Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

  • Home

Beet Sunflower Pesto

August 26, 2011 By Laura

The beat goes on…

Ok, this post isn’t about Sonny & Cher.  You can thank you later when you’re humming this song.

I made pesto!  Oil-free, vegan, purple pesto.

 

With beets.  Don’t be scared – it really is good.  I don’t even like beets and I loved it.

Why buy beets if I don’t even like them?  Because they are really good for you!

Among their long list of benefits:

  • Beets are high in nitrates, which can increase exercise endurance
  • are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals such as: Vitamin C, Niacin (B-3), Pantothenic acid (B-5), Pyridoxine (B-6), carotenoids, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and folates
  • They are a source of betalains, which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support
  • They contain two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are unique good for eye health
  • Betanin pigments from beets have been shown to lessen tumor cell growth and may have other anti-cancer benefits

The secret to making beets taste good is to add distinct flavors to them.  The citrus from the lemon and the sweet nuttiness from the toasted sunflower seeds did a lot to help.  Basil and garlic are, of course, is a great flavors to use in pesto.  The balsamic gave the flavor a last little push over the edge.

You could also add some goat cheese or nutritional yeast to the mix to further amp up the flavor.  Mine would have included goat cheese… but I planned poorly and used it all in my morning eggs.

For the “pasta” I improvised spiralized zucchini.  Using a cheese slicer.  Who says I don’t use all my kitchen gadgets?!

Topped with more sunflower seeds, red pepper flakes, and a tasty new French raw milk cheese: Raclette.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Beet Sunflower Pesto (Oil-Free and Vegan)

  • 2 medium beets (I cheated used packaged, pre-cooked)
  • ~15 large basil leaves
  • 1/4 C toasted sunflower seeds
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
  • S+P, to taste

Toast sunflower seeds on stove top (~4-5 mins).  Watch them closely and still as needed for an even toast.  

Place all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth.

Makes about 1/2 cup.

***

I went back for seconds thirds.  It’s also good atop brussels, FYI.

Do you have a favorite non-traditional pesto?

Do you ever eat things just because you know they are beneficial?  Were you successful in making it taste good?

Filed Under: Dip, Recipes Tagged With: beets, dinner, gluten-free, lunch, raw food, salad, vegan

Everybody’s WIAW

August 24, 2011 By Laura

Happy Hump-WIAW!

 Get yer mind out of the gutter.

 

As always, head over Peas & Crayons to check out 100+ others’ creative eats!

 

With football season so close (Tech’s opener is 8 days away!) and the Italy trip in less than 5 weeks, I’m getting really antsy.  Ants.  In.  My.  Pants.

Here’s our high-level Italian wine region/city itinerary:

  • Days 1-3 – Veneto/Verona
  • Days 3-5 – Friuli/Cormons
  • Days 5-6 – Lombardy/Milan
  • Days 6-8 – Piedmont/Alba
  • Day 9 – Driving/Hike Cinque Terre(!!!)
  • Days 9-11 – Tuscany/Lucca/Sienna
  • Days 12-13 – Tuscany/Florence

 

Of course, there will be side trips to smaller towns.  We are working out the winery strategy now.  Our trip also falls at the beginning of truffle season and I couldn’t be more excited.  One stop in the Piedmont region includes 2 hours hanging out with the chef at a family run, Michelin star restaurant before enjoying dinner there.

It is looking like this will be a trip to remember!

________________________________________________________________________________________

After listing all of that my day’s eats seem anti-climatic, right?

 

Breakfast

 

 

A hodge-podge overnight oats mix in poor lighting at 7am:

  • 3/4 C unsweetened almond milk (a little too much… maybe just 1/2 C next time)
  • 1/2 scoop cookies and cream protein powder
  • 1/2 banana, mashed
  • 1/2 C uncooked oatmeal
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Blueberries

 

Lunch

Here I go again with leftovers!

