tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65650443278206445202024-03-13T15:32:02.156-04:00The Edible Perspectivehttp://edibleperspective.comAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-88639993672115013502009-10-29T01:38:00.001-04:002009-10-29T01:38:41.125-04:00re-route<p>You should get redirected to the new blog now!!  It might take 5-30sec. depending on how speedy your computer is.</p> <p>If you don’t get redirected, click this: <a href="http://www.edibleperspective.com">www.edibleperspective.com</a></p> <p>See you guys there ;)</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-41243177771867423212009-10-28T20:13:00.001-04:002009-10-28T20:13:22.882-04:00go go go go!<p><a href="http://www.edibleperspective.com">www.edibleperspective.com</a>  <---- check.it.out.</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-88445378047852112922009-10-28T01:32:00.001-04:002009-10-28T01:32:44.703-04:00A delicious day<p>I’m keeping this post extra short, but will leave you with 3 snippets from breakfast, lunch, and dinner!</p> <p>Stay tuned for the release of my new blog t.o.d.a.y!! I will have yesterday’s full post and a completely new look!  I am pretty excited about it and am working on moving my content over as we speak.  </p> <p>Breakfast – Chocolate Amazing Meal + the pictured items + 1 container Wallaby Vanilla Bean yogurt + ice</p> <p>It was delicious, but my favorite so far was the berry/acai infused Amazing Meal.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SufXcSlfNJI/AAAAAAAABac/Atul4EaZWzg/s1600-h/_MG_5992%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5992" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5992" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SufXcqkF2qI/AAAAAAAABag/zxjjYRjRSAE/_MG_5992_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I went on a run with <a href="http://www.fusephotoblog.com/">Laura</a> late morning.  It was a nice 60* and we went for about 4 – 4.5 miles.  Tons of fun and then we picked up a few things for lunch.  We had some <strong>awesome</strong> corn chowder, that Laura made the night before.  We also made a fancy panini samich.  It rocked!  Details on the samich + soup tomorrow!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SufXdI0IUVI/AAAAAAAABak/AFqlQkpuOek/s1600-h/_MG_6031%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_6031" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_6031" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SufXddgMobI/AAAAAAAABao/B3pILcQTod0/_MG_6031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Whole Foods bakery case was making us drool, especially since we were starving from the run.  We <strong>had</strong> to get something and settled on a big vanilla cupcake, all gussied up for Halloween.  So.cute. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SufXdlc0bCI/AAAAAAAABas/P1xiGiW8Rz8/s1600-h/_MG_6006%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_6006" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_6006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SufXeLc0P4I/AAAAAAAABaw/lfZxVrRD0c8/_MG_6006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Dinner was delicious!  I made Thai spiced pumpkin soup from the <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/">101 Cookbooks</a> website.  I also made some of my specialty coconut rice, and roasted sweet + salty pumpkin seeds to top the soup. Perfect for this cold SNOWY night!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SufXeejTE4I/AAAAAAAABa0/nu0QHt20b8o/s1600-h/_MG_6070%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_6070" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_6070" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SufXew92h9I/AAAAAAAABa4/Vc72IV_ClVk/_MG_6070_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>We might have 14” of snow by morning!</p> <p>Off to work on the new blog…I have a LOT more photos from today of all the fun food…check back soon! =)</p> <p>Ashley  </p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-67951908328402507642009-10-27T03:01:00.001-04:002009-10-27T03:13:39.964-04:00chuggin’ yogurt<p>Today started off with a redo of the cocoa oats.  I got it right this time!</p> <p>1/3c. oats + 2/3c. vanilla rice milk + 1 small banana + 2tsp cocoa + 1 glob of pnut butter on top = Cocoa Oat perfection!</p> <p>Chris and I took off to the mountains today for a little boarding action.  The dogs came with too.  We have to hook this net into the top of the car to block them from jumping over and getting everywhere when we’re out of the car.  Then cover it with a sheet so they don’t get tangled in the huge holes.  There were no nets with hooks with smaller openings…so it’s pretty shifty looking =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaac7yoofI/AAAAAAAABXM/oNaftSE6evM/s1600-h/IMG_1221%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1221" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1221" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaadpQLFDI/AAAAAAAABXQ/sFp_NDbF5Jg/IMG_1221_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Chai Tea from NOVO coffee…mmm delish!  I just go this vest..and I love it!  It’s an Obermyer down vest and a <strong>GIRLS</strong> size 16 =) I found it on the sale rack for $23.99, originally priced at $80…s.c.o.r.e.  Pretty excited!!  Always check the kids’ sales racks!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaaeP-CNgI/AAAAAAAABXU/ugIP4_3fzA0/s1600-h/IMG_1220%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1220" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1220" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaaevKepkI/AAAAAAAABXY/PnytAE39jQk/IMG_1220_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>morning fun w/the hubs</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaafFhYSbI/AAAAAAAABXc/ghOA0oOO_8w/s1600-h/IMG_1223%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1223" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1223" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaafhu8yjI/AAAAAAAABXg/C3xSMx5RD80/IMG_1223_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>drivin’</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaagKSZD1I/AAAAAAAABXk/n0VRG55W7Sw/s1600-h/IMG_1230%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1230" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1230" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaag86Pp8I/AAAAAAAABXo/e1wme4iuSMk/IMG_1230_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>I got hungry.  Insert <a href="http://fallonscucina.blogspot.com/2009/10/pumpkin-cornmeal-muffins_24.html">pumpkin cornmeal muffin</a>…literally!  These muffins are addicting!!! Aaaand, their slightly chewy exterior improved overnight =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaahVlxrII/AAAAAAAABXs/V9MhZwyZqOA/s1600-h/IMG_1233%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1233" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1233" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaah3grCuI/AAAAAAAABXw/B4-n-xKFZYM/IMG_1233_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>almost there…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaaiKDkdiI/AAAAAAAABX0/svu5eqgeF3Y/s1600-h/IMG_1234%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1234" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1234" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaaiv3CZqI/AAAAAAAABX4/Gp_Zhiv684A/IMG_1234_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Dakota looks so noble here…Kenna is trying to escape…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaajPtVAgI/AAAAAAAABX8/naEOfKMNDyE/s1600-h/IMG_1245%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1245" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1245" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaajvhCS0I/AAAAAAAABYA/R_wfivYgG0w/IMG_1245_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>It was SO nice out, even though the temp was around 25*.  The sun was HOT.  The vest kept me perfectly warm.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaakLySYVI/AAAAAAAABYE/cT7K5y9ayr0/s1600-h/IMG_1249%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1249" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1249" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaakmy7oeI/AAAAAAAABYI/EalozcoXu18/IMG_1249_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>HUGE pet peeve!!!!!!!!  Kids at the mountain wearing 10x larger than normal clothing.  I didn’t know clown stores sold snowboarding clothes.  You look reeeediculous and I can’t help but stare and rub my eyes in disbelief =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaalEBJHBI/AAAAAAAABYM/LV73qK4na04/s1600-h/IMG_1254%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1254" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1254" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaalqOoG6I/AAAAAAAABYQ/HjN7ObjX36E/IMG_1254_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>In the morning, I am in charge of snack packing, and Chris loads up the car with all of our gear.  This is my favorite brand of yogurt, by far!  I only eat this, or Stonyfield Oikos, for the extra 7g of protein.  The non-fat Wallaby is on sale at WF for $.50!! It’s normally $1.00, so I stocked up!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaamFJaczI/AAAAAAAABYU/DxvKl5NKhwk/s1600-h/IMG_1266%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1266" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1266" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaamSfwYeI/AAAAAAAABYY/h2HVk94sT5E/IMG_1266_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Guess who forgot to pack spoons!!?? This girl.  Chug-a-lug.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaam2VDz_I/AAAAAAAABYc/JlLIqZ7uTyU/s1600-h/IMG_1273%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1273" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaana7cx1I/AAAAAAAABYg/lrHkDoeNwYM/IMG_1273_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Still famished…LARAbar time.  I know I say I don’t really like these…but I keep eating them.  I’m confused about this, haha. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaanuupz9I/AAAAAAAABYk/AysxwZTIMq4/s1600-h/IMG_1275%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1275" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1275" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaaoGzjC8I/AAAAAAAABYo/lD5ZOf3CI0Y/IMG_1275_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>It was one of the new pnut butter and jelly bars, which I think I actually do like!  I also for sure like the chocolate coffee bar.  What is the white streak on my nose?  Oh, that would be from drinking my yogurt!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaao090UrI/AAAAAAAABYs/wAJ3JTgyNv4/s1600-h/IMG_1276%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1276" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1276" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaapZ3lGKI/AAAAAAAABYw/JCWORAQqU3U/IMG_1276_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>We took the dogs to Loveland Pass to let them romp in the snow.  They LOVED it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaapsOsohI/AAAAAAAABY0/oWAKEJjwV8o/s1600-h/IMG_1288%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1288" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1288" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaaqHxXrWI/AAAAAAAABY4/Mwf6T8Y_6P4/IMG_1288_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaaqomP3LI/AAAAAAAABY8/Kx7L0erN2JI/s1600-h/IMG_1289%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1289" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1289" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaaqwwg0kI/AAAAAAAABZA/X1Xxyn2UI_g/IMG_1289_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaarUiaY-I/AAAAAAAABZE/BeCa2EvCzwU/s1600-h/IMG_1294%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1294" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1294" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaar_RVr-I/AAAAAAAABZI/NF7ZAIeBngE/IMG_1294_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaasTkCbvI/AAAAAAAABZM/T7PlktR9Ex4/s1600-h/IMG_1292%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1292" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1292" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaas4OY2wI/AAAAAAAABZQ/HgCxFaQddSU/IMG_1292_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Look who else was chuggin’ yogurt!