Strange But Good Brother

May 9, 2014 By Laura

Strange friends are the best of friends.

Most of the time, but we won’t go there.

Arman is my #strangebutgood brother from another mother. When I knew I was going to be gone for this week’s link up, he was the first person I thought of to carry the torch! He didn’t disappoint, even if he IS pissed at me.

I’ve made many of Arman’s creations and can assure you that even though they sound strange, they are amazing. I still dream of the bison version of his Cheeseburger Pancakes I made!

So, without further adieu, here’s my twerking brother…

Hey fans of all things strange….but good. My name is Arman and I’m the blogger behind The Big Man’s World – a Melbourne born chap who is currently trying to balance the big world of responsibilities – one meal, one deadlift and one kitchen experiment at a time.

I must say I was annoyed when Laura asked me to host this Friday’s round of #strangebutgood.

Why?

She’s off to Switzerland.

But why be annoyed?

Well. Hear me out. Since the beginning of our blendship (we can’t move to friendship status until we’ve met), I’ve been convincing her to come to Australia. Seriously. I made tantalising recipes to tempt her, harassed her on instagram and even vibed with her on many occasions in weekly recipe themes. (For three weeks straight, we used the same ingredients- Sriracha, beef and kabocha).

I even Twerked in her honour.

Yet she goes to Switzerland. Thanks, Laura. (Editor’s note: You’re so very welcome. :P)

I’ve been a big participant in the weekly #strangebutgood linkup so thought today, I’d share my three favourite #strangebutgood offerings….in pancake form!

Aussie ‘Lamington’ Pancakes

Lamingtons are an Australian dessert which is based off a soft, sponge cake dipped in chocolate and covered in shredded coconut. More often that not, it contains jam in the centre.

Transform them into pancakes = #strangebutgood.

High protein, gluten free and with a grain free option? Give yourself a taste of Australia. You’re welcome.

Sweet Potato and Cheddar Pancakes

Don’t chuck a pie in my face or chase me with a pitchfork but sorry…I will always take white potatoes over sweet potatoes. It’s not uncommon for me to eat a kilo of white potatoes in a day.

However, sweet potatoes are amazing when incorporated in these sweet potato and cheddar pancakes.Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Grain Free Cheeseburger Pancakes

This is what happens when you crave cheeseburgers and pancakes concurrently. Not to mention that you’re too greedy to pick one of them. You just have both. Both in pancake form.

Sub any ground meat for beef or crumbled tempeh or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just promise me one thing… Don’t skimp on the cheese. That reminds me of the time I ate cheese with every meal. Moooooo.

Thanks for letting me take over on here Laura! For more recipes, random rants and some healthy living perspectives from a food and fitness loving guy from Australia – come visit The Big Man’s World.

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. 🙂

An InLinkz Link-up

***

Everyone give Arman a big twerk for keeping #strangebutgood going this week! 😉

Have you ever tried one of Arman’s recipes? Those Cheeseburger Pancakes ROCK!

What is the strangest pancake you’ve ever made?

Strange But Good Trials

April 25, 2014 By Laura

I have some strange friends.

In the most delicious sense of the word.

One of my favorite things about #strangebutgood every week is all of the fun ideas I get from all of the link ups. I pin them to the #strangebutgood board for safe keeping until I can make them. Last week’s links were so good I’ve already tried two!

Exhibit A

Arman’s Sea Salt Dark Chocolate ~~Waffles~~ Pancakes. I basically followed his recipe, except I reduced the milk so they would work as pancakes and I replace the sugar with Xylitol. They were the fluffiest rounds of deliciousness I’ve made in a while!

My topping was peanut flour sauce (peanut flour + stevia + coconut milk) and the following strange creation…

Exhibit B

Christa’s Chocolate Maca Hemp Seed Spread has been my topping of choice lately. It was so easy! I just dumped everything in my Vitamix and blended away. I left mine a little chunkier than Christa – I’m a fan of crunchy nut butters, so I thought this should be similarly treated.

I couldn’t decide if I wanted chocolate spread or a little #yolkporn atop my protein pancakes yesterday. So I had both.

Other things this is good on: ice cream, protein bowls, apple slices, carrots, sweet potatoes… your finger…

Then there’s the honor of having someone actually brave MY #strangebutgood recipes! Both Megan and Heather braved my Creamy (Raw) Red Pepper Soup and gave it the Instagram post of approval!

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

An InLinkz Link-up

***

Speaking of strange… I’m headed to a crawfish boil tonight. Those little bugs creep me out!

Have you made any #strangebutgood recipes?

What is your favorite thing to top with a seed/nut butter?

Banana-Peanut Butter Bunny Cakes

April 20, 2014 By Laura

Just hopping in to share a bunny breakfast!

Who needs an Easter basket when you have pancakes?

…

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?

Kentucky Muscle Weekend

November 11, 2013 By Laura

Body building has no finish line.

This is both inspiring and frustrating.

