, and I was chafing between my butt cheeks and other nether-regions (Editor’s note: Ewwww! 😉 ). And then I realized I was all alone with 30 miles to go. I felt a twinge of something in my right hamstring and thought, I will be out here for another 8 hours by myself, through the night, risking injury.

That being said, I decided that I want to run 100 miles, but I need a pacer (someone to run with you, make sure you get food and water, make sure you’re not talking yourself out of finishing, helping you with your headlamp and other various things, like lubing your butt). So, I have decided to run another 100 in the spring. I have had 3 volunteer pacers and I can’t wait to get back at it! (Editor’s note: I’ll pace you. For 5K. LOL!)

Diana

In the meantime, I have found a new trail hobby to keep me busy while I heal. Horseback riding. I started a few weeks ago, and I am loving getting to know the horses, spend time on trails and be with nature. I’ve been riding at Serenbe, a 1,000-acre sustainable living community, just south of Atlanta. It’s beautiful and amazing. (Editor’s note: I have been there a few times and it is the most serene environment! With good food.)

It’s also a great workout that allows me to fly though trails and get some good endorphins flowing while I have myself on running restriction to heal. I have told myself not to run farther than 6 miles for 3 weeks. I’m halfway through these weeks! Horsey-rehab and healing my body!

Maggie, the fastest ride, and super fun!

I have also decided on my next 100 miler, and another fun running-swimming race to do in Sweden next year, ÖTILLÖ, where teams of two race together from island to island (Ö TILL Ö) from Sandhamn to Utö in the Stockholm archipelago. The teams swim between the 26 islands and run on them.

The total distance is 75 kilometers of which 10 km are swimming and 65 km are running!

***

Reading this I now realize why Kat said she’d run with me this weekend. I’m a short distance pacer. LOL!

What do you do for rest and recovery after a big race or competition? Yes. Waffle House after every competition!

Do you start planning your next adventures right away? What adventures are on your radar!?

Marvelous Memorable Meals in Napa

July 22, 2013 By Laura

Food is a significant part of any trip for me.

Sometimes it’s the whole reason for the trip…

This past week’s trip to California was no exception. There was plenty of wine in wine-country, but the food was equally important.

After a looooong day of travel, all Lisa and I could think of when we hit the valley was ~~wine~~ food. We’d already scoped out our dinner destination: Farmstead. Farmstead is a farm (named Long Meadow Ranch) and a restaurant. They have their own vineyards, gardens, and chicken. Quite literally, it is a farm-to-table restaurant.

Our sights were set on a runny farm-fresh egg atop a steak tartar with capers, cornichons, tabasco, and toast. It was fantastic. The meat was also directly from the farm – the freshness of it made all the difference in the world. It’s amazing neither of us licked the plate.

We split a couple of other dishes as well.

The first was a grilled peach salad with speck (a cured meat similar to prosciutto), arugula, and house made ricotta. It was good… but the peach to salty stuff was a bit off (the peaches were in too big of pieces). That purple basil made the dish. Wil be remebering that in the future!

The second was a grilled artichoke with gribiche (like an aioli) and lemon. Simple and yet so good. This preparation always makes me wish I had a grill!

As fabulous as all of that was, the crowning jewel was dessert. My first birthday cake of the trip was a Scharffenberger chocolate cream pie with graham cracker crust. It was so fantastically fresh and delicious!

The crust actually tasted like it may have had some coconut, but we were assured it was just a good, old-fashioned homemade graham crust. We talked about it lovingly for the rest of the trip.

The other food we went on a mission for was a burger from Goose & Gander. From the moment we walked in I knew we couldn’t have made a better choice. The outdoor seating area alone was worth the trip. There were lights strung across the courtyard, quaint iron tables, and tall fence “walls” covered with vines and gorgeous colorful flowers.