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaatRxxtUI/AAAAAAAABZU/fUKC5DwzBwg/s1600-h/IMG_1296%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1296" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1296" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaat8J9cdI/AAAAAAAABZY/VFeydOqIq8E/IMG_1296_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>…</p> <p>Dinner time x2!  I had stuff in the fridge since last week to make this <a href="http://www.katheats.com/favorite-foods/asian-millet-salad/">Asian millet salad</a> recipe from Kath’s blog.  I wanted to make it to keep in the fridge for healthy snacking and/or lunches.  I finally made it and it was excellent!!  </p> <p>I was also going to make a taco bake for our actual dinner.  I had a lot of chopping to attend to!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaauAJuJOI/AAAAAAAABZc/ZgJrp6QrxX0/s1600-h/_MG_5943%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5943" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5943" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaauwpedXI/AAAAAAAABZg/EhWxzoVC6Hg/_MG_5943_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p><strong>This is what I changed:</strong> 1c. millet [instead of 1/2c.] – no mushrooms – no corn – no jicama – 1 red pepper [instead of 1/3 green] – 2 garlic cloves [instead of 1] – red cabbage [instead of green]</p> <p>A little fuzzy but oh.so.yummy.  Can’t wait to dig into this tomorrow!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaav9_lJNI/AAAAAAAABZk/N-SAY3DXSes/s1600-h/_MG_5961%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5961" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5961" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaawvkyecI/AAAAAAAABZo/gnl2tjUUBCc/_MG_5961_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Real dinner – I did a variation from the <a href="http://otabars.blogspot.com/2009/10/taco-bake-bonanza.html">taco bake</a> I made a few weeks ago. </p> <p>Ingredients:</p> <ul> <li>25oz. can black beans</li> <li>1lb local 96% lean ground buffalo [can use ground turkey or beef] </li> <li>1 1/2tsp. ground cumin</li> <li>1/4-1/2tsp. cayenne pepper [optional for spice]</li> <li>1tsp. cajun seasoning</li> <li>appx. 1c. frozen corn</li> <li>1 red pepper</li> <li>1 small can mild green chiles </li> <li>1/2 poblano pepper [leftover from the millet salad]</li> <li>2 garlic cloves</li> <li>2 jalapenos [optional…this made it quite spicy!!]</li> <li>1 1/2 jars salsa [I used a chipotle…nice and smokey]</li> <li>2 avocados</li> <li>1/2 package whole wheat tortilla</li> <li>couple handfuls of tortilla chips</li> <li>4-6oz sharp cheddar cheese</li> </ul> <p>Salsa too liquidy?  Strain it with a fine mesh strainer [can do this for pasta sauce too].</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaaxNe04kI/AAAAAAAABZs/xsTnu3KZL4w/s1600-h/_MG_5965%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5965" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5965" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaaxgiTUrI/AAAAAAAABZw/2YnM237fGMA/_MG_5965_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <ol> <li>Heat oven to 375*</li> <li>Chop and sauté peppers [not the jalapeno] and garlic for a few minutes and then add in the meat.  Season and brown thoroughly. </li> <li>Chop all other veggies, shred cheese, strain salsa, slice 1/2 of the pack of tortillas into about 2” squares, drain black bean liquid, mash avocados.</li> <li>Layer in a 9x13 dish: light layer of salsa + cover salsa with a layer of the tortilla squares + 1/2 of the black beans + 1/2 of the meat + layer of salsa + green chiles + corn + 1/2 of the cheese + tortilla layer + spread the 2 mashed avocados on the tortillas + rest of the black beans + rest of the meat + jalapenos + salsa</li> <li>Cover with foil and bake for 45min.</li> <li>Take out, set oven to broil @ 500*, sprinkle rest of the cheese, and crush a layer of the chips on top.</li> <li>Broil appx. 5min</li> </ol> <p>Cut tortillas</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaayU6dmfI/AAAAAAAABZ0/uLA9_js1keA/s1600-h/_MG_5966%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5966" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5966" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaay5IiPeI/AAAAAAAABZ4/kD2SNfAp0JM/_MG_5966_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>2nd layer of meat with the green chiles. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuaazFYlqII/AAAAAAAABZ8/mVE1cR6hNb8/s1600-h/_MG_5968%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5968" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5968" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaazl7BjTI/AAAAAAAABaA/syRCfqb5JIU/_MG_5968_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Broke into the Yellow Corn, Food Should Taste Good chips, from the awesome box of samples they sent.  These are THEE best yellow corn tortilla chips ever.  Super crunchy, perfect saltiness, and a lot of corn flavor.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaa0OK-g4I/AAAAAAAABaE/6KZxWQ82hKo/s1600-h/_MG_5970%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5970" style="display: inline" height="410" alt="_MG_5970" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaa0kFcP6I/AAAAAAAABaI/v67Ijn2LDU0/_MG_5970_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>All done!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaa1PipfPI/AAAAAAAABaM/P6eRXwys4jY/s1600-h/_MG_5975%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5975" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5975" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaa1tcEOfI/AAAAAAAABaQ/3Os5tJ7pw9k/_MG_5975_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>My plate…super filling + delicious.  Chris asked if we could have this every week…I think it went over well ;)  It was full of flavor and not greasy [from the meat] or watery [from the salsa] at all.  mmmm good</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaa14QFvCI/AAAAAAAABaU/foCxvLBSDrk/s1600-h/_MG_5985%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5985" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5985" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Suaa2XBzZWI/AAAAAAAABaY/rSPbv-vSSkE/_MG_5985_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I’m wiped out from boarding and making 2 dinners =) Goooodnight!  </p> <p>I need some sleep for my morning running date with <a href="http://www.fusephotoblog.com/">Laura</a>!! </p> <p>Byeeee</p> <p>Ashley     </p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-12731042177241922732009-10-25T21:38:00.001-04:002009-10-26T12:00:31.097-04:00zinc is pink<p>I got rid of my headache, thanks to Chris digging his elbow into the knot, that lives in my shoulder blade/neck area!  Huge ball of tension that never seems to go away. </p> <p>Well, after that, I had a great wintery run.  It was in the upper 30’s and dreary, but not too windy.  I felt great on the run today.  I prefer the colder weather for running and it wasn’t too cold where it hurts your lungs.</p> <p>After the run, I made a <a href="http://nutivahempshake.com/">Hemp Shake</a>! It was my first time using that powder.  I didn’t take a photo because the end result looked like mud =(  Buuut, it was super tasty!!</p> <p>They are packed full of nutrient goodness!  8g fiber, 6g protein, 90 cals, 1.5g. fat. [poly + mono]</p> <p>Mudslide Shake: [adapted slightly from the back of the packet]</p> <ol> <li>1 pack <a href="http://nutivahempshake.com/berry.htm">Berry Pomegranate Hemp Shake</a> [soy free, woop woop!] </li> <li>1T coconut oil </li> <li>1c. vanilla rice milk </li> <li>1 pear </li> <li>1 kiwi </li> </ol> <p>I realllly liked this one..and probably ended up taking in about 15g. fiber [holy cow!], with the added pear + kiwi.</p> <p>Natalie slaved away in the kitchen today, making a childhood favorite meal.  It’s called slippery pot pie and was comforting and delish.  She made dough from scratch that she cut into squares and cooked in the broth.  They were mmmmm good =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9gOzIF2I/AAAAAAAABWg/m14Mcag0ivg/s1600-h/_MG_5932%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5932" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5932" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9gtOP7yI/AAAAAAAABWk/mMsWQwtZaJY/_MG_5932_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>The dogs are completely annoying when either of us are cooking in the kitchen.  They think it is party time…they are SO wrong!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9hbW1fPI/AAAAAAAABWo/Hkq-SmazzAA/s1600-h/_MG_5929%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5929" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5929" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9hjgs6NI/AAAAAAAABWs/r3ohRSSQxEA/_MG_5929_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>In an effort not to get sick, Chris and I have been taking <a href="http://www.emergenc.com/">Emergen-C</a> like it is our job!  [go to their site for free samples!] They have all different flavors and different mixes of vitamins and you just dissolve them in a 4-6oz glass of H2O.  Today I found some that were Immunity Support with 100% daily value of Zinc!  I despise those zinc lozenges, so this was perfect.  The flavor wasn’t too bad, and it goes down super quick.</p> <p>Pretty zinc in pink!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9iOUPXII/AAAAAAAABWw/a3IQ11Yixj8/s1600-h/_MG_5931%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5931" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5931" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9iSAZnDI/AAAAAAAABW0/nTg06P7uHMk/_MG_5931_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>While Natalie was cooking, I decided to bake some pumpkin cornmeal muffins that I saw on <a href="http://fallonscucina.blogspot.com/">Fallon’s blog</a>.  They sounded really yummy and I had ALL of the ingredients on hand.  So it was obvious, I had to make them =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9i-rLerI/AAAAAAAABW4/T09M7Qc8paI/s1600-h/_MG_5927%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5927" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5927" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9jaVR0ZI/AAAAAAAABW8/j-fstQ8MKMs/_MG_5927_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I followed her recipe exactly, [how un-ashley of me!] even did the flax egg substitute.  [1T ground flax meal + 3T warm water, let sit 2min – replaces 1 egg]  I loved the flavor and slight crunch from the cornmeal.  You could definitely tell they were a healthier muffin and had some substitutions in them, but for being so super healthy, they were reallly good.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9jkNfdoI/AAAAAAAABXA/6MxC5jfD89o/s1600-h/_MG_5941%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5941" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5941" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuT9kCg2yDI/AAAAAAAABXI/5T2srnp35Jg/_MG_5941_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>This was a very dense muffin.  The texture was a bit chewy, but I liked the exterior crust and they were very moist.  I would definitely make them again.  I liked the honey as the sweetener and might add some cinnamon next time =)</p> <p>Off to do some work on the new blog!!  Snowboarding tomorrow! </p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-79421558541998657982009-10-25T13:56:00.001-04:002009-10-25T13:56:45.297-04:00cocoa oats<p>Yesterday, I made, Green Monster – Round 2!  It was even more delicious than the day before.</p> <p>GM #2 </p> <ol> <li>1 banana</li> <li>1/3 avocado</li> <li>1 kiwi [skin on]</li> <li>1/2 pear</li> <li>1 packet Amazing Grass – Goji/Acai flavor</li> <li>3oz Wallaby Vanilla Bean yogurt [SO good]</li> <li>1/4c. low-fat coconut milk</li> <li>handful of ice</li> </ol> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRTtsYJZI/AAAAAAAABV4/wge1MFKR97o/s1600-h/_MG_5907%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5907" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5907" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRUBi6s_I/AAAAAAAABV8/Hm3eW5mdqeU/_MG_5907_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>I used a few different settings on the blender: Blend/Chop/Grind/Liquify =)</p> <p>I received a few questions pertaining to the first GM I made…</p> <p><font color="#ff8000">Can you taste the avocado?