Sprint 2 the Table

Appetites and Adventures

Weekend Warrior

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Who said weekends are for rest?

 

Thought let’s be honest – I appreciated the extra hour.

Weekend warrior-ing has been my M.O. in the past, but in recent years my warrior-style has changed.  These days it’s all about productivity.  Rest is a good thing… and I did rest from job-related activities.  The work I did was fun to me!

I spent fun time in the kitchen making 72 of my Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins to take to a men’s shelter for a chili dinner.  It was fun to do – I love baking for others!

Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

 

Saturday my cousin (the one I did the adventure race with) treated me to a pre-game sideline tour of the Georgia Tech field and seats to the Homecoming game.  We are all huge Tech fans in my family; I grew up going to games with my dad.  It was a big treat to watch the team warm up on the field.

Those guys are HUGE!

GT Homecoming 2013

Can you tell we’re related?

 

We were gone all evening, so I had to smuggle in food in my purse.  Turkey roll-ups, anyone?

My 20-year-old self is making fun of me for sneaking in heath food rather than whiskey. 😉

 

Saturday and Sunday both included workouts.  I love when you get to the week before competition – it’s added motivation knowing it’s your last workout for each muscle group.  This time next week I’ll be done with my 3rd figure competition and less than a week out from my 4th in Denver with Heather!

The Breakfast Club got me through my cardio – I even stayed an extra 5 mins to hear the closing monologue.  Then I had to take of pic of the Famous Amos bag on the locker room floor… I resisted the urge to check and see if there were any cookies left and went for a photo shoot instead.

You see us as you want to see us: in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions…

 

Sunday Funday concluded with a trip to my favorite international farmers market!  It’s always a crowded on a weekend afternoon, but I put on my ninja socks and kicked it.

Of course I bought plenty of lean protein and asparagus for my final week of prep, but I also scored with super cheap pomegranate!  I refrained from the avocado drink mix, but had to get a pic as proof that my favorite #strangebutgood protein shake add isn’t THAT weird.

Other highlights included the kabocha squash Thai curry they were sampling… let’s pretend I didn’t take a bite... and a new-to-me fish. The Parrot Fish was too pretty not to try!  I had them fillet it for me before taking it home.  Can’t wait to make dinner with it tonight!

Buford Highway finds

 

Sunday night I realized I hadn’t sat down all day long.  I get it honest – my mom is the same way.  Some might prefer a more laid back weekend, but I am not happy unless my hair is on fire.  It’s pretty marvelous.

MMIM

***

There are, of course, exceptions.  I’m going to have a full, restful weekend to recover from back-to-back shows.  Anyone want to come over for chocolate cake and red wine? 😉

Have you ever heard of Parrot Fish?  Any preparation suggestions?

Do you prefer a super-active weekend or a restful one?  What are your to-dos on your days off?

 

StrangeBut Good: Curry Sweet Potato Burger

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Sometimes you just need a good burger.

 

I’m not one to deny myself.

The craving has hit me hard toward the end of this prep.  The beef is easy – most grocers sell some form of “super lean” grass-fed ground beef (my veggie friends could use a bean burger or tempeh here).

curry sweet potato burger

 

The bun is a bit harder to replicate… until I remembered my eggplant chips!  They are delicious alone, but they also make for a perfect burger vehicle.

For my eggplant bun I cut the slices a bit thicker so that they were hearty enough to stand up to a festive fall spread.  Festive in color… perhaps a little nontraditional flavor-wise.  Some might call it strange, but I call it good.

Curry Sweet Potato Burger bite

During my meal prep each week, I bake a few sweet potatoes.  I mashed up part of one with nutritional yeast, curry powder, and smoked paprika to make a pleasantly sweet, Indian-spiced cheesy spread.

Craving = satisfied.

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Curry Sweet Potato Burger

Curry Sweet Potato Burger

  • Burger patty (or protein of your choosing)
  • Eggplant chips
  • 1/4 C sweet potato, mashed
  • 2 T nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • Juice of 1/4 lime
  • Smoked paprika, to taste

 

Prepare burger and chips.

