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Shower Me in Berries

March 21, 2011 By Laura

The bridal shower was a success!

L to R: Erica, Angie, Me, Christina (Bride-to-be), Mallory (Mommy-to-be)

(We took the same pic at my housewarming 1.5 years ago.  Standing in the same order, of course.  Can’t believe how time flies!)

As long as you count good food, 8 bottles of champagne killed, and a lot of great loot for the bride a success. 🙂

Erica, one of the other bridesmaids (and also one of my BFFs) arrived early to help with the set up/plating/etc.  We were actually ready before guests arrived!

You know we’re close when she didn’t smack me after I told her that her anal-retentiveness is part of her charm.

The spread included:

  • Mimosas
  • Chicken salad croissants
  • Cucumber sandwiches (it is the South)
  • Hummus + veggies + chips
  • American Gra–frutti pimento cheese
  • Mimosas
  • Roaring 40’s blue cheese
  • Olive-basil cookies
  • Roasted red pepper-asparagus-goat cheese mini-quiches
  • Spinach salad with orange vinaigrette and pancetta
  • Mimosas
  • Mixed berries + cannoli cream + toasted almonds
  • Carrot cake
  • Mimosas

Did I mention there were mimosas?

By the end of the shower, most of the food was gone and Christina had some awesome gifts (I have Pottery Barn-envy).

The lucky bridesmaids got a surprise, too!


I still had work to do before Monday, but all that anticipation/energy/Georgia Half-Marathon-envy had me craving a run.

The Stats:

Distance: 6 miles

Time: 49:10

Pace: 8.18

Needless to say, Stevie and I were exhausted by the end of the night.


In debating what to share first, I landed on the Berries + Cannoli Cream in honor of all of the berry-inspired recipes posted this weekend.  It seems that everyone is ready for springtime goods!  I guess you can’t eat winter squash ALL the year…

I made this for Angie’s bridal shower.  It was so good that I wanted to do it again for Christina.  Another friend brought the berries and I made the cream.  Because there’s no “I” in “team.”

Spring Berries & Cannoli Cream

Mine is based on Giada’s recipe, but I simplify the fruit and booze up the cream with orange liqueur.  This cannoli cream is light and fluffy – the perfect compliment to the berries.  For a richer, more dessert-like treat, you could use frangelico or Irish cream and/or sprinkle with cocoa powder.


Spring Berries & Cannoli Cream

by Laura Hall

Prep Time: 20 mins

Keywords: blender appetizer brunch dessert gluten-free vegetarian ricotta cheese berries Italian spring

Ingredients (10 servings)

  • 1/3 C part-skim ricotta cheese (high-quality!)
  • 2 T + 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 T orange liqueur
  • 3 T powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 C fresh strawberries, hulled, quartered
  • 2 C fresh raspberries
  • 2 C blackberries
  • 2 T fresh mint, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

Instructions

Combine ricotta and 2 T of cream in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat remaining 1/3 C of cream, powdered sugar, orange liqueur, and cinnamon in a large bowl until semi-firm peaks form.

Gently fold the ricotta into the whipped cream. Refrigerate at least 30 mins to allow cream to set and firm up. (Can be prepared the night before.)

Toss the fruit and mint in a medium bowl to combine. Serve with cream and toasted almonds on side for a party-buffer. Alternately, spoon the fruit into dessert bowls, top with cream, and sprinkle with almonds.

Powered by Recipage

***

Work is interfering with blogging really busy right now!  Recipe for my favorite party item coming tomorrow… it’s reallllly good though.

What’s your favorite springtime dish?  

Have you already switched your menus at home?

Filed Under: Dip, Recipes, Running Tagged With: brunch, dessert, entertaining, running, Stevie

Getting Ready to Shower

March 20, 2011 By Laura

Bridal Shower, that is. 🙂

The other bridesmaid throwing this party would kill me if she knew I was blogging right now.  Shower begins in 3 hours!

It’s been crazy trying to get everything ready.  I thought I’d do a brief, 10 step pictorial of how to get ready to host a shower.

10 Steps to Shower-Ready

 

Step 1: Get your hair did

 

Step 2: Pre-bake mini-quiches

 

Step 3: Hide your clutter

 

4. Go for a run.

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 33:16

Pace: 8:29

 

 

Step 5: Share cannoli cream with a (very happy) kitten

 

Step 6: Buy new dress (apparently jeans are a no-no)

 

Step 7: Break for dinner at Empire State South

 

Step 8: Bake cookies. Do not eat them all.

 

Step 9: Make quick microwave oats for breakfast. Add blackberries.

 

Step 10: Don’t forget to clean the toilet!!!

***

Who ran the Georgia Marathon today?  How was it?

Congratulations to all the finishers!


