Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Pop Quiz

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My inner high schooler is showing.

 

I used to LOVE taking quizzes.  The ones people would pass around in school or MySpace or email… I took them all.  To the point where it probably annoyed people.  

When I was tagged for this quiz on Claire’s blog, I got unnaturally excited.  Thanks Claire!

 

The rules:

  1. You must post these rules
  2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog
  3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer

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11 Things About Me

1. I sit on a Swiss ball at work.  The desk chair hurts my hips!


2. My co-workers think I’m weird – for the Swiss ball and for the random foods I bring for lunch.  Sorry, no Big Macs for me.

3. I haven’t had more than a few bites of meat in 2012.  I’m not a vegetarian because I love to try new things and don’t want to feel restricted… but I do have a plant-based diet.

4. 2 years ago I ate about 3-4 burgers and 1 steak a week.  Since the end of 2010 I haven’t had more than half of a burger or a bite of steak (with the exception of my 2 weeks in Italy… when in Rome Florence!).

 

5. I have the a terrible memory when it come to names or events, but I can rattle off recipes and statistics like nobody’s business.

6. In high school I went through a phase where I only work men’s XL shirts and Birkenstocks.  Those pictures have been burned.

7. I’ve been going to the same hair stylist since I was 15… despite the fact that I now have to drive an hour to see her.  Karen and Lava Hair Studio are the best!

 

8. If I could have any job, I would develop recipes/new concepts for restaurants.

9. Yes, I really do 100 push-ups nearly every day.  No, I don’t do them at once – sets of 3!

10. Red wine is my weakness kryptonite.   Specifically, Italian reds.  I would even choose it over cookies.

Which leads me to #11…

11. Just like Claire, if I had no other ties or commitments and unlimited funds I would move to Italy and never look back.  I might do it anyway.

 

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Claire’s 11 questions were in list form: “Tell me about your 11 favorite foods (restaurant, grocery store, or homemade).”

 

This is actually really hard for me – it’s like choosing a favorite child!  In no particular order, here’s what comes to mind…

  1. These Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies
  2. Sweet potatoes protein shakes like this one
  3. The hummus from Top Flr.  It’s the best I’ve ever had.
  4. My mom’s Carrot Cake (made from my grandmother’s recipe)
  5. Flourless chocolate cake with sea salt and olive oil from La Tavola (with a glass of Amarone)
  6. This Zucchini Bread Oatmeal
  7. Sriracha (a.k.a. Rooster Sauce)
  8. Guacamole – extra jalapenos
  9. Indian food – I don’t care what it is, just pass it this way with extra spice on the side
  10. Gnocchi with shaved black truffles from one of Italy’s first Slow Food restaurants – Osteria dell’ Arco in Alba
  11. Pizza – specifically authentic Italian pizza from places like Antico Pizza

 

Now I get to tag!  It doesn’t say how many people, so I’ll choose 5 because I like prime numbers.

 

For my 11 questions, I would love to know:

  • What are your 5 favorite foods?
  • What are the 3 best things you cook/bake/concoct in the kitchen?
  • What 3 things you would do first if you were President of the United States?

***

This weekend I’m going to the Atlanta Underground Market again.  The theme is Bruch… which I think should always be the theme. 🙂

What are you getting into this weekend?

What are some of your favorite foods?  Do we share any of the same?

 

Get Slimed (Green Protein Icing)

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Remember that slime show on Nickelodeon?

It was called “You Can’t Do That on Television.”

Side note: did you know Nickelodeon is recognized by spell check?

The contestants would have complete some challenge and if they failed, they got “slimed.”  According to Nickipedia, the slime consisted of “green gelatin and cream of wheat, and/or oatmeal.”

I wanted to be on that show so bad it hurt.  Probably more so because my parents wouldn’t even let me watch it.  Max + Lynda = most strict parents in the world.  Not that I’m bitter. 😉

Moving on to MY green slime…

Usually after a weight workout I have a green protein smoothie.  However, I had to run out to my car and by the time I got back I was far too cold for a cold drink.  Protein sauce seemed like the perfect solution.

Admittedly, this may be the weirdest thing I’ve ever posted about eating.  It kind of looked like Nickelodeon’s slime, but it was pretty tasty!  Especially with the blueberry “syrup.”

As a sad, waffle maker-less soul, I have become a fan of Van’s Waffles.  The blueberry flavor is good without packing a ton of sugar, and they offer whole grain, organic, and gluten-free varieties.  If you pop them in the oven on broil for 1-2 mins on each side, they come out nice and crispy.