First thing’s first though. A craft cocktail. Apparently the mixologist is something of a cocktail rockstar, so we were excited to try some creative concoctions. I went with the “Scarlet Gander.” It was Hanger One Buddha’s Hand Citron Vodka, ginger, shiso, galangal, lemon, and rhubarb. Not like anything I would typically order, but the flavors were so unique I couldn’t pass it up. It did not disappoint – these flavors were strange but good. 😉

We begin the meal with a salad. Our waiter recommended we try the watermelon and Rock Shrimp salad. The melons they used were the traditional pink AND a yellow melon. It made for a gorgeous plating!

It was served roasted peanuts and a Thai chili dressing that he swore would be a 9 on the heat scale. It wasn’t even close to a 9, but the salad was still delicious.

Now for the reason we came: the burger. Multiple people told us that the burger here was the best burger around, and that it shouldn’t be missed. It isn’t the #1 burger I’ve ever eaten, but it’s certainly top 3. I was really glad we decided to split it… it was massive and that much indulgence would be a stomach ache waiting to happen.

The bun (from Model Bakery) was perfection It kind of looks soggy in the pic, but it really wasn’t. It held up to the fantastically juicy grass-fed beef burger, which was topped with bone marrow (meat butter), Gruyere cheese, house smoked bacon, and pickles. Served with a side of duck fat fries (duck fat = crispier fries).

Between the craft cocktails, “famous” burger, and duck fat fries, Goose & Gander reminded me a lot of Atlanta’s Holeman & Finch (highly recommended if you are ever here).

We ate a lot more than this, but memories of these meals in particular (and the amazing company) are making my Monday Marvelous.

***

Moral of the story: always ask the locals what they eat. You’ll find the coolest places and the must-try dishes.

Have you ever been to the Napa area?

Are you adamant about researching the must-try restaurants when you travel?

What I Ate On My 30th Birthday

July 17, 2013 By Laura

Birthdays should be drawn out.

I’m celebrating mine for a solid week.

Today I leave for a fabulous birthday trip with two of my best ~~wine-os~~ friend: Lisa and Heather. At 21 we celebrated with cheap shots and beer, at 30 we spend too much money on fine wine and taking mud baths. I choose 30.

The celebration have been on going though! Later in the post are some birthday eats, but I wanted to share my favorite treats first. My actual birth DAY was fabulous – I was totally overwhelmed by the comments on this post and on Instagram. If you get a chance, look back at everyone’s “lessons learned” in the post comments. So much wisdom!

I had a wonderful dinner with my family, including my best friend who is basically my sister. We missed my Portland sister though!

Mallory, me, Mom, and Madison

Mom nailed the gift department – I told her not to buy clothes or anything. There’s not much I need… but I wouldn’t turn down a little Napa spending money. She made that happen in a rockstar way.

Nothing says “I love you” like ~~cash~~ credit!

Just when I thought the night couldn’t get better, I received this gem from Lauren. Lauren’s fur babies, to be more precise.

Does it get any cuter?!

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This WIAW is actually what I ate on my birthday. I had some favorites, and some indulgences. It was exactly as it should be on one’s 30th birthday.

Read on for my celebration eats, and then check out Jenn’s link up for everyone else’s delicious days.

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Breakfast:

My morning cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos) was served martini-style in honor of my birthday. Who doesn’t want to start their 30th year out with a draaaank?

Morning-tini

This is an old favorite. I don’t know why it’s been so long since I’ve made PB & Ceggs, but it’s what I wanted for my birthday. This is the perfect time of year to make it because the carrots are so sweet and juicy!

This is the version with an egg scramble, not the tofu in the linked recipe. It’s good both ways though! Even better with sprinkles:

Lunch:

This was a desperation meal. I leave for Napa today and I knew I’d be eating out for a couple of meals due to birthday celebrations so I didn’t do my usual grocery trip. Bring on the canned tuna!