I made my Chili Nutty Tofu again – I think this is the recipe I repeat most often (which says a lot since I rarely repeat anything).  The spicy chili with the sweet, nutty peanut butter (use chunky!) is addicting.  It’s a baked tofu, which is my favorite way to eat it because of the way the tofu fluffs up in the oven while the outside becomes nice and crispy.  My only edit this time was to add freshly grated ginger to the marinade.

 

Served with a leftover raw kale and oyster mushroom salad (full recipe for the raw kale salad tomorrow).

 

Snack

 

Dinner

Everybody’s Pizza

Mom and I ate dinner together in honor of my dad.  He would have been 56 yesterday.

Is it the best pizza in Atlanta?  No.  But it’s the most memory-filled.  My parents used to hang out at Everybody’s when they were in college.  Growing up, he would take the family there and sometimes as a special treat on Friday nights he would take just me.

Same front door they had when my dad was in college.

 

I always ordered the same thing – a pie with pepperoni and feta.  They are huge individual pies, but I conquered it.

20 years later… my order has changed!  Mom and I split 2 massive pies.

The Pizza Salad has a pizza base, but is piled with salad on top.  We chose the Panzanella – a pie topped with lettuce, basil and Roma tomatoes tossed with house roasted chicken, mozzarella, provolone, sun-dried tomato and onion on a pesto cheese pizza.  Yes, it was as good as it sounds.

 

Pie #2 was a Cheeseless Pizza.

 It consisted of oven roasted zucchini, fresh spinach, mushrooms, onion, fire-roasted red peppers, Roma tomatoes, broccoli artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, sesame seeds, and hot pepper-infused E.V. olive oil.

My first helping:

 Dad didn’t like to miss dessert and we honored that tonight.  The last part of the tradition at Everybody’s is to order bread pudding.

It’s the only dessert they serve and it is rich amazing.  I often wonder how many they could possibly sell since it’s not even on the menu… but I like to think it as a cult following. 🙂

***

Life is short.  Don’t skip dessert.

Did anyone on the East Coast feel the earthquakes yesterday?

Does your family have food traditions?

 

Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipes, Restaurants, Travel, Wine Tagged With: breakfast, Dad, dessert, dinner, Everybody's Pizza, Italy, lunch, restaurants, salad, snacks, tofu, WIAW

Coconut Milk Greek Yogurt + WIAW

August 17, 2011 By Laura

Jen’s WIAW is becoming my favorite weekly feature.

 

 

I get SO many great ideas reading other people’s posts!  Head over Peas & Crayons to check them out.

 

Breakfast

I was fortunate enough to receive samples of the new So Delicious Greek-style yogurt.  The flavors include blueberry, raspberry, chocolate, and plain.  Made with coconut milk, the Greek-sytle yogurt is VEGAN.

 

The nutritional information overall is good.  The fiber contect is awesome – 8g!  For those who prefer flavored yogurt, it only has 11g of sugar.  That’s a lot for my taste, but it is pretty low compared to others on the market.  It also have a ton of Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Magnesium.

Admittedly, I was a bit disappointed with protein.  One of the reasons I love Greek yogurt so much is the high protein content.  This coconut version only contains 2g.

 

I tried the blueberry version first.  While I did like it… it was very different than Greek yogurt.  The texture wasn’t as creamy and it didn’t have the tartness.

Recognizing that this may be a plus for some of you (especially if you don’t like/have never had Greek yogurt), I like the “real” thing better.

 

Had I tried it expecting a traditional yogurt, I would have been happier.  I think it’s better than “regular” yogurt!  (Disclaimer: I don’t like regular yogurt.)

 

I gave it some more “oomph” with my new love: Peanut Flour.  Why didn’t you guys beat me over the head to order this sooner?!  It’s life-changing!!!

 

It’s incredible.  Just add a little liquid and salt and you have a protein and fiber-rich peanut butter substance with less fat.  Did I mention it’s also gluten-free?!  I cannot wait to make pancakes and cookies with this.