Filed Under: Breakfast, Running Tagged With: breakfast, entertaining, running, Stevie

It’s Bananas

March 19, 2011 By Laura

The perfect end to an out-of-control b-a-n-a-n-a-s week is a new ‘do.

My hair is now blonde-ish.

I love Karen, Stylist Extraordinaire

I’ve been going to Karen since I was 15.  She moved 5-ish years ago to open her own salon – Lava Hair Studio – almost 60 miles outside of Atlanta… and I drive all the way out there to see her.

If I moved out of state, I’d probably fly back to see her.

Crappy in-the-car-rushing-to-meet-friends cell phone pic, but…

  • It’s no longer red-brown (therefore NOT clashing with my bridesmaid dress for upcoming wedding)
  • It’s no longer bushy (why does my hair grow SO fast?!)
  • I can style it in 5 mins flat.

FTW


Active.com recently posted an article called 5 Reasons to Work Out in the Morning.

In light of my recent morning work out success, I got really excited to read this and decided to share my own Top 5.  (There may be some overlap… they were spot on!)

My Top 5 Reasons to Work Out in the Morning

  1. It’s done – there’s no backing out because you’re too tired after work/would rather go to happy hour
  2. One shower – they listed this too and I couldn’t agree more.  2-3 showers/day es no bueno
  3. No crowds – the gym in my building is usually empty in the morning, so there’s no wait, I can control the TV, and no one is in the small-ish gym stinking it up
  4. Temperature control – in the winter months, it warms me up for the day and in the summer months it’s not unbearably hot
  5. Alertness – yes, it’s hard to actually wake up enough to get going, but once you do it’s almost better than coffee for my wakefulness

Speaking of being awake… I’m eating my pre-work out banana breakfast appetizer and hitting the pavement for a quickie run before resuming wedding shower prep!

It’s going to be 80 degrees and sunny today!  If I leave the balcony door open, I wonder if Stevie will try to jump off…

Note to self: train kitten NOT to go on kamikaze missions.

I love grilled bananas – they caramelize and create a delicious banana syrup.

Plate them and immediately top with cocoa powder your favorite nut butter, letting the hot bananas turn the butter slightly melty.  Mmmmm…


Caramelized Banana Bites

  • 1 banana
  • 1 T nut butter
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder

Heat pan to med-high on stove top.  Cut banana into 1 inch slices and place in pan.  Grill ~2-3 mins, or until just turning brown.  Flip and grill 1-2 mins longer until other side is browned.  Plate, sprinkle with cocoa powder, and top each slice with your favorite nut butter.

Try not to lick and left over syrup/cocoa mixture off the plate if others are watching.

***

Make me feel more sane.

Do you drive a ridiculous distance to you stylist/restaurant/market/etc?

Filed Under: Bites, Breakfast, Fitness, Recipes, Running Tagged With: breakfast, running, snacks, Stevie, vegan

Reunited with Green

March 18, 2011 By Laura

This week has been NUTS!

 

I was really glad I had Zucchini-Banana Muffins in the freezer for breakfast this morning.

This is how I feel right now

 

D.C. was a great trip though.  My meetings went really well and I had a chance to go running through the Mall Wednesday night with bossman.

If you’re ever in D.C., I highly recommend it.  There’s nothing like seeing a city by way of a good run.  It also makes the run go by more quickly… which I needed.

The Tough Mudder threw my body for a loop.  I’m not so much sore as I am worn out.  My legs feel like bricks.  Spaghetti bricks.

At least I have something to show for it:

Muddy cuts

Random bruising

But damn it feels good to be a gangsta’. 😉

___________________________________________________________________________________

I really missed green smoothies (and St. Patrick’s Day!) while I was traveling.  File under: things I never thought I’d say.

So here’s my oops-I-missed-St. Patrick’s Day Smoothie of the Day.

I was too excited and almost forgot to take a pic before it was too late!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Smoothie

  • 1 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 scoop cookies’n’cream protein powder
  • 1 tsp maca powder
  • 1/3 C pineapple
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp ginger
  • 6-8ish almonds
  • huge handful spinach
  • ice/water (to taste)

 

Just what the doctor ordered to feel human again just in time to throw a wedding shower this weekend.

Shower recipes coming Monday soon! (I may need a buffer in order to sleep at some point.)

Worth the wait: mini quiches, fruit + cannoli cream, and my favorite savory cookie recipe.

***

I love entertaining, but I hate the fact that you have to clean house.  It seems ridiculous since you have to clean again post-party.  Let’s start a movement to change expectations!

What’s your best time-saving party-prep secret? 

Do you have a favorite/go-to dish to make for entertaining?