This mix is tuna, nutritional yeast, cayenne, cumin, pepper, herbs de provence, turmeric, and balsamic vinegar. I tossed it with the end of a bag of spinach and ate it with a slice of P28 protein bread… on a ZooPals plate to preserve my youthfulness. 😉

Dinner:

Finally time for my birthday meal! My mom treated baby sister, my best friend, and me to dinner at Seed Kitchen & Bar. I was really excited because I got to try a new-to-me fish: Wreckfish. Wreckfish is like a cross between Sea Bass (my favorite!) and Halibut.

We did have to send my dish back (wayyyy overcooked), but on the second round it was perfection. Our server was nice enough to give me the sides from another special, so I was able to have caramelized brussels and roasted cauliflower on my birthday. It was a giant plate of my favorite things!

Dessert:

Simple and delicious. As my “cake,” I ordered a fresh-baked and slightly undercooked chocolate chunk skillet cookie a la mode. Mom and baby sis were allowed one bite each. 😉

***

I forgot to take a picture of the 3 cards I received at dinner. All were related to boobs. Way to go, Family! 😉

Have you ever tried Wreckfish?

What is your favorite thing to eat on your birthday?

Marvelous Piña Mezcalita

June 24, 2013 By Laura

Smokey booze is fun.

Ok, all booze is fun.

My friend Karen was nice enough to invite me to a little Mexican-themed dinner party last week. I think there was a basketball game on too… but that’s of little interest to me. Is it football season yet?!

Mom taught me never to show up empty-handed, so I brought one of my favorite summer salads – Watermelon Cotija. With its salty cheese, sweet melon, and a little bite from onion and jalapeno, I think it qualifies as #strangebutgood.

BUT being creative in the kitchen doesn’t have to stop with food. You need libations to go with it! Margaritas are the natural pairing with Mexican… that’s a little too normal for me.

What I came up with is a sort of pineapple margarita, but rather than tequila, I used its smokier cousin Mezcal. Like tequila, mezcal is made from agave. It differs in that for mezcal the agave is usually roasted in rock-lined pits, which give it a fantastic smokiness. I like to say that it’s Mexico’s version of scotch.

In this mezcalita, the flavor is balanced with sweet grilled pineapple and a lightly sweetened limeade. I like a boozier drink, but if you like yours on the sweeter side you can add agave or even some orange juice. You can also just use tequila if you don’t like smoke. 🙂

We did eat something other than the salad and the drink! Karen grilled chicken, peppers, and onions in a fantastic homemade cilantro sauce. It was delicious with her sides of Mexican rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, corn tortillas, and cheese.

You never leave Karen’s house hungry. And that, my friends, is marvelous.

Check out Katie’s link up to see what else is marvelous on this Monday!

Piña Mezcalita

1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1″ slices
1 jalapeño, sliced
¼ cup cilantro leaves
2 C mezcal
15 oz limeade (I used Odwalla)
1/2 C lime juice
Optional: agave syrup or other sweetener

First, grill the pineapple. Heat a nonstick grill pan over high heat, or heat an outdoor charcoal or gas grill to high. Place the pineapple slices flat on the grill, and cook, flipping once, until charred on both sides (~4 mins). Remove from pan and let cool completely.

Place the grilled pineapple, jalapeño, and cilantro in a pitcher. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, crush fruit and herbs until broken down.

Fill with ice, and then add mezcal, lime juices, and syrup (if using). Stir well and pour into glasses filled with ice, to serve.

***

I know that’ first shot isn’t the ~~breast~~ best pic… did you catch the one I posted on Facebook this weekend?

Did your parents teach you to never show up as a guest empty-handed?

Have you ever had mezcal? What is your favorite Mexican food or drink?

My Morning Cocktail + WIAW

January 9, 2013 By Laura

I love a cocktail.

Shameless, I tell you.