I’m not sharing – order your own here: Protein Peanut Flour (woo hoo for this hometown Georgia company!)

From a galaxy far, far away...

 

PBJ Vegan Yogurt Deliciousness

  • 2 T Peanut flour
  • 2 T So Delicious unsweetened vanilla coconut milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 container So Delicious Blueberry Greek-style yogurt

 

In small bowl, mix together first 3 ingredients to form a peanut butter-like substance.  Swirl in yogurt.  Inhale bowl of deliciousness.

 

 

Lunch

Moroccan Carrot Salad is even better a day or 2 later!  I made some extra so I could eat it through0ut the week and I thoroughly enjoyed it in a wrap today.  I used a Rudi’s spelt tortilla and stuffed it with hummus, carrot salad, cucumber, celery, spinach, and green pepper.

With lots of water throughout the day in my Georgia Tech glass.  (16 days until the beginning of the GT football season!!!)

Insert 4 mile, music-less run here.  Silly Shuffle was out of juice. 🙁

Do you see that sweat?!  It was so flipping hot.  No music.  630pm.  I think I ran fast just to get ‘er done.

I fantasized thought about dinner the WHOLE way.

Dinner

More carrots!  This time with Shirataki tofu noodles and peanut sauce (yes, more peanut flour!).

Tomorrow you get more details on this!  This post is getting loooong… it was a fantastic throw-together-meal.  You should check back.  Everybody’s doing it.

Snacks

I cannot believe I FORGOT to take a pic of my snack today.

 

Pinkberry yogurt.  Sheer deliciousness.  I got the watermelon (only in stores until August 19th!) with mango and toasted almonds on top.

I also sampled the Salted Caramel.  It was good, but I prefer yogurts in fruity flavors.  “Dessert” flavors (like chocolate and caramel) are reserved for ice cream treats.  Clearly I don’t mind a fruity tart!  (That’s what she said.)

 

My nighttime snack doubled as dessert – a chocolate-peanut butter protein shake.  With spinach, of course.

Almost forgot the pic.  Lucky me – I was chatting with the famous Jen while drinking it and remembered just in time.

In my shake:

  • 1 scoop chocolate casein protein powder
  • 1/2 C spinach (I ran out!)
  • 1/2 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 T crunchy peanut butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of guar gum (helps to make the texture more shake-like)
  • Ice + Water, to taste

***

I have dinner plans tonight and it’s making the day dragggggg.

Do you have dessert preferences in terms of what you like fruity vs. chocolate-y?

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

 

Filed Under: Breakfast, Products, Recipes, Restaurants, Running, Smoothies Tagged With: breakfast, dessert, dinner, gluten-free, lunch, peanut flour, protein, raw food, Rudi's Bakery, running, Shirataki, smoothies, snacks, So Delicious, vegan, WIAW, yogurt

Apple-Fennel Salad + WIAW

August 10, 2011 By Laura

Cheers to another WIAW!

This one is more of a “what I ate in preparation for and while on the road this week.”  One day life will slow down… right?!

Who am I kidding – I totally thrive on running around with my hair on fire.

Anywho… it’s a quickie because 7am meeting are a bad idea for night owls.  That does NOT mean that you should discount my Apple-Fennel Salad.  I actually surprised myself with this one.

Breakfast

Like warm… err… cool apple pie

Post-Run Apple Pie Smoothie

  •  1/4 Gala apple
  • 1 C spinach
  • 1 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
  • 1 tsp Maca powder
  • 10 drops vanilla NuNaurals Stevia
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • Sprinkle guar gum
  • Ice + Water, to taste

Lunch 

An exercise in using what’s left in my fridge before jumping on a plane turned out pretty damn good!  Loved the licorice crunch of the fennel with the sweet apple and the punch from the chili pepper.  (Scroll to bottom for the recipe.)

Insert power walk through the Atlanta airport.

We have a lot of African sculptures in the ATL airport. I don’t know why…

Snacks

Biscoff Cookie Dough Ball

Not pictured: Think Thin bar, peanuts, and a kombucha.