The blended protein powder (I used Sun Warrior Vanilla) with spinach and a little almond milk only took a second, and I used my “lazy” technique to the get blueberry syrup in 30 seconds.  (1/2 C blueberries + 3-4 drops liquid stevia in a bowl and microwaved for 30-40 secs).

The topping is on the thick side – I like an “icing” topping.  If you prefer a syrup-y consistency, just thin it out with more milk.

Delicious and nutritious – not only will this entertain small children who like slime, but it will also keep you full until lunch!

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Green Blueberry Protein Icing

  • 1 C spinach
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4-1/3 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp maca (optional)
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 tsp butter extract (optional)
  • 5-6 drops liquid stevia (more if you like sweeter)
  • 1/2 C blueberries

Combine everything except blueberries in blender (I used my Magic Bullet).  Blend until smooth.

Meanwhile, place blueberries in small bowl and microwave for 30-40 seconds, until beginning to burst and become “juicy.”

Pour the juice and some of the blueberries into the blender with green mix and blend again.

Spread sauce on top of waffle/pancake/muffin/etc, finishing with remaining warmed blueberry sauce.

Creep out everyone around you with your odd breakfast creation.

***

Another point for green: it photographs so much better than brown.

Was there a game show you wished you could be on?

What’s the weirdest food/creation you eat?

Starting Off 2012 Right

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Notice anything new?

 

Look up… there’s gullible written on the ceiling.

I kid.  Look at the top of the screen.  I have a new HEADER!!!

 

The amazing, talented, and hilarious Holly @ The Healthy Everythingtarian designed it for me.  If you don’t already read her blog, then you should start.  She is a great writer and makes some of the most yummy-looking food on the web.

 

In addition to the new header starting my 2012 off right, I did a couple of other things to kick off the New Year:

Dinner with some of my best friends

 

 

An awesome drink

(ok, a few awesome drinks…)

Blind Eye - mezcal, raspberry syrup, cynar, lemon, and cava

 

 

Pumpkin Zucchini Muffin with Peanut Butter “Icing” for Breakfast

(click here for recipe)

 

Peanut Butter Icing

  • 1 T peanut four
  • Splash unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

 

12K run for 2012

 

Green Smoothie

 

Banana Avocado Smoothie

  • 1/4 avocado
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 C spinach
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp Maca
  • 1 C unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 4-5 drops liquid stevia
  • Ice + Water, to taste

 

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Remember when I said I’m not a Resolution-maker?

 

I lied a little… I set 5 goals for 2011:

  1. Run another Half Marathon – Check!
  2. Work on my fitness, focusing on nutrition and building muscle – Check-ish.  There was a little holiday indulgence and I only made it to a 2 pack.
  3. Develop more original recipes – Check!
  4. Surround myself with good people – Check!  I have the best friends. 🙂
  5. Advance at work – Check!  I was accepted into a leadership program and exceed my goals for 2011.

 

Writing down goals DOES work – I hit all 5 (with those small exceptions).

 

In 2012 I just want to start off with this in mind:

 

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Last week was a little crazy with the unexpected travel, but I managed to squeeze in 6 days of workouts.  I started 2012 with a 12K run.  Doing it in kilometers was a little cheat… but I can’t just bust out 12 miles like Matt. 😉  I was pleasantly surprised at how good it felt since I haven’t been running.  My pace was even good at a 7:37 min/mile average.

Workout Recap (12/26 – 1/1)

  • Monday – TRX suspension class, 100 push-ups
  • Tuesday – This BodyRock, Elliptical – 45 mins, 100 push-ups
  • Wednesday – Rest, 100 push-ups
  • Thursday – Kickboxing, TRX
  • Friday – Tris/Chest
  • Saturday – Kickboxing, 100 push-ups
  • Sunday – 12K run (in honor of 2012), 100 push-ups

***

I’m looking forward to a kick ass 2012!

How did you start off the new year?

What are you most looking forward to this month?

 

Top 11 in 2011

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2011 was a big year.

 

 

I began this blog at the end of 2010 (yes, I missed my blogiversary), and I cannot believe how much my life has evolved since.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the wonderful bloggers out there.  You have inspired me in so many ways – introducing me to new foods, pushing me to think of new flavor combinations, motivating fitness and healthy living by example and through kind comments.

 

Resolutions aren’t my cup ‘o tea – I like to tackle goals as I think of them throughout the year.

In lieu of posting those and in honor of a rockin’ 2011, I decided to list the top 11 posts for the year.

 

Often I see bloggers comment that they don’t necessarily agree with the top posts… but in this case I largely agree.  There are a couple of soups/stews not on the list – but you guys apparently like breakfast and dessert (and I have no room to judge)!  Out of these 11 my top 3 are #1, 2, and 7.