Meanwhile, prepare your sweet potato spread by mixing sweet potato, nutritional yeast, spices, and lime in a small bowl.  You may need to add water depending on the moisture content of your sweet potato.

Construct your burger and enjoy!

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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.

Sprint 2 the Table

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


***

I eat a TON of orange food.  How my palms are glowing in the dark yet it beyond me!

What was the best costume you saw this Halloween? 

Are you a curry fan?  Have you ever used it with sweet potato?

 

Strange But Good: Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette

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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

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Mexican Pumpkin Pan-lette

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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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.

Sprint 2 the Table

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?

Strange But Good: Thai Peanut Salmon

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Fish is a diet staple for me.

Oddly, I refused to eat seafood until 2 years ago.

When you eat as much seafood as I do, it’s bound to get a little strange.  I’ve had some fails, but often it pretty good!

Today’s recipe involves salmon and peanut butter, as I further attempt to prove that peanut butter is good on anything.

Thai Peanut Salmon

This isn’t so far out there.  Many of you have had Pad Thai before.  That’s just noodles and shrimp (or chicken/tofu) in a peanut sauce.  This is a similar concept, but baked.  I used my Thai Peanut Sauce as the topping.  I think it work really well here with the rich, slightly sweet salmon.

I topped mine with fresh basil and ate it with raw asparagus and BBQ Cauliflower Bites.  This would also be fantastic on a salad or on pastas.  Maybe with red bell pepper and carrots?  

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Thai Peanut Salmon

Thai Peanut Salmon

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Place salmon, skin side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet (you can use a non-stick sheet, but the foil makes for an easier clean up).

Prepare peanut sauce and spread evenly across salmon.

Bake until salmon is just cooked through, 10-12 minutes.  This may vary based on the thickness of the filet.

Plate and enjoy!

Makes 2 servings.

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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.

Sprint 2 the Table

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


***

Sarah, don’t comment.  I know you think this is normal.  You embody strange.  But good. 😛

Can anyone name something peanut butter (or nut butter of your choosing) is not good on?

Have your taste buds changed a lot over the years?  Do you like seafood?

Strange But Good: Beefy Oatmeal with Blackberry Salsa

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Where’s the Beef?

 

It’s a legit breakfast food.

This sounds strange… but it isn’t SO odd.  Many people have eaten savory oats.  Oats are just another carb.  We make lots of savory carb-y things.  Why not add beef?  And while we’re at it, eat it for breakfast!  This is what happens when you’re out of eggs.

Side note: This recipe could VERY easily be made vegan by using TVP in place of the beef.

Beefy Oats

 

The salsa is the most awesome, lazy recipe ever.  Mash up blackberries and stir in jarred salsa (extra hot).  Done.*

*That’s not totally true.  I added a drop of lemon stevia because my berries sucked and weren’t sweet at all.

 

So hear me out.  Yummy beef.  Chewy oats laced with rich flavors of cumin and smoky paprika.  A little sweet ‘n spicy to top it off.  That sounds more good than strange!

Aftermath

Warning: It will look like you slayed something when you stir it up to eat.

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Beefy Oatmeal with Blackberry Salsa

Beefy Oatmeal with Blackberry Salsa

  • 1/2 oatmeal, cooked
  • 3 oz lean ground beef, cooked
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of smoked paprika
  • 1/4 C blackberries (or other berries)
  • 2 T salsa

 

Cook oatmeal, stirring in precooked ground beef* and spices just before done.

Meanwhile, mash up berries in a small bowl and stir in salsa.

Pour oats into a bowl and top with salsa.  Be amazed.

*My beef was pre-cooked with a Mexican spice blend.  If yours is plain, you may want to add more spices on this recipe.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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.

Sprint 2 the Table

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


***

I’m posting a cookie recipe next week… my co-worker who isn’t a healthy food person said “these are actually good!”  I’m calling it a win. 

Have you had savory oats?  Do you like them?  Do you think I’m nuts?