Filed Under: Breakfast, Fitness, Running, Smoothies Tagged With: breakfast, Green Monster, protein, race, running, smoothies, St. Patrick's Day

The Cure + Zucchini-Banana Muffins

March 14, 2011 By Laura

As expected, I woke up the morning after Tough Mudder feeling like death warmed over a bit sore. (Check out my recap here.)

The good news is I found The 3-Step Cure.

Step 1: Cut a hole in the box.

Noooo… I’m kidding.  The Cure actually began the night of the race with…

 

1. Fro-Yo

A post-run, post-blogger dinner Dark Chocolate-Vanilla swirl @ Three on the Tree.

Calcium! (Pretty sure I earned this. x1000.)

This is the most tasty yogurt in Atlanta.  I’d bet my first born on it. If I were to have a first born.


2. Brunch

I had an awesome brunch with some good friends at Rosebud, one of my favorite restaurants.  Ron Eyester (@theangrychef) is the chef/owner and he never disappoints (with food or hilariously honest tweets).

Whole Wheat Pancakes w/ Sage-Vanilla Butter. They don't skimp on the butter and you shouldn't either.

Starter Beverage: Jasmine green tea (full disclosure: I wasn’t being noble… no booze until church lets out noon on Sundays in GA).

Appetizers: Biscuits + gravy (my friend who doesn’t even like gravy loved this!) and an epic grits + egg + brisket creation Ron graciously sent out.

Meal: Whole wheat pancakes with sage-vanilla butter, special Rosebud syrup… and a side of grits.  Just because.

Draaaank: The Orange Thing – vodka, gran marnier, and orange pellegrino.  Two thumbs up.

 

3. Spa

The Korean spa, JeJu, in Gwinnett.  $25 for the whole day.

I seriously considered never leaving.

 

Don’t be scared.  There will be nudity (only in the M/F segregated areas!).  There are hot tubs, cold pools, wet and dry saunas, and 7 different “healing rooms.”

They also offer massages (no happy ending), body scrubs, and foot massages.

The healing rooms have different themes.  For instance, the one I spent the majority of my time in was the clay sauna.  It’s good for muscle recovery.

Others include: charcoal for detoxing, jade for inner peace, salt for circulation, etc.  The dome are lined with appropriate substance in each room.

I sent and extra $50 for an hour-long foot massage.  It was the best idea I’ve ever had. If you go there after a race, it’s worth the splurge.

JeJu has wi-fi, towel service, and a Korean restaurant.  You could literally stay there for 24 hours.

 

So, that’s my 3-Step Cure*.  Free of charge.

*This is not to say that I’m not sore today.  I am.  Just less so than I would have been (Translation: I’m able to walk).

Day 3 of recovery started with muffins.

__________________________________________________________________________________

You’re not going to believe it, but these are vegan, low-sugar, < 100 calories, AND they taste good.

Sneaky Veggie Muffin

Zucchini makes for a dense muffin.  If you want them fluffier, reduce the grated zucchini by 1/2 C.

Relying mostly on banana to sweeten them, these muffins these are a perfect breakfast for those that aren’t in need of an AM sugar-high.  I think you could replace the agave with Stevia… if you try it, let me know!

__________________________________________________________________________________


These were inspired by the Babycakes vegan cookbook and Marci Gilbert’s Loaf.

Zucchini-Banana Muffins

(a.k.a. The 98 Calorie Muffin)

  • 1/2 C white whole wheat flour (I use King Arthur)
  • 1/2 C spelt flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 C grated zucchini (~2 medium)
  • 1.5 C ripe bananas (~2 medium)
  • 1/4 C light agave nectar
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 C chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 12 regular-sized muffin tins with Pam/butter/Earth Balance.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients (the first 8).

In medium bowl, mush bananas with a fork.  Add grated zucchini, agave, and vanilla and hand mix.

Add the wet to the dry, mixing until just combined.  Fold in the pecans. Pour into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating pan half way through.

Makes 12 muffins.

Approximate Nutrition Info: 98 calories, 2.5g fat, 18.2g carbohydrates, 2.2g fiber, 8.7g sugar, 2.2g protein

***

Do you have a “magic” cure for next-day soreness?

(Hangover cures are appreciated count.)

 

Filed Under: Baking, Breakfast, Fitness, Recipes, Restaurants, Running Tagged With: breakfast, brunch, dessert, race, restaurants, running, vegan

Tough Mudder is Tough

March 13, 2011 By Laura

The Tough Mudder was today.

I am more proud of myself for finishing this race than any other I’ve done.

They aren’t kidding about the “Tough” part

When my friends and I registered, the course hadn’t been finalized.  The race was supposed to be 8-10 miles of obstacles and trail running (followed by a “party” with 2 free beers).

Then we get more info in an email.  It’s actually 11 miles.  Fine.  What’s one more mile?

Then more: the county the race is in is dry.  No beer.  Whatever.

tough mudder

Then we get to the start… and the announcer says it is about 12 miles.