</font> </p> <p>No, not at all.  It just adds a little creaminess and healthy fats!  In my avocado research, I have read things about them lowering your cholesterol, aiding in cancer defense, etc.  They have also been shown to help absorb more nutrients from the other foods you are eating them with.  If you don’t like avocados try hiding them in this type of drink!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRUWOW_fI/AAAAAAAABWA/775KesDpACg/s1600-h/_MG_5912%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5912" style="display: inline" height="270" alt="_MG_5912" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRUzdHH2I/AAAAAAAABWE/TI_xx0dwtoQ/_MG_5912_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#ff8000">How did I come up with this combo of fruits/veg? </font></p> <p>I was just thinking about all of the green foods I could add.  I knew the avocado wouldn’t taste, but that it would be a healthy addition.  The pear and apple would add a sweet + sour flavor, along with a good dose of vitamins + fiber. The kiwi was added to help thin out the mix a bit, add some tang, fiber, and vitamin C!  I think it’s kind of hard to mess these drinks up =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRVMPq5TI/AAAAAAAABWI/xG43EfWi0CU/s1600-h/_MG_5915%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5915" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5915" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRVrCmuHI/AAAAAAAABWM/Zfhx9yoO6uA/_MG_5915_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Chris and I both liked my 2nd version better, with the goji + acai grass mix, as opposed to the plain.  I think we are both going to be addicted to these in no time!</p> <p>I forgot a photo of the GM #2, oops!  That was Saturday’s breakfast.</p> <p>Last night was uneventful but relaxing.  My dinner was also uneventful.  It started with some leftover stuffed pepper filling, then pureed butternut squash with cinnamon + a little sucanat, and then a bowl of cereal [mixed with 3 diff. kinds]. Completely random!</p> <p>This was dessert!  It is my favorite pumpkin beer so far and look how cute the name and label are!!! l.o.v.e. =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRV4Nz2jI/AAAAAAAABWQ/Nu2k8sKeXno/s1600-h/_MG_5916%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5916" style="display: inline" height="410" alt="_MG_5916" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRWdCKsfI/AAAAAAAABWU/L86IEzZ7kMk/_MG_5916_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a> </p> <p>Today’s breakfast, I decided to mix some cocoa powder into my oats!  1T only has 10 calories and adds an extra 1g. protein =) </p> <p>I was out of bananas, it DEFinitely would have been even better with a nanner!! </p> <p>The mix:  1/3c. oats – 2/3c. vanilla rice milk – 1T cocoa powder – honey squirt</p> <p>It was probably a tad too much cocoa powder, but was still super tasty.  I topped it with some Barbara’s vanilla almond cereal [SO good], a little of the pumpkin oat bars, and a glob of pnut butter of course!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRWjlzP2I/AAAAAAAABWY/v5-ofPIX49M/s1600-h/_MG_5919%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5919" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5919" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuSRXPhKecI/AAAAAAAABWc/DETka9Ih30U/_MG_5919_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Not sure what is in store for today.  Woke up with a massive tension headache, so I’m getting a late start on being productive!!  </p> <p>Have a great Sunday!!</p> <p>Ashley</p> <p>p.s. it’s snowing again… </p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-16826092732776934062009-10-24T14:34:00.001-04:002009-10-24T14:34:31.497-04:00easy being green<p>So, as I told you yesterday, my morning mug of oats photos were deleted =)  </p> <p>Layered oats – Round 2</p> <p>Layers:</p> <ol> <li>1/3c. oats + 2/3c. rice milk + 1/3c. pumpkin + cinnamon + 1/2 banana</li> <li>appx. 2oz. Vanilla Coconut Milk yogurt</li> <li>Baked pumpkin/oatmeal bars [they solidified more after the first night and were much better the next day…especially w/a quick zap in the microwave]</li> <li>glob of Whole Foods organic creamy [no stir!!!] peanut butter [my new fav. pnut butter, for sure! appx. $3.50]</li> </ol> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIisUdd9I/AAAAAAAABUg/44vImDvBqUE/s1600-h/_MG_5860%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5860" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5860" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIjDPQj3I/AAAAAAAABUk/x2Zj7J4Xsrs/_MG_5860_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Loving the clear, pyrex, mug =)  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIjmFTW_I/AAAAAAAABUo/1pIp_6_W1sQ/s1600-h/_MG_5869%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5869" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5869" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIkffg9vI/AAAAAAAABUs/RLfU-XFqPDo/_MG_5869_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>This was my first time eating this coconut yogurt.  It is a great substitute for people that cannot tolerate dairy.  It had a great consistency [nice and smooth] and good flavor, with a mild hint of coconut.  The only downside is the protein count.  It only has 2g protein.  Regular yogurt has 6g [usually] and Greek yogurt has about 14g!  So, while it was tasty, I probably won’t buy it again…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIkwpsKGI/AAAAAAAABUw/90hG-VFVQdE/s1600-h/_MG_5876%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5876" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5876" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIlVK7w3I/AAAAAAAABU0/O3YsrNQ4sng/_MG_5876_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I have been wanting to try making a Green Monster smoothie for awhile.  This past week I finally stocked up on some green goods!  </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazinggrass.com/">Amazing Grass,</a> wheat grass, is the fuzzy looking stuff in the front.  Green is not my favorite color, but I think it is my favorite FOOD color! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIl0W3uUI/AAAAAAAABU4/tetFTQIi5es/s1600-h/_MG_5879%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5879" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5879" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNImWM7PjI/AAAAAAAABU8/LtzPSckBQy0/_MG_5879_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Ashley’s Green Monster – Round 1</p> <ol> <li>1/2 org. pear</li> <li>1 org. whole kiwi [yes, with the skin!]</li> <li>1/4 org. avocado</li> <li>1/2 org. granny smith apple  </li> <li>1 packet <a href="http://www.amazinggrass.com/organic-wheat-grass-powder.html">Amazing Grass</a> wheat grass powder</li> <li>3-4oz. vanilla coconut yogurt [had to use up the rest!]</li> <li>1/4c. low-fat coconut milk </li> <li>handful of ice</li> </ol> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNImhF26jI/AAAAAAAABVA/_tuTBJlle5s/s1600-h/_MG_5880%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5880" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5880" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNInLrIjiI/AAAAAAAABVE/2pR-a467wHM/_MG_5880_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>i <3 green food</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIn5xXkGI/AAAAAAAABVI/GwI5jk5tGIE/s1600-h/_MG_5882%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5882" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5882" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIoRFZssI/AAAAAAAABVM/YG5T0x7M-9M/_MG_5882_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Chris has been ALL about the kiwi lately.  It is such a great addition to this drink because of its sweet, tangy flavor.  The skin is edible, and so good for you!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIozvx24I/AAAAAAAABVQ/O0dOB9yzvLs/s1600-h/_MG_5888%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5888" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5888" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIpSjv6TI/AAAAAAAABVU/pYSlye9KjCE/_MG_5888_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Layered in the blender.  I don’t really know what you’re supposed to put in first…but I started with the ice =)  I chopped up all the fruit into chunks and left the skin on the apple and pear as well..but not the avocado ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIpxMZG_I/AAAAAAAABVY/XC6znzntxx4/s1600-h/_MG_5896%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5896" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5896" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIqUZnbZI/AAAAAAAABVc/HCy3fVNThKo/_MG_5896_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Chris was not 100% sold on my idea for this..especially because I was just winging it with no recipe =)  He liked it a lot though and so did I!  The grass flavor will take a little getting used to, but overall I really liked the flavor and thickness.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIqqjbYlI/AAAAAAAABVg/K-449ZT2cc4/s1600-h/_MG_5897%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5897" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5897" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIrEfDogI/AAAAAAAABVk/m-uzUhTDjLE/_MG_5897_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>My lunch: green monster in a whiskey glass =) and <a href="http://otabars.blogspot.com/2009/10/strapped-in.html">2 mini lentil burgers</a> with a light layer of cheese.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIsCW9DWI/AAAAAAAABVo/HSNrZna170M/s1600-h/_MG_5902%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5902" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5902" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNIsw0PbqI/AAAAAAAABVs/fg0km7Gdb8c/_MG_5902_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Can I just tell you, again, that these lentil burgers are SO good.  The mixture [that I made on Tuesday] was still perfectly fresh.  The lentils take awhile to cook, but the recipe is super simple.  You must give it a try!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNItLVMReI/AAAAAAAABVw/NPgyDAWI4zI/s1600-h/_MG_5903%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5903" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5903" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuNItiPQSCI/AAAAAAAABV0/oX_qHvQv2Nw/_MG_5903_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I really like when I can put my food in a clear glass/bowl.  It’s just more fun =)</p> <p>Watch out for Green Monster Round 2!  I have a feeling these are going to become a quick habit!  After I made my first one, I stumbled on the <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/">OhSheGlows</a> food blog.  She has a whole <a href="http://greenmonstermovement.com/">website</a> dedicated to Green Monster drinks!  She also started her own granola bar business [like me!]. <a href="http://globakery.com/Cart/">Glo Bakery</a></p> <p>Have a great weekend and eat something GREEN!!! =)</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-51557336125994446052009-10-23T02:27:00.001-04:002009-10-23T02:32:23.460-04:00double whammy<p>Whammy #1 - Chris + I don’t have the same system for using the digi SLR camera.  I leave photos on the memory card and then delete all after a few days.  Chris deletes them all as soon as he uploads them.  </p> <p>Well, to make a long story short…we were both using the camera today, and my breakfast photos got deleted by the husband!!!  It was just oatmeal…but I really liked how 2 of the photos came out.  I’ll have to repeat tomorrow..oh well =)  I had some good layer action going on, in a clear mug! </p> <p>Whammy #2 – I forgot my memory card in my computer when we went boarding today.  