Insert arrival in Charlotte and pleasantly brief wait in taxi line.

The gym was nice in my hotel – they provide foam rollers (I won’t think about how many sweaty, hairy legs rolled on that thing before me) and post workouts on the walls to inspire!

Dinner

Dinner out with family in Charlotte.  I didn’t want to take pics and the lighting was terrible… but I did take a pic of the guy rocking a ‘hawk in the kitchen.

Good Food (creative name, right?!) in Charlotte, NC is worth a stop!

Small plates not-to-miss:

  • Sauteed Mushrooms with herb and garlic
  • Steamed Bun with five spice rubbed pork belly, hoisin & pickled vegetables
  • Braised Duck Fettuccini pancetta, peas & sweet onion cream
  • Macademia Nut Pie with banana ice cream

Apple-Fennel Salad

  • 1/2 medium Gala apple, diced
  • 1/2 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small shallot, minced (~1/2 tsp)
  • 1/4 C celery, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 fresh cayenne pepper, minced (~1/4 tsp)
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar 
  • 1/2 tsp tarragon
  • S+P, to taste

Mix all of the veggies together to combine.

Whisk together the remaining 5 ingredients.  Toss with veggies until just coated.

Enjoy!

Serves 1 main or 2 as sides.

***

 I’m off to Chicago tonight!  Look forward to a thought-provoking guest post by another of my favs tomorrow!

Do you travel for business?

What are some of your favorite “use everything in the fridge” dishes?

Filed Under: Breakfast, Fitness, Recipes, Restaurants, Smoothies, Travel Tagged With: 21, breakfast, Charlotte, dinner, gluten-free, lunch, restaurants, salad, smoothies, vegan, WIAW

Cherry Tomato-Mango Gazpacho

August 4, 2011 By Laura

Reviewing my search terms cracks me up.  

I can see how some end up at here… but some totally baffle.

Some of the best ones lately:

  • Meaning of family name sadilla
  • Can you eat raw edamame (yes)
  • Schizophrenia vegetarian (that’s me!)
  • Planking in bikini (you can even plank in your birthday suit if you like!)
  • I swallowed a jackfruit seed (they are edible – but I bet that was uncomfortable)
Hello to anyone searching gazpacho / soup today.  Cold soup.  It’s hot.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Remember those citrus-y orange cherry tomatoes I scored at the People’s Health Day 5K?  The citrus quality they possess made me think they would be especially good in a fruity gazpacho.

And they were.

 

What I didn’t foresee what the color that would develop when combining orange mangoes and tomatoes with green cilantro and peppers.  For those of you used to drinking green smoothies, this won’t be an issue. 🙂

Despite it’s appearance, this soup was quite good.  The mango makes it a thicker gazpacho and adds a sweetness that I love with the spiciness.

You may be tempted, but don’t just toss everything into the blender.  Setting aside half of the mango, tomato, and peppers makes the texture of each bite so much better.

 

The feeling of the plump cherry tomato piece in each bite along with the smoothness of the mango and crunch of the bright pepper takes the soup from good to finger lickin’ good.

 

In lieu of tortilla chips, I made cumin-spiced socca to sop up the soup.  Spreading the batter out thinly across a pan to cook made it more crispy.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Cherry Tomato Mango Gazpacho

  • 1 medium champagne mango
  • 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes (orange if you can find them!)
  • 1/2 medium green pepper
  • 1/2 small shallot
  • 1/2 jalapeno, seeded
  • 2 T fresh cilantro
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Juice from 1/2 small lime
  • pinch of chile powder
  • S+P, to taste

Chop first 3 ingredient into small cubes.  Set aside 1/2 of the cubes.

Combine the rest in a blender (or Magic Bullet!) with remaining ingredients.  Mix until just combined.  Transfer to a bowl and mix in the chopped veggie pieces.

Enjoy!