What is your favorite oatmeal add-in?  Don’t say nut butter.  We all know that’s good. 😉

 

Strange But Good: My Favorite Things

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3 years is a long time.

3rd Birthday

This blog is my longest commitment.  Kidding… sort of.

In 3 years, I have learned a LOT!  I didn’t have a clear vision outside of “food” when I began.  I was playing roller derby, drinking a lot of beer with the occasional side of Waffle House, and trying to be a runner.  3 years later, I no longer play derby, I don’t run half as much as I did, and I’ve competed in 2 figure competitions (with 2 more just a month away – eep!).  I also drink less beer, and am about 15 pounds lighter.  Waffle House still happens after every figure competition though. 😉

#strangebutgood #yolkporn

 

In the beginning, no one read my blog except my mom.  Now more people read and my mom doesn’t.  I remember my first comment from a stranger.  It was from Tina – I was so excited!!!  3 years late, I’m honored today to call her a friend.  I’m honored to call a LOT of my favorite bloggers friends.  This is an inspiring, motivated community full of diversity, humor, and FUN.

End mush.  Begin giveaway.

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On the last day of my Blogiversay Favorite Things week of giveaways, I wanted to share ALL the things!  Rather than giving you a #strangebutgood recipe, I’m giving you things to make your own strangeness!

Sprint 2 the Table Favorite Things

 

I am sooooo excited about this.  Trying new things is a sport to me, so hopefully I’ll be able to share something new with one of you!

Some things aren’t so much strange as they are staples, or representative of things I love.  Other items are in the pile because people are always asking where I get ingredients (I’ll be your dealer!).

 

Favorite Things

  1. House of Payne tank top – This is from my gym!  The shirt is this style (it’s a small, but I can check if you need M or L).  I love Steve Payne and his crew.  Check them out here.
  2. Peanut Flour – You all know I am having an intense love affair with this stuff.  I like it better than PB2 (and others) because it’s less processed.  The only ingredient is peanuts (no preservatives, sodium, sugar, etc).  If you don’t win it, you can order your own from iHerb.  Use discount code USO924 for $5-10 off your order!
  3. Flavors – There are SO many ways you can flavor your food without salt, sugar, and other unhealthy things!  These are a few of my favorites:

 

Favorite Things 2

  1. Treats – These aren’t exactly the picture of healthy, but when I’m feeling snacky they sure hit the spot!  And they aren’t the worst things in the world.  Everyone knows and loves Quest bars.  The Brownie is my favorite (cut in squares and baked for 10 min on 350).  Vega’s Savi Seeds are a crunchy-salty satisfier.  Justin’s dark chocolate peanut butter cup… I don’t  think I need to explain this deliciousness.  Lastly, my favorite gum.  I cannot workout without it!  Extra seems to be the longest lasting.
  2. Burdock Root Crisps – I have no idea what this is.  I got them to represent my love of the international farmer’s market and trying new things.  Let me know how they are! 😉
  3. Cherry-Flavored Dried Cranberries – I cannot stand dried fruit.  Except for these funky-flavored things. Specifically, I love them in my…

 

granola-cookie

Granola Cookies!  Old picture because I haven’t made them yet… I will ship you a fresh batch.  They can be made vegan and/or gluten-free upon request.

 

Thanks for helping me celebrate this week! Don’t forget the giveaway for my favorite protein powder, Growing Naturals, is still open through the weekend too
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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.

Sprint 2 the Table

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


***

I'll take a break from giveaways and get back to recipes next week.  In the mean time, check out the Strange But Good link ups!

What would you try first out of this bag of my favorite schwag? Hee hee. I rhymed.

If you were going to send a box to someone that represents you, what would you include?

 

Strange But Good: Tofu Tabbouleh Salad

By

Sometimes the strange is right in front of you.

If you live in a city, it’s right in front of you more often than not.

For this week’s meal prep, I had all the ingredients to make my Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad again.  Except the quinoa.  I swear, between the plumbing, burning food, and general forgetfulness… there is some sort of black cloud over my kitchen this week!

eyore

 That cloud lifted when I had a strange (but good) idea for a substitute.  Better yet, it’s high in protein… tofu!