It seems when I forget my camera or memory card there are always more things than usual I want photos of!</p> <p>We brought the dogs with us and they were hilarious in the back trunk area of the new car.  Everyone brings their dogs to the mountain while they ski/board!  They did great and after, we took them to play at Loveland Pass.  It was Kenna’s first time playing in the snow.  She was hilarious!  They enjoyed themselves and have been completely zonked out ALL night…even caught them cuddling =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMnPxiJ5I/AAAAAAAABTQ/7Brk275k4-E/s1600-h/_MG_5828%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5828" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5828" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMnqR8-gI/AAAAAAAABTU/PD9KDIu8zvA/_MG_5828_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I packed lunch, as usual!  PB+J and yogurt for me…had some Starbucks on the way home.  Like pumpkin latte’s but hate all the extra calories and cost!?  Try getting a regular coffee with a shot of pumpkin syrup [high fructose I’m sure…oh well, I couldn’t see the label! =)] and a little milk.  </p> <p><font color="#ff8000" size="3"><strong>HAPPPPPY 3YR ANNIVERSARY TO PAT + NATALIE!!!</strong></font>  I made red beans + rice, that I have been meaning to make for the past 2 weeks.  I finally remembered to soak the beans overnight =)</p> <p>Beans + sautéed onion/celery/garlic/green pepper + seasonings </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMoRrVsUI/AAAAAAAABTY/Osmrb3znq9Y/s1600-h/_MG_5809%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5809" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5809" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMolExTJI/AAAAAAAABTc/4vUzRvgAVSE/_MG_5809_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Poor Pat and Natalie have been sick ALL week.  I was hoping this meal would help…and a little gift that Chris and I put together.  We got the idea from a gift <a href="http://bitesandbowls.com/">Kelsey</a> got for her birthday!  It was so simple and cute we had to repeat it =)</p> <p>All wrapped up in a WF bag =) I am a huge dork and even taped the handles back on to look like a bag…it was so cute and saved some money on wrapping paper!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMpOKlxTI/AAAAAAAABTg/1Y6gunsyLvM/s1600-h/_MG_5825%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5825" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5825" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMpYiBmCI/AAAAAAAABTk/aqvMsps7Vsc/_MG_5825_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Their cutie dog, Maggie!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMp3QB9lI/AAAAAAAABTo/k1fwl4CxJ-8/s1600-h/_MG_5857%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5857" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5857" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMqDx1y0I/AAAAAAAABTs/uXt3Qb4ULwU/_MG_5857_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I followed <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Authentic-Louisiana-Red-Beans-and-Rice/Detail.aspx">this recipe</a>, almost exactly, for the red beans + rice.  I doubled the cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning, added 1t garlic powder, about 10 black pepper grinds, and 1t sea salt.  </p> <p>All mixed up, before the water was added.  Then just let it simmer for 2.5hrs and stir a few times. Easy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMqur8-PI/AAAAAAAABTw/zZzi1Gm-jYw/s1600-h/_MG_5811%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5811" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5811" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMrNAPjOI/AAAAAAAABT0/q68l_YWCiFc/_MG_5811_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>You can’t have red beans + rice without cornbread!  This is my favorite.recipe.ever [for cornbread]!!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/firecracker-cornbread-recipe.html">101 Cookbooks Cornbread</a></p> <p>Batter bowl…While the beans were cooking away, I got busy with this!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMrrzCaKI/AAAAAAAABT4/KmqmDIZ9r28/s1600-h/_MG_5818%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5818" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5818" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMrwNYM2I/AAAAAAAABT8/KuA5MtxDA3Y/_MG_5818_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>Here is what I changed: [Leave me a comment and email address if you want the High Altitude alterations!]</p> <ol> <li>No red pepper flakes.  There was enough spice in the main dish.  I like plain cornbread! =)  </li> <li>Also, I normally use the buttermilk, but didn’t want to buy a whole carton of it.  So, I subbed in low-fat coconut milk and it worked perfectly!  There was not even a hint of coconut flavor. Don’t worry!  </li> <li>2 1/2c. corn in 1 pan is a LOT of corn.  I use 1c. [frozen] max!</li> <li>2T of butter in the bottom of the pan is definitely enough..no need for the third =)</li> </ol> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMsZneM7I/AAAAAAAABUA/AlNhuXpPh9g/s1600-h/_MG_5830%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5830" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5830" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMs1Co9ZI/AAAAAAAABUE/-m0JXT_9NvA/_MG_5830_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>Super moist + great texture!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMtDinK8I/AAAAAAAABUI/I3RmyaNWtfU/s1600-h/_MG_5852%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5852" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5852" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMtlRpQzI/AAAAAAAABUM/xNLLyeoBuW8/_MG_5852_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>All of my timing worked out, even as I was scrambling to get that photo of maggie printed [last minute, oops!], and get it all wrapped up.  </p> <p>Topped it with 3/4 of a local Boulder Andouille sausage! mmm</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMt_10njI/AAAAAAAABUQ/zNAAJHn_ivY/s1600-h/_MG_5842%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5842" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5842" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMuYsp9wI/AAAAAAAABUU/wEOX0z2E5bA/_MG_5842_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Actually…this dish ended up too spicy for me, with all the extras I added in.  The other 3 in the house can tolerate a lot more spice than I can, so it worked out.  I ate about 1/2.  I would have been happy with a whole plate of the cornbread!! =) </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMuk8KpeI/AAAAAAAABUY/5zlR6b2uKPs/s1600-h/_MG_5846%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5846" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5846" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SuFMvMnehSI/AAAAAAAABUc/PXqIhpshoa8/_MG_5846_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Off to get my sleep on…niiight!</p> <p>Ashley</p> <p>p.s. my new blog domain space has been secured =) hope to get it up and running by early next week! </p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-6519464448630968552009-10-22T01:47:00.001-04:002009-10-22T02:07:36.941-04:00triple yum<p>Today was super productive!! Always nice to cross things off the to-do list.  </p> <p>Breakfast: oats + rice milk + whole banana + dollup brown rice syrup + pnut butter glob = always delicious </p> <p>Do you guys ever eat Kale?? It is a completely underrated leafy green! I only started cooking with it about 1yr ago.  Chris and I both love it.  I either roast it in the oven [alone or with other veg] or pan sauté it.  Today it went in the pan.  </p> <p>Drizzle a little olive oil in the pan and set to medium. Rip the kale leaves off the stem, wash, and dry.  Chop to bite size pieces and let cook in the pan about 7min.  I also sprinkle on a little salt + garlic powder.  It has great flavor and still holds a nice crunch even after cooking.  YUM</p> <p>Lunch: pan sautéed kale + leftover veggies + noodles [sunday’s dinner] + sunny side up egg on top.  The egg was seriously so good on the veggies.  Provides a nice little sauce and lots of protein =) </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x7ILqxQI/AAAAAAAABSY/eJfyl26Mvy8/s1600-h/_MG_5715%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5715" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5715" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x7jjIZ_I/AAAAAAAABSc/0_PeRqA4Usc/_MG_5715_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>With a side of POM! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x8NWcT5I/AAAAAAAABSg/e3S61RUlo70/s1600-h/_MG_5726%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5726" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5726" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x8lPjM_I/AAAAAAAABSk/ZDaQRnI2tKI/_MG_5726_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I decided to make tomorrow’s breakfast, TOday!  Back to the <a href="http://www.katheats.com/favorite-foods/baked-oatmeal-snack-bars/">baked oatmeal snack bars</a> I tried out a few days ago [from Kath’s blog].  I wanted to play with it more this time though!  </p> <p>Insert PUMPKIN =)</p> <p>Here was altered ingredient list: [needs to be reworked more though]</p> <ul> <li>1.5c. oats</li> <li>3/4c. pumpkin puree</li> <li>1T flaxseed meal</li> <li>3T water [combine with the flax]</li> <li>1.25c. unsweetened rice milk</li> <li>1/4c. brown rice syrup [or cane sugar/maple syrup/honey/etc.]</li> <li>1 sliced banana</li> <li>2t. vanilla</li> <li>1-1/4t. cinnamon</li> <li>1/4t. cloves</li> <li>1/4t. ginger</li> <li>1/4t. nutmeg</li> </ul> <p>So I am experimenting with substituting flax + water, as an egg substitute.  For no reason in particular…just want to see if it works, like it says it does on the side of the bag! Not sure I would go trying this in cake recipes, but we’ll see ;)</p> <p>Bob’s Red Mill – ground flaxseed meal – For replacing 1 egg combine 1T flax meal with 3T water and let sit for 2min then stir in with other ingredients.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x9AczJzI/AAAAAAAABSo/f1qoDdQxoS4/s1600-h/_MG_5734%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5734" style="display: inline" height="410" alt="_MG_5734" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x9gEZnOI/AAAAAAAABSs/khPRxqsXLJc/_MG_5734_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a> </p> <p>I also left out the nuts and dried fruit and instead subbed in 1 sliced banana and the pumpkin.  I may or may not have also added in 1/3c. dark chocolate chunks ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x-FRiEAI/AAAAAAAABSw/bRmTFWH4bik/s1600-h/_MG_5737%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5737" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5737" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x-RSRE3I/AAAAAAAABS0/iiWcHSIRpUk/_MG_5737_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I made adjustments for the higher altitude, [the recipe I provided is normal elevation] but something was definitely off =(  The flavor is good but it’s too wet.  I even cooked it for 10min longer than I thought I needed to.  Maybe the flax didn’t gel it together like the egg would have?  Or maybe Rice milk doesn’t bake in the same way cow’s milk does?  I figured it shouldn’t matter what type of liquid you use…kind of like when you’re making a bowl of oats, you can use whatever.  I think I’ll just use less liquid next time especially because of the pumpkin addition + banana which added extra moisture.</p> <p>I’ll let you know when I get it right!!  I was cooking dinner + making the bars at the same time which made me need this…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x-w6alEI/AAAAAAAABS4/0bc3u3y_LqE/s1600-h/_MG_5751%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5751" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5751" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x_CDaUgI/AAAAAAAABS8/VjMPKRRswuI/_MG_5751_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Wine in a whiskey glass =) Oat bars in the background… </p> <p>Dinner: my made up version of stuffed peppers – Greek style</p> <p>Serves 6: </p> <ul> <li>Cook 1c. of whatever rice/grain you want – I used short grain brown rice</li> <li>While that is cooking preheat your oven to 400* – cut 6 peppers in half – clean them out – brush with olive oil – place in a pan cut side down – roast for 30min</li> <li>Cook whatever meat you’re using, if you’re using any.  