Makes: 2 sides or 1 larger serving

***

I can’t believe it’s over 100 degrees here.

Do you like cold soups?

 What are some of the best/funniest search terms you’ve come across?

 

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: dinner, lunch, race, socca, soup, vegan

Running and Winning

August 1, 2011 By Laura

It’s another Recap Monday!

Yes, I will reveal the lucky 4 NuNatural giveaway winners… at the end.  Bwhahaha.  (Yes, I realize you can simply scroll down.) 

Saturday’s People’s Health Day 5K was a good one.  I was a little worried when I signed up because the wesite looks like a cult recruitment tool. 🙂  It turns out that it was a well-organized race and event.

The course was hilly, but fun because there was lots of scenery to enjoy.  Even better – I got to participate in it with fellow ATL bloggers Lee, Lindsay, and Carol!

Source: www.atlantarunningmom.com

Guess who else raced?  Mena Suvari (of American Beauty fame).  I’m not going to lie… I’m so out of touch with pop culture that I had to come home and google her.  She won 1st place in the 20-35 age group…

… because I  won an overall female award and they wouldn’t give 2 medals to you. 🙂  2nd place!!!  Admittedly, it was a small, slow race… but I’ll that what I can get!

Source: www.atlantarunningmom.com

Stats:

  • Distance – 3.14 miles
  • Time – 24:21 mins
  • Avg Pace – 7:45

The People’s Health Day didn’t end there.  5K participants were given 4 tickets that could be traded for goodies from about 10 vendors.  Juice Plus (my fav supplement!) was there, along with a few local restaurants and farms.

The blogger contingent went crazy for the 180 Farm tent (check out their website – they have really great story to tell).  I ended up with extra tickets from a friend who left early and I ended up with a rockstar bag ‘o treats:

 

  • Orange cherry tomatoes (they have a slightly citrusy taste!)
  • Peppers – cayenne, jalapeno, green bell, purple bell, and a mirasol
  • A dozen fresh eggs
  • Via Elisa pasta sauce (from the Nature’s Garden‘s booth)

All of that for 6 tickets and a $25 race number!  That pasta sauce alone is ~$7 in Whole Foods!  (Side note: Atlanta-based Via Elisa makes some of the best pasta sauce you can buy in a jar.)

We didn’t hang out much longer following the awards because we had to get to the Atlanta Blogger Lunch at R. Thomas.  (You can read about my obsession with thoughts on R. Thomas here.)

From left to right: Lauren, Carol, Alayna, Lee, Katy, Lindsay, me, Laura (reader), Tina, Kristy, Katie and Brooke.

Special thanks to Brooke’s husband for taking this shot and to Brooke for sharing the photo with everyone!

My meal was a delicious tempeh fajita:

We had a great time eating, taking pics of our food (patrons enjoyed staring at 12 women simultaneously taking pic of their meals), and chatting.

The last meet up had a smaller attendance AND we’ve added several more locals since.  I’m amazed and how big the group is now – and this wasn’t even all of the local bloggers!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Soooo… you want to know who the winning 4 are???

*drumroll*

The winners of the box of NuStevia Packets and the bottle of NuNaturals Pure Liquid Vanilla Stevia are:

  1. Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine
  2. Parita @ My Inner Shakti
  3. Lisa @ Healthful Sense
  4. Nikita @ La Cocina Encantada

Good news for those who still want to try NuNaturals!  They are offering free sample and a discount on purchases to readers.

For the free sample of Nu-Naturals Stevia Packets: send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: NuNaturals, Inc, 2220 West 2nd Avenue #1, Eugene, OR 97402

To receive a 15% discount on NuNaturals online orders, entering the promo code BLG930 at checkout!