 

Top 11 in 2011

1. Sparkling (Champagne) Cake Balls (these would be great to bring to a NYE party – toast with balls!)

 

2. Peach Cobbler Chia Pudding (with an overview on the benefits of chia)

 

3.  Sweet Potato Pie Oatmeal

 

4. Rosemary Lemon Shortbread Cookies

 

5. Coconut Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies (with an overview on the benefits of coconut flour)

 

6. Coconut Milk Greek Yogurt (with PBJ Vegan Yogurt recipe)

 

7. Cherry Balsamic Chickpea Salad (this was one of my favorite meals of the year)

 

8. Biscoff Cookie Dough Balls

 

9. Liquid Sweet Potato Pie

 

10. Garam Masala Daal (this post also includes my favorite Banana Cashew Chia Pudding recipe!)

 

11. PB&J Pancakes (gluten-free and vegan!)

Thank you to everyone who has read this blog, left a comment, passed along my link, written an inspiring blog… I am honored to have you all in my life and wish nothing but the best for us all in 2012!

***

I stopped posting on weekends… but check back tomorrow for a special Saturday post that might come in handy this weekend.

If you are a blogger, are your “most viewed” recipes the one you like the most?

What is your biggest hope or goal for 2012?

 

Strip Mall Chinese + WIAW

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Short weeks throw me off.

It’s already Wednesday?  That means it’s already What I Ate Wednesday.  Jenn, you are a genius/exceptional round-up hostess… and I hope you feel better soon!

It was a random day of eats.  I can’t seem to get enough vegetables in my body post-Christmas.  Raw, crunchy green and orange veggies seem like treats right now.

That’s why I went to a burger joint and ordered a veggie sandwich.  Don’t judge.

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Breakfast:

This morning was a rush to get out the door to the airport, but I managed to squeeze in a workout knowing this trip won’t allow time for one.  45 mins on the “glutes” setting of mom’s elliptical and a quick BodyRock – The One That Got Away.

Sweating in the morning almost always translates to a smoothie-breakfast for me.  It also means I’m starving and almost chugging the whole thing before I get a pic.

Served with a side of coffee, of course.

 

Green Apple Pie Smoothie

  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 C spinach
  • 1/2 large banana
  • 1/2 apple
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom

A green smoothie has never tasted so good after all of the post-Christmas indulgence.

Lunch:

Our flight took off right at lunchtime, so technically my “snack” lunch and my lunch at 4p (yes, my stomach was eating my spine at the point).  Either way, I ate at 5 Guys Burgers.  And in the rush to shovel food in my mouth, I failed to take a pic.

Source: breadetbutter.files.wordpress.com

I assure you that the veggie sandwich (with hot sauce) and Cajun fries were worth the wait.

Dinner:

Being adventurous eaters, Mom and I searched for the top restaurants in the small suburb of Annapolis we’re staying in.  A place called Golden Pavillion earned 5/5 stars on Google and Yelp… sold.

Chinese food from random strip malls always has the potential for greatness or food poisoning.

Miso Soup + Sake

Veggie Singapore Noodles for me – extra spicy 

Garlic Eggplant and Rice for Mom

Snacks:

Since I was on a place, I had my customary pretzels and Coke Zero.

***

Thank god I got some snazzy boots for Christmas – it’s pouring down rain up north!

Have you ever gone in a burger place and ordered veggies?

What has been your most-used Christmas present so far?

Weird Holiday Flavors + WIAW

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40% of the items in a grocery store are new each year.

I’d rather have an actual Oreo Blizzard

According to what Michael Pollen found in his research.  I doubted this until I realized that new flavors and formulas count.  Think about all the variations done on Oreos – peanut butter, mint, 100 calorie packets… it’s endless.

An article on So Good Blog called out food-makers for going too far on the holiday variations.  Specifically cited is Chocolate Eggnog (agreed – but I don’t like nog) and Pumpkin Cream Cheese (he’s crazy… pumpkin was practically born on a bagel).

On my list is peppermint-flavored items.  I like peppermints, but please don’t add the flavor to perfectly good food.  Like coffee.

 

Enough about bad foods.  It’s What I Ate Wednesday!

 

Pre-Workout Breakfast:

When I workout first thing in the morning I usually don’t eat anything more than a nibble of peanut butter or a date.  That is unless I wake up STARVING!  After the killer workout yesterday I must have been burning food like a mad man woman in my sleep!

I heated a Van’s Organic Blueberry Waffle in the oven and topped it with banana, cinnamon, and sugar-free syrup.