I used 3/4lb ground lamb [local colorado lamb! yeehaw] and .25lbs grass fed beef</li> <li>Drain the grease and use that pan to sauté 1 small onion + 1 med. tomato  for about 5-7min. on medium</li> <li>Wash – dry – chop 4 big handfuls of kale leaves and add them in the mix for another 5 or so minutes</li> <li>Take off the heat and add in about 1c. spinach </li> <li>When rice or grain is done, fluff with fork and combine with meat and veggies.</li> <li>Take out peppers and stuff them full.  Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350* for 30min.</li> <li>Uncover, top with feta, and broil for 5min.</li> </ul> <p>After baking, but before the feta was broiled on top…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_x_ihSg1I/AAAAAAAABTA/MCuDgeYQpeo/s1600-h/_MG_5749%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5749" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5749" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_yAOTNKMI/AAAAAAAABTE/79fcHoSKF1s/_MG_5749_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>If you have any questions let me know…I typed that out fast!! I’m wiped out =) </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_yAc3nyxI/AAAAAAAABTI/XwTssfWt9Hc/s1600-h/_MG_5761%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5761" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5761" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St_yBLFb-jI/AAAAAAAABTM/sKAVYTigoCY/_MG_5761_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I don’t have the exact cost right now, but it was pretty cheap.  The peppers were on sale for 55 cents!! They weren’t organic but at least they weren’t covered in wax.  I couldn’t pass up that deal.  </p> <p>Pantry items were: rice/feta/spinach/tomatoes/onion</p> <p>I only had to buy the peppers, meat, and kale!</p> <p>Goooooooooooodnight! </p> <p>Off to the mountains again tomorrow =)</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-61049253844823734412009-10-21T01:51:00.001-04:002009-10-21T02:14:34.927-04:00strapped in<p>Last night Chris mentioned going snowboarding today or tomorrow.  It still seems strange to 1. be able to snowboard in october 2. to actually live in Colorado and be able to snowboard pretty much whenever we want…</p> <p>This morning I checked the forecast and today sounded better than tomorrow so we got ready and headed out.  </p> <p>I packed some snacks for the ride home because mountain food is $$$ and you know I’m not stopping for fast “food.” ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6mxVQzIsI/AAAAAAAABSI/kodrRiPkgDI/s1600-h/_MG_5697%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5697" style="display: inline" height="410" alt="_MG_5697" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6mxiOpH2I/AAAAAAAABSM/NrCoydkBWB4/_MG_5697_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>First time trying Chobani Greek yogurt.  Deelicious!  It was about 70 cents cheaper than Oikos, however not organic.  This was my first time eating the Chocolate Coffee LARABAR.  My feeling for these bars is still “meh.”  Chris doesn’t like them because of the texture.  They are o.k. to me, but I mainly eat them because they are filling and have an impressive ingredient list.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6myHt4A1I/AAAAAAAABSQ/ajVYUu_qqSE/s1600-h/_MG_5699%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5699" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5699" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6myogi7lI/AAAAAAAABSU/q_eLPIqNozg/_MG_5699_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I like bars with more varying textures, like KIND bars. mmmm  </p> <p>I was really in the mood for coffee and we were going to be passing riiight by <a href="http://www.novocoffee.com/">NOVO Coffee</a>, a Denver based coffee shop.  This also happens to be right next to <a href="http://www.greatharvest.com/">Great Harvest Bread Co.</a>  </p> <p>Natural Grocers + Sunflower Market are in the same plaza too, so when I do my Monday shopping I definitely go in all 4 places =) [GHBC to the left]</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hIqjJvMI/AAAAAAAABRQ/G7v_SgJQy9c/s1600-h/IMG_1199%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1199" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1199" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hJOlnTNI/AAAAAAAABRU/hvSVgKrwnIE/IMG_1199_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>I got a Pumpkin Latte, which had the perfect pumpkin spice flavor, and no gross syrup taste.  We went into GHBC, were given 2 HUGE samples, and bought a loaf of their Oregon bread.   </p> <p>Okay…I have a funny story about GHBC and our dog, Dakota.  Yesterday, I went there to buy breadsticks and buns.  All of their bread types have names and the buns I got were made with their “Dakota” bread.  So, I came home and unloaded all the cold groceries, but left the pantry stuff out.  [I was in a hurry for my interview]  Chris got home 10min after I left to find that Dakota ATE 1/2 of the Dakota buns!!!!!! SO dumb + hilarious all at the same time. =)</p> <p>The slice was bigger than my hand…so delicious + filling.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hJqZryNI/AAAAAAAABRY/5u3VI2LSdkI/s1600-h/IMG_1200%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1200" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1200" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hKDCp0PI/AAAAAAAABRc/kKD30TtyHnA/IMG_1200_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>bread + coffee + snowboarding + husband = HAPPY ASHLEY [but not in that order, haha]</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hK_r4N5I/AAAAAAAABRg/Nor94kq-cPM/s1600-h/IMG_1206%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1206" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1206" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hL40WtRI/AAAAAAAABRk/N8NU232PSbU/IMG_1206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Not a ton of snow in the mountains yet.  There was only 1 run open today.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hMh9ykAI/AAAAAAAABRo/qFphOrU4xpg/s1600-h/IMG_1209%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1209" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1209" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hNCxP-dI/AAAAAAAABRs/0mffw7-t5XM/IMG_1209_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hNfbCLcI/AAAAAAAABRw/ICTAYy73h0s/s1600-h/IMG_1210%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1210" style="display: inline" height="405" alt="IMG_1210" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hOEyzY9I/AAAAAAAABR0/nCNKlm2W2Xg/IMG_1210_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>We will be back to the mountain soon!  I love that my winter running clothes double as base layers for boarding =)</p> <p>We came home, famished!  What’s for dinnerrrr?  <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/vegetarian-lentil-burgers-recipe.html">Lentil veggie burgers!</a>  I didn’t have super high expectations for these but they totally wowed us both!  Chris said this is a keeper, for sure.</p> <p>Brain fart in the kitchen!  I cooked 3c. of <strong>uncooked</strong> lentils = 6c. cooked lentils. DOUBLE of what I needed, hehe.  Misread the recipe…woooops!  </p> <p>The only changes to the recipe that I made were adding 2 cloves garlic, and some garlic/salt/parsley seasoning mix [about 1/2tsp].  This recipe was super easy.  It just takes a little while to cook the lentils.  Oh, and I used dark green lentils.  I could not find black lentils at 3 different stores.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hO7GTarI/AAAAAAAABR4/Yn5ZeZcsd_o/s1600-h/_MG_5703%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5703" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5703" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hQA2BTlI/AAAAAAAABR8/5JKYp52ie44/_MG_5703_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>I topped them with a little asiago/mozz/avocado and Chris added jalapenos.  We ate them with the herbed Oregon bread and I dipped mine in plain Greek yogurt which was SO delicious!  Also, made a side of Alexia’s fries.  Insanely filling + healthy meal.</p> <p>The flavor was GREAT.  I thought it might be a little bland..but definitely not.  I added the 1c. breadcrumbs but next time will add a little less as they were sliiightly dry.  You want the mixture to be pretty wet but still able to be formed into patties that don’t fall apart.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hQ6-03nI/AAAAAAAABSA/2-jRgUCC1N8/s1600-h/_MG_5707%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5707" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5707" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St6hRlSd95I/AAAAAAAABSE/JQidLrECno0/_MG_5707_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>We both decided these are DEfinitely better than black bean burgers and there are tons of leftovers!  On the 101 site, it says you can keep the uncooked mixture in the fridge for a week!  These will be perfect for lunches.  The recipe said to make 12 mini burgers but I made 6 full size patties.</p> <p><font color="#ff0000">pantry items</font>: olive oil, cheese, garlic, eggs, seasoning mix</p> <p><font color="#ff0000">Total Cost: $11.40/6 = $1.90  </font><font color="#000000">INsanely CHEAP and again almost 100% organic!</font> This price includes the fries/yogurt/avocado too! However, I didn’t include the special loaf we got at GHBC which was a little pricey.  You can use any bread or buns…still super cheap =)</p> <p>Adios foodies…I’m pooped!</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-58596669893388481922009-10-20T01:36:00.001-04:002009-10-20T01:40:56.543-04:00ROLLUPS<p>Do you guys remember eating rollups as a kid?  What was SO appealing about it?  It seriously felt like plastic…Maybe it was the shapes that you could punch out of it, or the “fruit” flavors, or competing with your friend to see who could stuff the whole thing in their mouth and swallow it first.</p> <p>Either way…I did not eat that kind of a rollup today, I ate lasagna rollups!  Much tastier =)</p> <p>Today was a busy day:</p> <p>4 mile run –> plan this week’s meals –> weekly grocery shopping –> get ready for and go to interview –> come home clean + cook dinner --> pick up pat + natalie at the airport –> eat dinner</p> <p>The interview [to be a vegan chef at a preschool] went really well.  We’ll see what happens though!!  It would be a great opportunity and something new and exciting to try =)  I love cooking, kids, and teaching people about healthy living…so it’s pretty ideal!</p> <p>Dinner time:  I’m sure there are recipes for something like this out there, but I made this up and it’s super easy aaand affordable!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MXUNwBjI/AAAAAAAABQY/h4SS25cIvA0/s1600-h/_MG_5676%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5676" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5676" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MYIerUCI/AAAAAAAABQc/PeTqhR6wcyE/_MG_5676_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>It’s kind of hard to find whole wheat lasagna noodles.  I found them at the first store I went to but thought I could get them cheaper at Whole Foods.  They ended up not having them [it is a small Whole Foods].  These were still made with wheat flour though, and were oh so tasty.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MYm7GKEI/AAAAAAAABQg/g_zusqqxcbU/s1600-h/_MG_5678%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5678" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5678" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MZPrdj6I/AAAAAAAABQk/vEwrTF6Urr4/_MG_5678_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Lasagna Roll-Ups: serves 5</p> <p>16-18 lasagna noodles </p> <ul> <li>1 jar sauce</li> <li>4oz. mozzarella </li> <li>4oz. harder shredded cheese, like parmesan or asiago</li> <li>5oz container spinach</li> <li>1 medium container small curd cottage cheese</li> <li>pepperoni [optional if you want meat or not]</li> </ul> <ol> <li>Fill a large pot with water and 1T of salt and bring to a boil.