______________________________________________________________________________________

Workout Recap (7/25-7/31)

  • Monday – Kickboxing
  • Tuesday – P90X Biceps & Back
  • Wednesday – P90X Ab Ripper X, 84 push-ups
  • Thursday – 9 mile run, 84 push-ups
  • Friday – P9p0X Triceps & Chest
  • Saturday – 1.5 mile run (to the 5K starting point), People’s Fitness Day 5K, 84 push-ups
  • Sunday – 4 mile run

If you have been reading these over the past few weeks you know that I do push-ups (almost) daily.  This week doesn’t have the 84 listed each day, but they were a big part of kickboxing class and basically half the moves in the P90X Triceps & Chest DVD.  I’m not slacking!

***

Monday always seems to creep up.  *yawn*  At least I had awesome surprise of waking up to see I made the Food Buzz Top 9!!!

Help me put a more positive spin on the start of the week…

What are you looking forward to this week?

I’m excited to try out some of the recipes from Spicie Foodie’s July YBR.  Click here to check out my Better-Than-S’Mores Brownie and others’ submissions!

Filed Under: Core, Fitness, Giveaway, Products, Recap, Restaurants, Running, Weights Tagged With: Food Buzz, kickboxing, lunch, NuNaturals, People's Health Day, R. Thomas, race, restaurants, running, workout, Your Best Recipe

Four Eyes and 6 Wines

July 23, 2011 By Laura

How much can you fit into one day?

Apparently I decided to try and find out yesterday.

I ran a new route and even with the (somewhat unexpected) hills and kept a good pace.  My legs felt really stong after a Thursday rest day.

Stats:

  • Distance – 6 miles
  • Time – 48:06 mins
  • Pace – 8:01

My legs did feel a bit heavy at mile 5, but that didn’t prevent me from sprinting to make a cross walk and then running up and down my street to get the last quarter mile (had to make an even 6!).

Recovery smoothie time.  Thursday’s smoothie list reminded me of a old favorite – mocha banana.  It was just as delicious as I remembered.

Mocha = Smoothie in a Mug

I worked from home in the morning, but took a moment to make a crust (to be filled in a few mins this morning).

Any guesses as to what it’s getting filled with?

I also took a moment to learn a very import lesson about why you should wear a shirt while baking.

Due to an eye appointment, I took a lunch break from Excel.

I’m loving my new doc, Dr. Reena Gupta, at Ansley Eye Care!  She fixed me up with an updated prescription and new glasses to replace my old (5+ years?!) pair.  She get extra rockstar points for being at work just 1 month after having a baby!

Which is better?  1?  2?  Or 3?

They arrive next week!


Starbucks has become my home-away-from-home during this crazy work period.

I tried one of their new lunch boxes – the Chipotle Chicken Wraps.

Verdict: Not bad.  It was <400 calories and had 26g of protein.  The sauce was delish and I loved that it came with a piece of dark chocolate.  The tortilla could have been more fresh, but for a boxed lunch it was fine.

After chowing down, I found a new ring in the fiery pits of Excel hell  more working from Starbucks ensued.

No matter – because then I got to celebrate the weekend with an Italian wine tasting!  Perrine does a great job with these at her shop – complete with an awesome cheese spread.

She even brings in the wine makers.  There is nothing cooler than talking to the Italian wine maker while sipping on his wine…

…except when you get that Italian grower to autograph your newly-acquired bottle of his signature wine.

Corinne and I will be visiting Alessandro Bocci and enjoying the wines at Perazzeta in Italia. 🙂

The icing on this day’s cake was sharing one of those bottles over (another) delicious dinner at Bocado.

That beet salad with farro, avocado, hazelnuts, and oranges is seriously addicting.  If you’re in ATL, don’t miss it!

And that, my friends, is how you fill up a Friday.

***

You guys were cracking me up about the peanuts and coke yesterday.  I kind of want to try it…

What are you doing this weekend?  

Is anyone running a race?  I’m missing it after a couple weeks off!

Filed Under: Breakfast, Fitness, Restaurants, Running, Smoothies, Wine Tagged With: Bocado, dinner, lunch, Perrine's Wine, restaurants, running, Starbucks, wine

Eggplant Shirataki + WIAW

July 20, 2011 By Laura

In honor of my crazy work week(s)…

I’m copying the growing wordless WIAW* trend.  Does good food really need words?  I think not.