During Junk-Free January, my sole cocktail is my Morning Cocktail. If you’ve been reading for a while, you know I start every day with this apple cider vinegar-laced gem:

My Morning Cocktail:

12 oz water
1 T apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
1 tsp Glutamine Powder
1 scoop Amino Energy (I changed brands since the above pic, but the link is correct)

Glutamine and Aminos are both great for synthesizing muscle protein and preventing catabolism (muscle breakdown). Key if you are trying to build muscle.

The Apple Cider Vinegar is what I get more questions about. Here’s why it’s my jam:

It improves digestion and “regularity” (hence the glory of taking it first thing in the morning…)
Helps clear up acne (I also use it as toner)
Relieves joint pain and prevents muscle fatigue after exercise
Strengthens the immune system
Increases metabolism
Breaks down fats so that your body can use them rather than store them
Natural heartburn remedy
Lowers/regulates blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and glucose levels
May control fleas (hopefully this is more applicable to your pets)

Drinking this each morning truly is energizing. I no longer need coffee… until mid-afternoon when I’m freezing and getting tired of the computer screen.

This WIAW post features 4 meals (meals #2-5) that were totally prepped on Sunday evening. Planning is the #1 thing you can do to start your year off right in terms of nutrition!

Check out my 7 meals below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how others dined this week!

Meal 1:

After my morning cocktail, I set out to make one of my new staples: the Sweet Potato Pan-lette.

It’s a great, low-carb breakfast option. Since I’m experimenting with a higher fat-lower carb diet this week, I made a couple of modifications:

Used 1/4 C egg whites + 1 whole egg
Added 1 tsp ground flax seed
Reduced the amount of sweet potato to 1/4 C

Meal 2:

The best part about a higher fat diet is bison.

I enjoyed a bison burger with apple slices and a high-protein, Strange But Good dipper:

1/4 C no-salt cottage cheese
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 drops liquid smoke
1 drop lemon Stevia
Sprinkle of cayenne

Meal 3:

Lunch was a super-easy fancy meal. Salmon, roasted squash and eggplant, and celery. Since I prep most of my food for the week on Sunday nights, this took all of 30 seconds to throw together.

Meal 4:

This was my post-workout meal: trout, broccoli, and hummus. Again, all of this was prepped on Sunday so I could have it on the plate and in my belly STAT.

It was my first time making trout and I really liked it! It is slightly fishy, but not offensively so.

Apparently it was a good workout because I wanted a little something extra after. I busted out the jerky samples Simply Snackin’ sent me. The flavor I tried would certainly qualify as Strange But Good: Beef Sirloin with Cranberries & Blueberries.

I’m not a huge jerky fan… but OMG. This was fantastically moist and delicious. Yes, jerky is salty… but if you’re going to eat it this is the way to go. It has about half the sodium content you see in most (270). Not to mention they are all-natural, high protein, and low calories. Score.

Meal 5:

That trout was good… so I had it again. Should have bought more… I only have 1 serving left!

I ate it on a bed of spinach with roasted broccoli slaw and brussels. I coated them in a sauce I’d forgotten about: Lemon Tahini. Served with a mini-Cauliflower Crust Pizza.

Meal 6:

The incredible, edible egg. PB & Ceggs-style, topped with peanut butter. The recipe is for a vegan version with tofu, but tonight I used real eggs. And I used almond extract rather than maple. Never. Gets. Old.

Meal 7:

Low carb is hard. ~~My low carb diet is high in carbs.~~ I’m trying… it’s a lot of error. Who knew so many veggies were carb-loaded? Ugh.

All of this to say that by meal 7 I’d had more carbs that I targeted. Solution? Low-carb protein creation.

It wasn’t awesome. So I topped it with goji berries, sugar-free marshmallow creme, and cacao nibs. And still… it wasn’t awesome. #fail

***

The protein count for the day: 177.0g. The carbs? Lets just say I suck at low carb.

Don’t forget to join the Strange But Good link up this Friday!!! 🙂

Do you use Apple Cider Vinegar? What benefits have you seen?