</li> <li>Add the lasagna noodles being careful not to break them.  Cook until al dente [about 7min].</li> <li>Dump noodles into strainer and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.</li> <li>Lay noodles flat on a kitchen towel [to dry them].</li> <li>Preheat oven to 400*</li> <li>In a 9x13 pan add about 3/4c. sauce [a light coat]</li> <li>Take 1 noodle at a time and add [from end to end] about 2T cottage cheese, then a single layer of spinach, a single layer of pepperoni, sprinkle of parm/asiago cheese.</li> <li>Tightly roll being careful not to tear the noodle and place seam side down in the pan.</li> <li>Repeat until all are rolled.</li> <li>Cover rollups with the rest of the container of spinach and spread the rest of the jar of pasta sauce on top.</li> <li>Cover with foil and put in the oven for 30min.  </li> <li>Take out, uncover pan, sprinkle with mozz. cheese and broil for 3-5 min. until golden and bubbly.</li> </ol> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MZkotk_I/AAAAAAAABQo/sm2D8fnMPRA/s1600-h/_MG_5679%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5679" style="display: inline" height="450" alt="_MG_5679" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MaOKRwcI/AAAAAAAABQs/y1ECIolcCnM/_MG_5679_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /></a> </p> <p>I made some without pepperoni for myself =)  Cottage cheese is the perfect substitute for ricotta cheese!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1Mau5-mzI/AAAAAAAABQw/PyOaDtTBD5Y/s1600-h/_MG_5682%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5682" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5682" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MbG7Py5I/AAAAAAAABQ0/KlgAuxkgW_o/_MG_5682_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>All rolled up…they’re just so cute!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MbnNYudI/AAAAAAAABQ4/Io3jT_AbGKs/s1600-h/_MG_5686%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5686" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5686" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1McN1inEI/AAAAAAAABQ8/PrGqBNtCl_o/_MG_5686_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>All done with a light coating of cheese on top! 4oz of cheese goes a long way.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1Mctalw_I/AAAAAAAABRA/TKpfbyF5Rbg/s1600-h/_MG_5687%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5687" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5687" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MdB6aY4I/AAAAAAAABRE/nGwyTwuCrEQ/_MG_5687_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>My plate, with a Great Harvest Bread Co. breadstick!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1MdvNd73I/AAAAAAAABRI/Il-wZcH0Riw/s1600-h/_MG_5695%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5695" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5695" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/St1Mdwh2ZvI/AAAAAAAABRM/iOAUuq_MuBQ/_MG_5695_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>pantry items: none</p> <p>Total cost: $22.08/5 servings = $4.41 – This included $3 for the breadsticks.  Leave out the pepperoni and save a few bucks!  Also, except for the pepperoni, it was 100% organic! =)</p> <p>Niiiiiiight </p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-605955599626419182009-10-18T23:29:00.001-04:002009-10-18T23:29:46.271-04:00bouldering in boulder<p>When I left Colorado, the weather was snowy and in the 20’s.  Cleveland was in the 40’s the whole week and dreary.  Today was such a nice change!  It was sunny and 80* in CO today.  We were itching to get outside.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Stvc87m8DSI/AAAAAAAABOk/v1Xj3u1L40c/s1600-h/_MG_5613%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5613" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5613" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Stvc9mi4PQI/AAAAAAAABOs/aYyJoo9kI2Q/_MG_5613_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>Chris found a spot, not too far away, to do some traverse bouldering.  We don’t have a crash pad yet, so we didn’t want to do too much vertical climbing.  This was the perfect little spot to practice on real rock.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Stvc-JCUeLI/AAAAAAAABOw/YschtJH744o/s1600-h/_MG_5615%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5615" style="display: inline" height="450" alt="_MG_5615" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Stvc-maLl9I/AAAAAAAABO0/7hzDOgqrDVQ/_MG_5615_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Stvc-6u6rqI/AAAAAAAABO4/Wx2t1FMNK5E/s1600-h/_MG_5629%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5629" style="display: inline" height="450" alt="_MG_5629" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Stvc_bN8ZcI/AAAAAAAABO8/aElONm4VfBU/_MG_5629_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /></a></p> <p>In between a rock and a hard spot [or just a tree]</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Stvc_0vk-yI/AAAAAAAABPA/lPXMm_f7DAs/s1600-h/_MG_5631%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5631" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5631" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdACYyOeI/AAAAAAAABPE/JzKkRWwJZdA/_MG_5631_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Awesome view! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdAtXsgDI/AAAAAAAABPI/k1GmwquZJ5E/s1600-h/_MG_5635%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5635" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5635" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdBMYnGQI/AAAAAAAABPM/hRcnwJeUWGc/_MG_5635_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdBjph54I/AAAAAAAABPQ/cjsCKmpx9F8/s1600-h/_MG_5621%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5621" style="display: inline" height="450" alt="_MG_5621" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdCNA3qqI/AAAAAAAABPU/lnYb4K2NHiQ/_MG_5621_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdCek8JFI/AAAAAAAABPY/OEz28a0yAN4/s1600-h/_MG_5619%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5619" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5619" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdC-a8kyI/AAAAAAAABPc/sasH478i0g4/_MG_5619_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdDTVEwII/AAAAAAAABPg/9W3frmH1ZLA/s1600-h/_MG_5620%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5620" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5620" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdD1paWJI/AAAAAAAABPk/2fbX75Z6Jjs/_MG_5620_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Dinna’ time!  It’s been awhile since I did pan roasted veggies over pasta.  It’s really delicious and extremely easy.  </p> <p>Oven @400* – whatever veggies you want – roast about 40min [softer veg. can go in for the last 15min, like zucc, kale, tomatoes, etc.] – toss with olive oil, s+p – top whole wheat pasta w/veggies, a touch of sauce + a little cheese! It’s one of our favorites.</p> <p>Veggie combo: sweet potato/onion/garlic/brussel sprouts [went in first] zucc/kale/tomatoes [went in after 25min] </p> <p>The sweet potato might seem out of place, but I promise it was delicious!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdEKeSp3I/AAAAAAAABPo/qnemvWRSj8Y/s1600-h/_MG_5644%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5644" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5644" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdEokeYrI/AAAAAAAABPs/80uloCz1a_4/_MG_5644_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Roasted Kale is really good…love the crunch!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdFPpAV8I/AAAAAAAABPw/WinuoORdtk4/s1600-h/_MG_5650%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5650" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5650" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdFsZq2PI/AAAAAAAABP0/Q8jkNBibyqc/_MG_5650_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>My plate with a little vodka sauce + cheese</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdGV_IZRI/AAAAAAAABP4/ZbGU-o3GDn0/s1600-h/_MG_5661%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5661" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5661" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdG9gOA0I/AAAAAAAABP8/gmgEseurXbk/_MG_5661_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Up close + personal</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdHNRZ8UI/AAAAAAAABQA/DT3VWDRwYJE/s1600-h/_MG_5662%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5662" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5662" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdH1Y_gJI/AAAAAAAABQE/d87BR3ZfDMY/_MG_5662_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Cracked open a bottle of our “Dope Whine,” after dinner tonight.  We got a gift certificate to make our own wine, from a bunch of friends, as a wedding gift.  We got 30 bottles!! Yes, that is our boxer Dakota on the label.  She is pretty dopey and whiney..which is where the name idea came from ;)</p> <p>Chris took this photo!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdIG2CpWI/AAAAAAAABQI/v-dRdqK5lbA/s1600-h/_MG_5668%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5668" style="display: inline" height="450" alt="_MG_5668" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdIjPdTrI/AAAAAAAABQM/X6pmHbDEPoQ/_MG_5668_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /></a></p> <p>This could be the best/worst new addiction ever.  Move over Ben + Jerry’s FroYo…blegh!  Stonyfields frozen yogurt is UHmazing!! Seriously tastes like delicious fattening icecream! =) It has 130cals per serving and I think 1.5g fat [can’t remember exactly].  It is SO good.  You would never guess this was yogurt.  The caramel is really good too.  Doesn’t have a fake, weird sweetener taste to it. YUM!!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdJtwIPuI/AAAAAAAABQQ/MxWgfDEGwwY/s1600-h/_MG_5671%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5671" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5671" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvdKSkU92I/AAAAAAAABQU/aBYKt8fPfJ8/_MG_5671_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Time to relax!!</p> <p>Byeeeeeeeee</p> <p>Ashley </p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-35183445681058129732009-10-18T22:38:00.001-04:002009-10-18T22:43:26.011-04:00flying home<p>It is the first time I’ve ever said, “I’m going home to Colorado.”  Still seems weird!!  I am excited to see Chris + the dogs + for my interview on Monday.  Pat and Natalie flew to PA to visit their friends that just had a baby, so I’ll see them in a few days.</p> <p>Even though it was my last day in town, my mom and I ran all over the place doing last minute things as always =)  We stayed up hanging out and talking til 2am while she watched me edit all the photos from yesterdays looong post.  </p> <p>We went to Dick’s, so I could get some more winter workout clothes.  I didn’t need as many in Charlotte!  I got SO much stuff and a lot on sale plus 3 coupons.  It was awesome!</p> <p>Bye mom + dad, thanks for everything!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRAeuzuoI/AAAAAAAABNU/0arNi6WXnkw/s1600-h/IMG_11852.jpg"><img title="IMG_1185" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1185" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRA6NSHbI/AAAAAAAABNY/Ky83gbtxXSA/IMG_1185_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>Then I went to my Aunt + Uncles for a last minute baking session with the kids.  I taught them about healthy eating this week and wanted to leave them with 1 more fun new recipe.  I found these <a href="http://www.katheats.com/favorite-foods/baked-oatmeal-snack-bars/">baked oatmeal bars</a> on Kath’s blog.  They are perfect for that on-the-go breakfast, or after school snack.  They are packed with fiber, protein, and low in sugar...Can’t wait to make a pumpkin version!</p> <p>Had tons of fun with my Aunt + Uncle, as usual!