It’s a bit different texturally speaking, but the soft tofu works against the hearty, crunchy parsley.  I loved the way the lemon juice and spices soaked into this making it even more flavorful!

Tofu Tabbouleh Salad recipe

I followed the original recipe almost exactly, but as an afterthought added a tablespoon of nutritional yeast.  Vegan cheesy tabbouleh… why not?  I already jacked up the traditional version. 😉

My tofu sub and the “cheese” add worked like a charm.  And then I did what Tiggers do best.

tigger

Tofu Tabbouleh Salad

Tofu Tabbouleh Salad

  • 12 oz firm tofu, crumbled
  • 1 large bunch fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 C red onion, diced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 T nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp ground garlic

In a large bowl, toss together parsley, chopped tomato, cucumber, onion, lemon juice, and seasonings.

Add the tofu crumbles to bowl and mix together.  Adjust seasoning to taste.

Makes 4 servings.

Note: This stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days.  It is even better on day 2 when the flavors have time to marry.

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.

Sprint 2 the Table

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

***

I am so excited for next week.  It’s my blog’s 3rd anniversary and I have a full WEEK of giveaways for My Favorite Things planned!!!

Does the Eeyore cloud ever seem to get stuck over your head?

Have you made anything strange lately?  Link it up!

Strange But Good: Plantain Ginger Protein Bread

By

Blog trends are fun.

And often strange to the rest of the world.

When I say the Purely Twins’ Plantain Bread I couldn’t wait to whip up a protein-laced version of my own.

It may not quite count as strange at this point, as it’s caught on like a wild-fire.  BUT I’m going to say it qualifies for Strange But Good because my co-workers would definitely think it’s weird look on with curiosity.

Plantain Gingerbread

Naked bread.

Since I an unable to make anything that isn’t protein-laced (I’m beginning to think it’s an addiction), I tool the liberty of pumping up the plantain bread concept.  It was easy enough to do with a little protein powder.

The part when I took a little more creative license was the flavor.  These cooler mornings have made me crave a fall treat – gingerbread!  Why not combine two of my favorite breads?  Banana Plantain Gingerbread!

Plantain Gingerbread and Quark Icing

All dressed up

The icing on this breakfast treat was a mixture of quark with a little stevia, cinnamon, and vanilla.  It tasted like cinnamon roll frosting.  Seriously.

Round 1 was eaten with blueberries (not bloobs… that is the worst blogger trend).  Round two was topped with smashed raspberries… and eaten in the car.  Yes, this bread is hearty enough to pick up and eat while driving inching along in traffic at a complete standstill in a jam.

Plantain Gingerbread on the road

Have plantain bread, will travel.

[Tweet “This #glutenfree plantain bread has a whopping 20g of protein!”]

Plantain Ginger Protein Bread

Plantain Ginger Protein Bread

  • 1 medium plantain, fully ripe*
  • 1/2 cup liquid egg whites
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp Golden Lakanto (or brown sugar/other sweetener)
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp no sodium baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp cardamom
  • Pinch of cloves
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used Growing Naturals Rice Protein)

Preheat oven to 350.

In a small blender (I used a Magic Bullet) blend all ingredients except the protein powder.

Add protein powder and blend again until just combined.

Pour into a prepared pan (I used 8-in round) and bake for 15 mins.

Makes 2 servings.

*A plantain is fully ripe when the skin has turned almost black; it will be aromatic and sweet.

Approximate nutritionals (for 1 serving): 198 calories, 0.3 g fat, 123.6 mg sodium, 32.5 g carbohydrates, 2.6 g fiber, 13.9 g sugar, 19.8 g protein

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.

Sprint 2 the Table

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


***

I LOVE my new job… but lawd I am so happy its Friday. 

Have you tried any of the plantain recipes floating around?

Do you eat breakfast on the way to work?  I wish Atlanta had better public transportation!

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