Perfect for my needs… I did a solid hour with some heavy weights.

Post-workout snack:

Since the pre-workout was only a waffle, I was ready for more after I finished in the gym.  My post-workout 20g of protein (must-have to build muscle!) came in the form of a (green) sweet potato protein shake.

Sweet Potato Protein Shake

  • 3 T sweet potato puree
  • 1 C spinach
  • 3/4 C unsweetened vanilla coconut milk (a la So Delicious)
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 2 tsp ground flax seeds
  • 1 tsp maca
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of guar gum (to thicken)
  • Shake of salt
  • Ice + water, to taste

*Normally I add Stevia or banana to sweeten my shakes, but the So Delicious and the sweet potato provided enough sweetness on their own!

Lunch:

If you read my post yesterday you may have seen a lovely salad.  So lovely that I had a repeat for lunch today.

 

Those carrot patties are really incredible (hot or cold) and I love having my Basil Walnut Pesto creation (also on yesterday’s post) in the salad mix.  The sweet bursts from the pomegranate seeds make for a fun salad.  (Read: Trying to avoid staining the shirt I wore to work.)

Dinner:

This barley-based “risotto” was even better than I expected!

This recipe will come tomorrow, along with a special feature –

I scored an interview with Chef Cindi Avilia, who works in recipe development for Lightlife!

Snacks:

I had a little biscuit-baking fail… and snacked on my misery while deciding that yes, they really were un-servable (is that a word?).

There was also a citrus Kombucha involved.  I love Kombucha.

Old pic… same drink, sans jerky

I made 100 Sparkling Cake Balls (cake balls made with sparkling wine, in case you missed it) for orders received (so exciting – people are BUYING my food!)… which called for a little pairing experiment. 😉

***

Head over to Peas and Crayons to celebrated the Humpty-Hump on Jenn’s What I Ate Wednesday.

Have you seen any crazy holiday flavors?  Which ones do you like or dislike?

What’s your best holiday baking fail?

Chili Time + WIAW

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Three days ago it was 70 degrees.

 

 

Yesterday morning I braved the airport amidst snow flurries.  Ok, ok, it was more like slightly freezing drizzle.  I hope this doesn’t mean we have a crazy, ice-filled winter!

 

Today I’m lucky because not only is it my favorite What I Ate Wednesday:

 

It’s also Spicie’s Foodie‘s November Your Best Recipe reveal!  Click here to check out my Red Wine Cake Balls and everyone else’s best dish of the month on her blog.

On to the eats!

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Pre-Flight Breakfast:

I love to make muffins, but never am able to eat a dozen alone while they are fresh.  My solution is the freezer.  You can always bet I have 3-4 muffins varieties just 30 seconds away from being breakfast-ready.  Perfect for those of us who aren’t morning people.

 

 

My pre-flight rush breakfast involved these Pumpkin-Zucchini Muffins (low sugar!) and my recently concocted Cinnamon Cacao Nut Butter.

Scarfed down in the car to fuel a morning jaunt through Concourse A. 🙂

 

The beverage portion of my breakfast happened in the airport – my traditional Starbucks coffee treat and some water.  Flying dries me out!

 

 

 

Lunch:

Having landed wayyyy before our meeting was to begin, my boss and I stopped in a Starbucks (this time I had an unpictured Orange Blossom tea) to get some work done… followed by a surprisingly delicious lunch near our destination.

Bocci is a new Italian spot in Clayton, MO (a suburb of St. Louis).  Their northern Italian-style soups hit the spot after walking through some serious cold St. Louis wind!

 

 

I ordered the Aquacotta – a tomato soup with mushrooms, onions, basil… and a poached egg!  Italian egg drop soup?!  I broke the egg and the yolk ran out, adding a wonderful creaminess to the brothy tomato.  With copious amounts of Bocci’s crack foccacia-like bread sticks dipped in olive oil, balsamic, and parm.

Moment of Boss Appreciation: You’ll notice I got a pic.  My boss didn’t even flinch when I whipped out the camera to go paparazzi on my food.  My job satisfaction went through the roof today.

 

 

Dinner:

I made my first chili!  It is a vegan tempeh chili… with 2 “secret” ingredients.  I could have made it hotter, but that’s nothing a little Sriracha didn’t fix!

 

 

Short on time so the recipe will come tomorrow!

 

 

Snacks:

We landed right at dinner time, but I wanted to get a workout in.  I downed a Sweet Tango Apple to tide me over until chili-time.  Sarah introduced me to this variety – if you ever see one grab it immediately!  Of course I had my pretzels on the plane too.