You work every day – like all goals in life – to be better than you were the day before. This past weekend’s competition, Kentucky Muscle, was the biggest one I’ve ever done. I didn’t place in the Top 5 (I came in 6th)… and while I knew I probably wouldn’t it was still a little disappointing.

Not going to lie… the “trophy” was a sword, and that just made me want to place more. Who doesn’t want a sword to display at home?!

What I am proud of is how I’ve progressed since my last show. This time around I had made gains and, more importantly, I felt better than I ever had before. This morning of the show I felt centered, confident, and ready to get one stage with my best package yet.

On stage, I wasn’t as uncomfortable as I’d been in the past. My posing still isn’t the best, but it’s better. I am confident enough to walk out with a smile, know I’m not going to fall over in my stripper heels, and look directly at each and every judge while I move through each pose (that part is maybe the hardest!).

Back stage was also fun. I met some new friends and had time to hang out with my House of Payne teammates. It’s a crowded space, but everyone made the best of it; I’m continually amazed by how kind other competitors are. I bummed rice cakes (which I’d forgotten) and goofed off with the girls in my class as we lined up to get on stage. I almost had them convinced to enter the stage doing the “walk like an egyptian” dance. 😉

You may recognize my partner-in-crime, Lisa, from my last show and birthday trip to Napa. Hannah, the blonde in the picture below, won overall Physique!

The best part is always the meal afterwards. We didn’t finish until almost midnight, but that didn’t stop our group from heading to a local late-night pizza spot. See the pizza on the top right below? I ate the entire thing. With a Kentucky bourbon barrel beer. And a peanut butter Oreo (which are fantastic, btw).

My trainer and I stopped at a local brunch sport, Toast, on the way out of town for one final indulgence before I got back on the wagon foe next weekend’s show. We split some #yolkporn served on toasted brioche with harissa hot sauce and bacon, and a fantastically decadent bread pudding pancake served with a blend of warm rum raisin syrup and Irish crème sauce. Sugar coma heaven.

Last, but certainly not least, I was especially excited to see Brittany! She lives nearby and came to hang out between after pre-judging and for the night show. Seeing one of my favorite Blends made the waiting game so much easier. She is hilarious and kept my trainer and I laughing the entire time.

Thank you, Brittany!!! I can’t tell you how much seeing a familiar face helps!

I’ll do a longer recap after next week’s Colorado show. I spent the few hours after I got home grocery shopping and meal prepping to make it through a crazy week of work, workouts, and travel. Lisa and I are headed to compete with the lovely Heather in her bikini debut at the end of the week!

I hope you all have a marvelous start to the week!

***

That’s the short and sweet recap… I’m about to fall asleep. Thank you all so much for the tweets, texts, comments on last week’s posts (I swear I’ll catch up one day), Facebook, and Instagram. It meant the world!

Do you view your goals as a progression, or is there a finish line?

What would be your “treat” food of choice after something like this? Heather just texted me with an amazing food idea for next weekend… woo hoo!

Strange But Good: Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette

October 25, 2013 By Laura

Pumpkin makes a great dessert.

Except pie.

I really love it mixed into yogurt bowls, as ice cream, or as bread. I do not like pumpkin pie. It’s texture thing… maybe too close to white potatoes? I digress.

This post has nothing to do with pie. I tried something new with my pumpkin – I made it a savory breakfast! It’s actually just a new version of my sweet Pumpkin Pan-lette… a Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette! Some may consider this strange. It also happens to be good.

I added Mexican-inspired spices to the pumpkin and egg mix in order to make this part omelette, part pancake creation a smoky, spicy breakfast.

Pico de gallo and some runny #yolkporn (a.k.a. syrup) topped this. Someone on Instagram suggested bacon… which would have been brilliant. If you make it, add bacon. 😉

__________________________________________________________________________________

Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette

1/2 C egg white
1/2 C pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping ideas: fried egg, pico de gallo, bacon

Combine all pancake ingredients into a medium bowl and stir until smooth. Pour into a prepared (I used olive oil) skillet and cook as you would a pancakes (~2-3 mins on each side).

Meanwhile, prepare toppings. I used a fried egg and pico de gallo.

Plate your ‘cake-lette, top as desired, and enjoy!

Note: I made this as one huge pancake. In order to avoid flipping disaster, I finished mine under the broiler and turned it over onto my breakfast plate.

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

***

Totally unrelated, but check out the new Ben & Jerry’s Anchorman flavor: “Scotchy Scotch Scotch.”

Are you a pumpkin pie fan?

What’s been your favorite pumpkin creation this season?

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie Eggs

October 14, 2013 By Laura

This is the fall of orange.

My least favorite color to wear, but one of the most delicious.

Unbelievably, my palms aren’t orange. My whole body will be orange in 3 weeks. It’s almost competition time! Food wise, I can’t get enough pumpkin, winter squashes, sweet potatoes, and carrots (many of you understand my addiction). I eat one of those at almost every meal! Including breakfast.

The orange pumpkin pie filling mix above was added to eggs. I mixed together pumpkin puree with spices… and then decided it was missing something. It tasted too traditional.*

Peanut ~~butter~~ flour!!!