Have you ever tried to go low-carb? Any tips are appreciated!

Strange But Good Holidays

December 28, 2012 By Laura

Christmas Eve traditions are special.

That doesn’t mean the tradition can’t be #strangebutgood!

Every year we have family friends over for desserts and drinks after dinner. And every year I make a different dessert and drink.

Exhibit 1:

In my version of heaven, cookies have the nutritional merits of spinach. My German Chocolate Chip Cookies do not qualify as spinach, but they do have a few redeeming qualities. I’m declaring these #strangebutgood because they are a cake-turned-cookie, and it’s a little strange for a holiday cake-cookie to be sort-of healthy.

The most important lesson I have learned when you are trying to make a dessert a little healthier is not to go too far. You’ll see here that while I made some subs, I still left some “real” flour and sugar in. This is important if you’re going to be sharing with people who aren’t used to eating like a blogger.

The healthier subs were spelt flour and NuNaturals’ new Tagatose sweetener as a sugar alternative for some of the sweet. The most important redeeming quality is that they taste delicious… which they were.

Like the cake, these cookies are a combination of chocolate and coconut. I loved the chewy bits of coconut against the melt-y chocolate chips. That with the crunch from the nuts made the texture in this cookie fantastic. I used macadamia nuts because they are my mom’s favorite, but almonds or cashews would go well here too.

My healthy changes went undetected. In fact, I never told anyone they are healthy-ish. Don’t be afraid to sneak a little #strangebutgood healthiness into your cookies!

German Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 C butter, softened
1 C packed dark brown sugar
1/2 C NuNaturals Presweet Tagatose
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp coconut extract
2 eggs
1 C flour
3/4 C spelt flour
1/2 C cocoa powder
1 T cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 C chopped macadamia nuts
1.5 C unsweetened coconut flakes

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together the butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and coconut extract in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir dry ingredients into the butter mixture, until fully incorporated.

Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut.

Spoon batter on to parchment lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 mins.

Exhibit 2:

As much as I like to try new things, my favorite cocktail is a classic Manhattan. It’s one of the oldest cocktails. It’s a simple mix of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. With a marinated cherry (don’t forget – it’s the best part!). With my favorite drink in mind, this year I created Christmas in Manhattan.

A week before Christmas Eve, I poured a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon into an empty ACV bottle (typical blogger…) and added 2 cinnamon sticks and 2 cups of fresh cranberries, sliced in half. I took another 1/2 C of the cranberries, stabbed a hole in them, and covered them with Gran Marnier. Both mixtures were then stored in a cool place for the week.

What resulted on Christmas Eve was a cinnamon-laced, festive, #strangebutgood interpretation of my favorite classic.

Christmas in Manhattan

2 oz. Cranberry-Cinnamon infused bourbon
1 oz. Domaine De Canton (ginger liqueur)
1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
3-4 drops orange bitters
Gran Marnier-soaked cranberry, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker add all ingredients and shake vigorously.

Pour into a martini glass (or short glass). Add a Gran Marnier-soaked cranberry for garnish and serve.

Makes 1 drink.

Note: I like this drink straight up, but you could add a splash of water or serve over ice if you prefer.

Want to Join?

All you need to do to join this link up is create a concoction that is Strange But Good, post it with the Strange But Good logo, and link up to your recipe. (See below for code.) In the Strange But Good post each week, you’ll see a link to add your own recipe and picture at the bottom of the page. I’d prefer you use a new strange but good dish, but if you realllly have a good previous one you can add it.

Not a blogger? You can play too! Send me an email with a picture of your food and a brief description by noon on Thursday and I’ll include it in Friday’s post (too late this week, obv… but next week it’s on!).

Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instragrams of your creations. 🙂

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This is the last dessert or drink thing I post for a while. I swear.

Do your families/friends mind if you make a healthier versions of foods?

What are some of your tricks for lightening up recipes?