I also had a late-night protein shake for dessert:

 

 

Strawberry-Banana Shake

  • 1 C spinach
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 Strawberry EAS
  • 1 tsp ground flax
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Ice

 

***

Check out Peas and Crayons to see how everyone else celebrated Hump Day on Jenn’s What I Ate Wednesday.

Did you get any snow?

What is the best thing you’ve eaten post-Turkey Day? (P.S. Quit eating leftovers!  6 day post-meal that meal is growing bacteria!)

 

Liquid Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie + WIAW

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Deck the halls with tubs of frosting.

 

Last Wednesday I mentioned that holiday baking had begun.  If it began then, it has EXPLODED now.  There are 3 different containers of icing in my fridge right now.  It’s a little ridiculous.

P.S. Does any one have tips for freezing icing?  How about making room in the freezer to store said icing?

 

It’s Hump Day!  Time for another installment of Jenn’s What I Ate Wednesday.  As always, check out Peas and Crayons to see the ever-growing collection of what everyone else dined on.

 

Pre-Breakfast:

This morning began with a 4 mile run.  Normally I don’t run after eating (I get bad cramps), but I woke up starving.  Balls.

 

 

Lisa @ Healthful Sense recently posted a this recipe for Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls and I had 2 left in my freezer.  Perfect pre-run stick-to-your-ribs snack.

I followed her recipe except I left out the Stevia (my banana was sweet enough), added almond extract, and subbed cacao nibs for the chips.

Apparently it worked – 4 miles at an average pace of 7:20.  Fastest time yet!

 

 

Breakfast:

It was a 65 degree muggy morning, so I was hot and sweaty from my run.  Perfect time for a Sweet Potato Pie shake!  (Recipe at the end… yes, its green. 🙂 )

 

Pre-Mix

 

If you haven’t tried almond extract before, I highly recommend it.  It gives smoothies an almost cookie-esque flavor that I crave.

 

Lunch:

I’ve been inspired by a lot of bloggers lately – today I used this this Vegan Pumpkin Mac ‘N Cheeze sauce from Angela @ Oh She Glows to coat my barley.

 

Pumpkin Barley ‘n Cheeze

 

My modifications: halved the recipe, subbed olive oil for butter, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp Herbs de Provence, and sauteed 1/2 a fresh red bell pepper.

It was fantastic – I loved having the bell pepper to chew on and the addition of red pepper flakes gave it a pleasant heat.

 

 

Dinner:

Last night I worked late and then baked for the office potluck today (just wait until you see what I made – OMG).  Dinner was a hodge podge I cooked.

 

 

Sparkling Squash, roasted tomato, white asparagus (which oddly doesn’t make your pee smell like the green stuff), toast with this Pumpkin Basil Cheese Spread by none other than our WIAW host (Jenn @ Peas and Crayons)… and stuff I was baking…

 

I know, I know… another teaser… I promise it’s all coming soon!

 

The Sweet Dumpling Squash was surprisingly good.  It was a new (to me) variety – I had Prosecco left over from a certain baking endeavor (which may or may not be pictured above).  People cook with wine all the time… why not the bubbly?  In it went!  Add in some red bell pepper, scallions, spices, and vegetable broth and you have a lovely (mashed) Sparkling Squash!

 

Snacks:

I had a new flavor of the Think Thin bar – Cookies and Cream.  Better than the Chocoalte Toffee after the recipe change… still not my fav.

 

Snack #2 was Kombucha and jerky.  Vegan, gluten-free jerky.  Hickory Smoked VEGAN Jerky.

 

Jerky + Kombucha

 

The awesome people at Primal sent me a whole box of flavors to sample and I couldn’t be more happy.  It’s made from soy protein and is 100% vegan.  So far I love the Mesquite Lime and the Hickory the most… Hot and Spicy tomorrow though!

 

One of my favorite thing about Primal’s jerky is that they are just under 100 calories and contain 10g of protein.  That protein is key to a satisfying snack!

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Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

  • 1 C spinach (optional)
  • 1/2 large sweet potato (baked)
  • 1/2 C Unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp maca powder
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ginger
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp Guar gum
  • Shake of salt
  • Stevia drops, to taste
  • Water + ice, to taste

 

Place everything in your blender of choice and mix until smooth.  Bottoms up!

Note: It’s a long ingredient list, but the spices are super-easy.  I don’t even measure anymore, so it takes all of 30 seconds to make this smoothie.

***

Thank you to everyone who “Buzzed” my Fig and Feta Shortbread Cookies – check it out: I made the FoodBuzz Top 9 today!!!

Do you like vegan versions of traditional meat products?

 What is the best thing you’ve been inspired by another blogger to make? 

 

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