*As usual (except for last week), Wednesday = Tuesday eats.

But first, a run.  I don’t know why I stopped posting these breakdowns… I like to look back at them.  Nevermind the fact that you have to suffer through them. 😉

Stats:

  • Distance – 4 miles
  • Time – 32:37 mins
  • Pace – 8:09 mins

___________________________________________________________________________________

Breakfast

I did say it is almost worldess WIAW, right?

The delicious Chocolate Breakfast Pudding.  So.  Good.

Lunch

Salad topped with carrots, celery, Purple Haze goat cheese, a Lightlife Chick’n Cutlet.  A bit chewy, but it wasn’t bad!

Snack

Cottage cheese tastes really, really good with peanut butter.  Someone call Intervention.

Not pictured: celery and hummus, Think Thin bar, and random handfuls of cereal.

Dinner

Big.  Win.

Mom recently told me about Shirataki Noodles – apparently it is just tofu pressed into noodles.  It’s gluten-free, vegan, low-cal, and – most importantly – a QUICK-FIX.

The only downside is the smell when you first remove them from the package, but that does go away once you rinse them (thoroughly) and pop them in the microwave for a minute.

To go with my noodles, I roasted some eggplant, red onion, and garlic in a quick vinaigrette.  Then tossed it all with an heirloom tomato (because I didn’t get enough at the tomato festival) and more Purple Haze goat cheese.

Perfect light dinner for a summer day!!!

…followed by a little something I like to call…

Dessert

____________________________________________________________________________________

Roasted Eggplant with Tofu Noodles

  • 1 medium eggplant, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1T EVOO
  • 1T marsala wine
  • 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp herbes de provence
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (reduce to 1/2 if you are sensitive to spicy foods)
  • 1 package Shirataki noodles (or 2 servings of pasta)
  • S+P, to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh tomato, cheese (I used goat)

Preheat oven to 425.  

Cut eggplants into 1/2 inch slices.  Generously salt the slices, allowing them to sit for 15-20 mins.  Wiping away the beads of water that form (this process removes excess moisture – which makes ggplant “slimey” – and bitterness).

Meanwhile, whisk together the oil, marsala, vineger, herbs, and pepper flakes.

Cut the eggplant slices into 1/2 inch cubes and toss in a large bowl with the garlic, red onion, and vinaigrette.  Spread eggplant onto foil-lined baking sheet and roast for ~3o minutes, tossing once halfway through.

Prepare noodles as instructed on package.

Divide among two plates, adding extra toppings as desired (I loved how the goat cheese melted and clung to mine!).

Makes 2 servings (or 4 sides).

***

I’ve taken to working from Starbucks lately.  They have a the bar where I can stand and a constant supply of caffine… perfection.

Do you find you get more work done from a “third-party” location?

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten today?

Filed Under: Breakfast, Fitness, Products, Recipes, Running Tagged With: breakfast, dessert, dinner, gluten-free, lunch, running, snacks, tofu, vegan, WIAW

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • …
  • 42
  • Next Page »

Follow Me!

instagram_b facebook_b twitter_bpinterest_b
rss_a email_ayoutube_b googlep_b

Food lover. Constant Wine-r. Gym Rat. More is more.

[instagram-feed]
logo
Food Advertising by
logo
Food Advertising by

Follow Me!

instagram_b facebook_b twitter_bpinterest_b
rss_a email_ayoutube_b googlep_b

Popular Posts

Stacey Abrams and Oprah in GA
Home | About Me | Privacy Policy | Fitness | Recipes | Training & Nutrition

Affiliate Links: This site is monetized through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to make a purchase through one of these links, Sprint 2 the Table would receive a small percentage of the sale price. Thanks for your support!

Copyright © 2014 Sprint 2 the Table | Designed by Murnan Creative