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRBSCnmkI/AAAAAAAABNc/8jaaDMp1bZA/s1600-h/IMG_11862.jpg"><img title="IMG_1186" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1186" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRB1Ymo7I/AAAAAAAABNg/mZA6VbTQyX0/IMG_1186_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>Jenna, stirring.  The kids did most of the work.  It is a really easy recipe for a beginning baker because measurements can be a little off and you can add whatever you want in the mix.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRCA-1SAI/AAAAAAAABNk/4PlKfOo3LR0/s1600-h/_MG_56092.jpg"><img title="_MG_5609" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5609" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRCsCr8-I/AAAAAAAABNo/5hteSf308eI/_MG_5609_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>We made 2 double batches so there were a bunch to cut and freeze, for even easier grab + go, healthy food.</p> <p>combo 1: walnuts/cherries/dk. chocolate chips/pumpkin seeds</p> <p>combo 2: apples/apricots/cinnamon/pumpkin seeds</p> <p>I doubled the recipe and changed only a few things.  I cut the salt in 1/2, added extra cinnamon, and 1/2c. pure cane sugar [for a <strong>doubled</strong> batch].  It was the perfect amount of sweetness.  I used a 9x13 pan [1 batch goes in a 9x9] so these bars were extra thick.  So, just an FYI if you double the batch they will need to cook about 55min with a 9x13 pan.</p> <p>My babies!!! [hardly babies anymore…but they still are to me]</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRDLq3BAI/AAAAAAAABNs/r8puCKu3eeo/s1600-h/IMG_11802.jpg"><img title="IMG_1180" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvREH2xNWI/AAAAAAAABNw/Fxp7jmsJ5WY/IMG_1180_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Can’t wait until they visit me in the wild west!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvREguvNyI/AAAAAAAABN0/ZZT0_qXzKKg/s1600-h/IMG_11812.jpg"><img title="IMG_1181" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1181" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRFmE4yqI/AAAAAAAABN4/aowAIAyPMy4/IMG_1181_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Off to the airport…Tucked in a corner I found 2 healthy options! Smoothies + Salads</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRG8fWH3I/AAAAAAAABN8/JFDiYu2u6yQ/s1600-h/IMG_11892.jpg"><img title="IMG_1189" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1189" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRHZLRleI/AAAAAAAABOA/rKT-x5IiKLI/IMG_1189_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>I got a smoothie with: Acai juice + blueberries + bananas + granola + fat free frozen yogurt + ice </p> <p>It was really yummy!! You could definitely taste the granola…Not sure they put too many blueberries in it…Wasn’t very blue/purple, but still good and really filling.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRH8WjS1I/AAAAAAAABOE/GjobhPAORnI/s1600-h/IMG_11872.jpg"><img title="IMG_1187" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1187" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRIGHPdiI/AAAAAAAABOI/3epcYeHwCOw/IMG_1187_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" /></a></p> <p>Snack time on the plane…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRIvwtACI/AAAAAAAABOM/jDHcePQOgYA/s1600-h/IMG_11912.jpg"><img title="IMG_1191" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1191" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRJK6O7NI/AAAAAAAABOQ/lgUF3rORYfg/IMG_1191_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Blegh.  I have always hated Fritos and Hershey’s chocolate is pretty nasty!  Still nice they had a free snack though!</p> <p>The mini samich wasn’t too bad.  I ditched the lettuce and didn’t use any mayo.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRJko8KZI/AAAAAAAABOU/qQ0gzST01FY/s1600-h/IMG_11952.jpg"><img title="IMG_1195" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1195" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRKB_3goI/AAAAAAAABOY/8Kz3C1OtsaI/IMG_1195_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>However this was MUCH better!!!  One of the oatmeal bars + h2o…mmmmm – This was the cherry/walnut/dk. chocolate one and it was oh.so.good!  Had just a hint of sweetness and a great chewy texture.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRKhVVkvI/AAAAAAAABOc/MIs6BrvQZJQ/s1600-h/IMG_11982.jpg"><img title="IMG_1198" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1198" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StvRKxLzS2I/AAAAAAAABOg/GTuJq9NjLnw/IMG_1198_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>All for now!!  Hope to have a new blog up soon!</p> <p>Back to mountain time =)</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-78274892997375882212009-10-17T23:47:00.001-04:002009-10-18T12:08:02.062-04:00soup + caramel slop<p>I am writing today from thousands of miles up in the air.  Playing on the computer while in flight makes the time fly!</p> <p>My mom and I got back from my doc. appointment to find a sweetest day gift from my dad.  It was too cute!  I’ll show you what kind of chocolate was in the box later in the post ;)  I bet you will never be able to guess!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPZfbUJ7I/AAAAAAAABKc/QLL3PSF3UnM/s1600-h/IMG_11773.jpg"><img title="IMG_1177" style="display: inline" height="373" alt="IMG_1177" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPaJX4IcI/AAAAAAAABKg/PyxqjVde_UA/IMG_1177_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" /></a> </p> <p>When we went to the apple orchard last weekend we got a few goodies besides apples.  One thing was a spinach parmesan beer bread mix and another was pumpkin lentil soup mix.  The soup mix included the lentils/dried veggies/spices/etc. and then we had to add pumpkin/wine/carrots and a few other things.  The beer bread only needed 1 bottle of beer.  I don’t usually like buying pre-packaged mixes, but these were more on the gourmet side and had short ingredient lists with pronounceable words =)</p> <p>The bread was dee-licious.  It had a great texture with a perfectly crunchy crust and awesome flavor.  You could definitely notice the beer but it was not overpowering.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPabejhXI/AAAAAAAABKk/g9wkGImn9sE/s1600-h/_MG_55252.jpg"><img title="_MG_5525" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5525" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPa24ufpI/AAAAAAAABKo/xOec0YpmRsM/_MG_5525_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>I thought we would need another soup, because, well, 2 is always more fun than 1!  I decided on potato soup, which I had never made before.  It turned out awesome!! Recipe at the end.  </p> <p>Chopped taters!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPbvUMd5I/AAAAAAAABKs/qa7w_-OdHRc/s1600-h/_MG_55142.jpg"><img title="_MG_5514" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5514" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPbzeAuOI/AAAAAAAABKw/y4GVAVIGNyE/_MG_5514_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>For dessert, the <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/caramel-apples-recipe.html">caramel apples</a> I have mentioned a few times.  It was kind of a disaster, but still fun, crazy + delicious =)</p> <p>The pumpkin lentil soup had a rich flavor and was filling, even though it wasn’t a rich cream soup.  It was hearty and delicious.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPcVXpZuI/AAAAAAAABK0/uopqcbELFwM/s1600-h/_MG_55312.jpg"><img title="_MG_5531" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5531" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPczcErCI/AAAAAAAABK4/NDth-OTSnds/_MG_5531_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Have to try making this one from scratch sometime.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPdTwM9II/AAAAAAAABK8/IYUhMYxqGJc/s1600-h/_MG_55492.jpg"><img title="_MG_5549" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5549" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPd7fkONI/AAAAAAAABLA/9xQ4rI6fUy4/_MG_5549_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>The potato soup was surprisingly easy.  It didn’t have to cook for hours and most of the ingredients you would have in your pantry.  If you have never made soup, I would suggest starting with one like this!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPeHJIZlI/AAAAAAAABLE/gNWvcVmGjLo/s1600-h/_MG_55372.jpg"><img title="_MG_5537" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5537" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPesEl-YI/AAAAAAAABLI/weIYmrlR-rY/_MG_5537_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>The soup was the perfect consistency and had a lot of soft potato chunks in it.  I left the skins on for some extra nutrients =)  i.want.more.beer.bread.now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPfNRg_6I/AAAAAAAABLM/Q3T7kxRQypU/s1600-h/_MG_55522.jpg"><img title="_MG_5552" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5552" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPfhvAXKI/AAAAAAAABLQ/a8ZQPBngvW4/_MG_5552_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Perfect fall decor for our yummy fall food!  Good job Aunt Sherie ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPgCV-HcI/AAAAAAAABLU/Pfi03nJdnzo/s1600-h/_MG_55653.jpg"><img title="_MG_5565" style="display: inline" height="450" alt="_MG_5565" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPgnMZcSI/AAAAAAAABLY/-dT6uwi7QC8/_MG_5565_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /></a></p> <p>1/3 of the table…dad/mom/jenna – My bro couldn’t make it last night, so it was just the 9 of us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPhLdqC-I/AAAAAAAABLc/dOJ4hAfLOcM/s1600-h/_MG_55382.jpg"><img title="_MG_5538" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5538" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPiYu7fAI/AAAAAAAABLg/m_W1OOW6l7k/_MG_5538_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>After dinner we brought out the chocolate from my dad…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPi-9I_PI/AAAAAAAABLk/fZuA3dGVG8g/s1600-h/_MG_55602.jpg"><img title="_MG_5560" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5560" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPjKHal4I/AAAAAAAABLo/dNaIdSC93lQ/_MG_5560_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>No.joke.  Chocolate covered bacon!!  It didn’t have full strips of bacon, but definite crunchy bacon pieces.  It was interesting and definitely had the sweet/salty with some crunch going on.  It wouldn’t be anything I would crave, but just a little piece was pretty yummy.  A definite conversation piece! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPjbIpxiI/AAAAAAAABLs/K9k3j8bQfZA/s1600-h/_MG_55635.jpg"><img title="_MG_5563" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5563" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPj7xmK-I/AAAAAAAABLw/TIWaDOAlcpE/_MG_5563_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>Jenna was ready to help with dessert.  She made that chef’s hat with paper and made the apron at a birthday party.  So cute!  Not to mention she is wearing an Ohio State shirt…that’s my girl! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPkRSML2I/AAAAAAAABL0/U6lqITjxC0Q/s1600-h/_MG_55543.jpg"><img title="_MG_5554" style="display: inline" height="450" alt="_MG_5554" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPk2mWvlI/AAAAAAAABL4/aZVI9jsAVfA/_MG_5554_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /></a></p> <p>Her hat can also hold kitchen supplies ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPmMhBzrI/AAAAAAAABL8/a5LzmuiNvi4/s1600-h/_MG_55592.jpg"><img title="_MG_5559" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5559" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPmj6mYNI/AAAAAAAABMA/GMDLN-Bs8qM/_MG_5559_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Caramel [disaster] Apple time!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPnIHFvtI/AAAAAAAABME/oR37Tq8Go_U/s1600-h/_MG_55682.jpg"><img title="_MG_5568" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5568" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPnlrdvHI/AAAAAAAABMI/d1Zu6o03HkQ/_MG_5568_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Cooking the honey + salt + cream…It took FORever.  