*If you’re into traditional, you can leave the PB out.

Since PB & Peggs is taken, I thought calling it pie was appropriate. It tasted like pie. Breakfast pie.

It also earned me some fun looks when I walked into my gym eating it Saturday morning (please note the environmentally friendly mug). Marvelous, no?

Recipe at the bottom of this post.

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Which brings me to more marvelous – I am working on getting my personal training certification! Even better, I am doing it though Lee Haney’s IAFS program. I got to spend 8 hours at the gym learning from him on Saturday.

In case you don’t know Lee Haney, he’s an 8x Mr. Olympia. This man is legit. I love his real approach and emphasis on fueling with natural, whole foods.

In case the scramble wasn’t enough pumpkin for you, check out the Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pancakes my #strangebutgood partner in crime, Heather, posted this weekend.

I made them Sunday morning. My modifications: reduced oats and peanut flour to 2T each, increased egg whites to 1/4 C, and used cottage cheese instead of yogurt. For syrup, I mixed sugar-free syrup, pumpkin, and cinnamon.

This weekend of pumpkin was beyond marvelous.

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Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie Eggs with Pear

1/4 C pumpkin puree
1 T peanut flour (or peanut butter)
1 T unsweetened almond milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
Pinch of cloves
4-5 drops liquid stevia
1/2 C egg whites
1/2 large Asian pear, diced

In a small bowl, combine first 7 ingredients.

Scramble the eggs until almost done. Stir in the pumpkin mix and pear, cooking ~1 min to warm through.

Transfer to plate and tops as desired (I used additional pear and almonds). Enjoy!

***

I feel like I went 100 miles an hour all weekend, but in a good way. It’s fun to look up and realize you’re exactly where you want to be.

Are you orange-obsessed? What’s is your favorite orange food?

What was marvelous about your weekend?

Braving the Marvelous

September 9, 2013 By Laura

Flattered.

Does anyone else think of flatulence when they say that word?

I am absolutely flattered when people try out the #strangebutgood recipes I subject you all to. It’s high time I share some of the evidence and creative edits!

Jicama Tofu Nachos

This may be one of my favorite recent creations. I was really excited to see it popping up on Instagram! This version is by Hannah:

Meghan @ The Lyon’s Share braved these nachos and made it her own with mushrooms and a vegan cheese sauce.

Fluffy Cauliflower Pancakes

Meghan truly is a brave soul because she made my Fluffy Cauliflower Pancake recipe last week too! And she made it ~~even more strange~~ green by adding spinach and doubling the cauliflower!

(Cheese-less) Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Continuing with the cauliflower theme, Tiffany @ Love, Sweat, & Beers (minus the beers for now, baby mamma) made my Cauliflower Crust Pizza!

Since she’s eating for two, she even had room left for dessert. Clever thinking. 😉

Chick-Less Nuggets

Arman @ The Big Man’s World is a #strangebutgood enthusiast, so I was thrilled when he made my Chick-less Nuggets. He compared these TVP-based vegan nuggets to falafel, which makes total sense since I also used chickpea flour to make them.

Even better is the fast that he ate them with roasted cauliflower and brussels, two of my favorite things (rain drops on roses aside).

150 Calorie Chocolate Mug Cake

My girl Heather @ Better With Veggies is training for her first bikini competition on a pescatarian/dairy-free diet. She’s rocking it out and I was super flattered when she tried my 150 Calorie Chocolate Mug Cake.

She had the brilliant idea to mix the ingredients in advance so all she could take it to work and “cook” it in the microwave there.

Peanut-Coconut Flour Pancakes

Inspiration goes both ways! Arman made my nuggets, but my Saturday pancakes were inspired by the peanut butter-coconut recipe he entered in the #strangebutgood linkup on Friday’s blog.

The I made it more strange but adding roasted jicama and strawberries with a Mexican chocolate twist – I tossed them in cocoa, cinnamon, and cayenne pre-roast. So good!

Flattery, not to be confused with flatulence, is marvelous.

Check out Katie’s link up for more blog-land marvels!

***

I mentioned Friday that I have a new job. In order to give myself time to ramp up in my new role, I’m going to be posting a little less frequently. I don’t know what that schedule will look like yet. Just know if I miss a day (probably tomorrow) I’m not dead. If you notice. 😉

What blogger recipe have you tried lately and loved?

Is there anything making your Monday particularly marvelous? I’m in San Fran, which doesn’t suck.

Strange But Good Brother

Aussie ‘Lamington’ Pancakes

Sweet Potato and Cheddar Pancakes

Grain Free Cheeseburger Pancakes

Strange But Good Trials

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Banana-Peanut Butter Bunny Cakes

A Relaxing Weekend

Kentucky Muscle Weekend

Strange But Good: Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette

Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie Eggs

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie Eggs with Pear

Braving the Marvelous

Jicama Tofu Nachos

Fluffy Cauliflower Pancakes

(Cheese-less) Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Chick-Less Nuggets

150 Calorie Chocolate Mug Cake

Peanut-Coconut Flour Pancakes

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