It was actually 13.5 miles.  (Or 15, depending on whose GPS-tacking claims you believe.)

The Short Story:

  • They ran out of water cups at stations… and out of water.
  • There was no sort of electrolyte replenishment (13+ miles => need better fuel stations… esp. when distance isn’t accurately communicated)
  • They dumped ICE in every mud water obstacle we swam/slogged through
  • Mountains hills I never thought I could make it up 10 miles in with wet, mud-caked shoes were conquered
  • Displays of camaraderie and willingness to help other racers was by far the most impressive I’ve encountered.
  • I ran in just a sports bra for the first time ever (wet, muddy shirt was discarded on a mountain tree branch)
  • Chocolate Muscle Milk is good.  (Bonus points for Georgia Tech-themed bottles)

The Summary: It was 13.5 miles/3.45 hours of TOUGH.

***

Will I do it again?  HELL NO.

Not today anyway.

Filed Under: Fitness, Running Tagged With: dinner, running, Tough Mudder

Muhammara

March 9, 2011 By Laura

Yesterday I did my last long-ish run before Saturday’s Tough Mudder.  Good thing since it’s blustery, rainy day in the South!

Especially thankful for the ability to work from home today!

Still not up to 11 miles, but I can do half of that… that’s a good start… right?!

At least I’ll have all of those breaks obstacles.

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 42:22

Pace: 8:44

I’m going to be ridiculously fast after having to run into the wind the past couple of weeks! 🙂

Then I came home and made dip for the vegetarian dinner par-tay.

A fine running-reward. Tasting was strictly for quality-control purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

The menu from my kitchen: Muhammara +Veggies, Non-Crab (Tempeh) Cakes, Remoulade (for cake-dipping)

I dare you to eat just one

I was told the Tempeh Cakes were, in fact, reminiscent of crab cakes… I wouldn’t know since I don’t eat seafood.

Non-Crab Tempeh Cake recipe to come tomorrow!

One friend brought yummy polenta cakes.

Of course we had dessert.

Another guest brought Is It Really Better Than Sex? Cake.

I’ll refrain from answering the cake’s title question… but… it was damn good.

Minds outta the gutter!!!

Today I want to share the recipe for my new go-to dip.  Which says a lot since I am hummus-obsessed.


Muhammara.

A creamy Lebanese dip made from roasted red peppers and toasted walnuts.  It has a neat flavor profile thanks to the molasses, peppers, and spices.  It is at once savory,  rich, and spicy.

Basically, it’s addicting.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Besides being delicious, this dip is full of healthy fat, protein, Vitamins A and C, and lycopene (thought to reduce risk of certain cancers).

Muhammara (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Adapted from Epicurious and Good Food, Good Wine, and a Bad Girl

  • 1 C roasted red peppers, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 C panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 C walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 2 T fresh lemon juice
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 3/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 T blackstrap molasses*
  • 1 (heaping) tsp muscadine jelly*
  • 1 tsp dried hot red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/3 C extra-virgin olive oil

Using a food processor, pulse the first 8 ingredients roasted red peppers, panko, walnuts, lemon juice, and spices until mostly blended.

Add the molasses, jelly, and red pepper flakes.  Blend until smooth.

Pour in the oil in a thin stream into the food processor – running on low speed -until oil is incorporated.  The dip should have a hummus-like consistency.  You may add more oil or water as needed to thin.

Transfer to serving bowl and serve with warm pita and vegetables for dipping.  (It’s also good by the spoonful on top of a leftover black bean burger.)

*The original calls for pomegranate molasses, which I did not have.  In order to get the molasses tang AND the sweetness, I used blackstrap and added a bit of my grandmother’s homemade muscadine jelly.  It works like a charm!

Makes ~2 cups (8 servings)

***

Overall, I ended Fat Tuesday feeling sufficiently fattened full.

Did you do anything fun for Fat Tuesday?  It smacks of being a perfect “treat” day.

Filed Under: Dip, Recipes, Running Tagged With: dinner, hummus, running, vegan

Protein Kitten

March 6, 2011 By Laura

Quick update because I’m excited about two things…

1. I rallied and went running!

Distance: 5.5 miles

Time: 46:02

Pace: 8:37

If anyone is struggling with motivation… just do it.  I feel SO much better.

 

2. The kitten really is my child.

Stevie likes green protein shakes

Stevie’s Recovery Shake

  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 large banana
  • 1 C spinach
  • 1 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 T chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Shake of salt

(No, I didn’t actually let her have a shake!)

***

Do your pets eat strange things?

I once had a cat that liked salt and vinegar chips.


Filed Under: Fitness, Running, Smoothies Tagged With: Green Monster, running, smoothies, Stevie

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