The recipe said 15-20 minutes or until it reaches 255-260* using a candy thermometer.  I had the therm. and it was at a steady simmer [like the recipe said] but it would not get above 225* even after about 40min.  I took it off the burner and put the pot in a bowl of ice to start to cool and thicken the caramel.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPoFdKGjI/AAAAAAAABMM/Z41GQMBkKlI/s1600-h/_MG_55762.jpg"><img title="_MG_5576" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5576" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPojkp_II/AAAAAAAABMQ/kFpf_Hp1lPI/_MG_5576_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>First attempt at coating the apple.  FAIL.  I thought the caramel was cooled and thick enough…guess not!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPoxRzJKI/AAAAAAAABMU/e7iIcW3CJMw/s1600-h/_MG_55812.jpg"><img title="_MG_5581" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5581" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPpXC9MyI/AAAAAAAABMY/i534BB78U3c/_MG_5581_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>The toppings did NOT stick at all…so sad!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPpwd00OI/AAAAAAAABMc/M1DIFRdeV2k/s1600-h/_MG_55865.jpg"><img title="_MG_5586" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5586" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPqKVTRxI/AAAAAAAABMg/fO3Lo6kMj-0/_MG_5586_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>More waiting and stirring while the pot sat in the ice water.  The recipe said to have cold apples.  They were cold but the mixture took so much longer they were probably closer to room temp by the time I started coating them.  So, we stopped and put all the apples on cookie sheets and stuck them in the freezer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPqnT1gfI/AAAAAAAABMk/BI7y3VsJP3Y/s1600-h/_MG_55842.jpg"><img title="_MG_5584" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5584" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPrJeVbuI/AAAAAAAABMo/BIJsiniy530/_MG_5584_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>They were ready after about 10min and I took them out 1 by 1 and then immediately put them back in the fridge after coating.  The caramel was super thick and cold…It worked better but not totally.  I took them out of the freezer after a few minutes and pressed the toppings into them.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPregLG7I/AAAAAAAABMs/xdiZfxYvko0/s1600-h/_MG_55882.jpg"><img title="_MG_5588" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5588" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPsAL1sxI/AAAAAAAABMw/1CGc0Bx8Hc8/_MG_5588_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Not TOO bad, but the caramel coating was not as thick as it should have been and a lot of toppings ended up on the wax paper.  I tightly wrapped each apple individually with non-stick foil, scooped up the toppings and put them on the top of the apple and stuck them all in the fridge.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPsTjOXtI/AAAAAAAABM0/PfphsW-Sze0/s1600-h/_MG_55902.jpg"><img title="_MG_5590" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5590" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPs1xeksI/AAAAAAAABM4/dpllIoF_nNs/_MG_5590_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Toppings were: peanut + walnuts + dk. choc chips + heath crunch + pretzels</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPtTeGZGI/AAAAAAAABM8/bJoNe3ZT3dE/s1600-h/_MG_55972.jpg"><img title="_MG_5597" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5597" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPt1gphxI/AAAAAAAABNA/astAbeTOXRE/_MG_5597_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Jenna, AJ, and I decided to go at 1 of the apples on a plate.  I was using this plate while I put all the toppings on each apple, so it was covered with toppings and caramel by the end.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPu1qH-PI/AAAAAAAABNE/xIE-sP6JZAU/s1600-h/_MG_55982.jpg"><img title="_MG_5598" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5598" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPviVOrII/AAAAAAAABNI/3b0hZLwdoT8/_MG_5598_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Chomp.Chomp.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPwPtEWUI/AAAAAAAABNM/qrpOrF446YI/s1600-h/_MG_56002.jpg"><img title="_MG_5600" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StqPwnkzTMI/AAAAAAAABNQ/c3Vkmth1-ug/_MG_5600_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I took my disaster of an apple out of the fridge today.  The toppings were all globbed on the top but I cut it up and it was still super delicious.  It just ended up being a tad more work than I was hoping for, haha…but it was still really fun with the whole fam =)</p> <p>Potato Soup:</p> <ul> <li>1lb Italian sausage or 8 strips bacon</li> <li>2 small onion, chopped </li> <li>2 cloves garlic, minced </li> <li>1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour </li> <li>2 teaspoons salt </li> <li>2 teaspoons dried basil </li> <li>1 teaspoon pepper </li> <li>6 cups chicken broth </li> <li>6 medium Russet potatoes, scrubbed + cubed</li> <li>2 cups half-and-half cream </li> </ul> <ol> <li>Bring broth to a boil.</li> <li>Add washed + cubed potatoes to the broth and let boil, covered for about 20min [as much time as the other steps take you is fine to leave the potatoes boiling for]</li> <li>In a large saucepan, cook sausage/bacon until done.</li> <li>Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set meat aside.</li> <li>Saute onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. </li> <li>Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper to the onion/garlic pan.  </li> <li>Gradually add to broth, stirring, and bring to a boil.</li> <li>Add the cream, bring to a simmer and stir until thickened.  Mash some of the potatoes with the back of the spoon to help thicken the soup.  If it still isn’t thick enough try stirring in 1/4-1/2c. sour cream.</li> </ol> <p>Garnish with either type of meat – fresh parsley and/or shredded cheddar cheese.  </p> <p>Night all =)</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-40059794683960216092009-10-15T23:28:00.001-04:002009-10-15T23:28:15.386-04:00Time for a facelift<p>While I should probably start to use some kind of anti-aging face lotion, I am not talking about my actual face getting a lift.  I am talking about a NEW blog! Wahooo</p> <p>A bunch of random photos for this post!! =)</p> <p>Kenna + Dakota <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoNelxBzI/AAAAAAAABJk/jZqEwKDY3nk/s1600-h/IMG_9305%5B6%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9305" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_9305" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoNsJ43TI/AAAAAAAABJo/uUW_cPYcvUo/IMG_9305_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>I decided a few weeks ago, and after hearing some of your comments, that I want to start a new blog.  Since ota is on hold and I have been food-posting everyday, I think the blog needs to get jazzed up a bit, complete with a new name.  I have the name already…do you want to know what it is?? ;) </p> <p>I miss <a href="http://bitesandbowls.com/">Kelsey</a>!!! =(<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoOMWeRMI/AAAAAAAABJs/IcCH-drilvw/s1600-h/IMG_0204%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0204" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_0204" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoOk9MzXI/AAAAAAAABJw/nfRy0AGnHBc/IMG_0204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>My issues are figuring out if I should use blogspot or wordpress.  I am finding frustrating issues with both.  Right now I use blogspot but I use Livewriter to write the actual blogs.  If you are not using livewriter, please try it out.  It will make your life SO much easier!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.independentlynew.com/IndependentlyNew/Homepage.html">[rachel</a> – ginette – me – I miss these girls SO much!!!! my 26th bday this year, July 3rd]<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoPXq77AI/AAAAAAAABJ0/9Mi7hr_f_cw/s1600-h/IMG_9493%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9493" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_9493" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoP0Y9fjI/AAAAAAAABJ4/gcRUSwI3t0k/IMG_9493_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>Okay, so with blogspot, I really can’t find any free templates I like.  I have found a few, but then I want to definitely add tabs in the header such as: about me, ota.info, my pantry, etc.  It seems complicated messing with all of the code stuff.</p> <p>[Some of my family came to visit us in Charlotte, on their way back to Ohio from Hilton Head, SC. They came on the 4th of July…I made a ton of food!] <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoQbvhnLI/AAAAAAAABJ8/vyFtKERVRJw/s1600-h/IMG_9545%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9545" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_9545" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoQv2RjOI/AAAAAAAABKA/2bp5U-KzbgU/IMG_9545_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>With Wordpress, I have found a few templates that I really like.  In the preview they show like 5 tabs at the top, but when I download and apply it, there are only 2 tabs.  I don’t get this!!  I am finding Wordpress to be much more complicated to edit colors/fonts/etc. compared to blogspot and their “widgets” aren’t as good either.</p> <p>[My parents are amazing…wish we lived closer!]<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoRN1Qh7I/AAAAAAAABKE/1OGkOwnOq_g/s1600-h/IMG_9825%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9825" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_9825" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoRtrWeqI/AAAAAAAABKI/CzL1SFEw1yY/IMG_9825_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>What do you guys recommend?  Does anyone have experience adding tabs??  Any help is greatly appreciated!!  </p> <p>[i LOVE grilling peaches]<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoR6NJWlI/AAAAAAAABKM/xVMgFRuizfc/s1600-h/IMG_9775%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9775" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_9775" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoSAO86hI/AAAAAAAABKQ/0hgJVuUmSmw/IMG_9775_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>No food today, how lame!  I have to get a test done tomorrow AM and couldn’t eat all day…There is a good line-up for tomorrow! Potato soup + caramel apples!!  Can’t wait to eat again!!!</p> <p>[my bro plays his tabla drums at a few yoga studios…i got to go to one of the classes while he drummed..it was AWESOME!]<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoSloYK-I/AAAAAAAABKU/rsTUvY_RtQs/s1600-h/100_0134%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="100_0134" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="100_0134" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StfoTIaypyI/AAAAAAAABKY/jcT83qMYo9M/100_0134_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>Niiiight all =)</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-91621865848392465652009-10-14T22:58:00.001-04:002009-10-14T23:05:53.338-04:00cooking for 10<p>My Aunt and I planned to cook a meal for the whole family with all of the food we bought at the West Side Market the other day.  I wanted to cook a few different things and just kind of have a buffet.  There was no rhyme or reason to any of the food until I thought to make meatballs and sauce to go with our fresh pasta.</p> <p>We had spinach, fine herb, wild mushroom, and roasted red pepper pasta.  They were all fabulous!  I tried a little of each one with dinner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPjkKrA9I/AAAAAAAABHg/zB3eMmDomYM/s1600-h/_MG_5486%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5486" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5486" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPkYP739I/AAAAAAAABHk/FKKXOAUsWLk/_MG_5486_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>I found a recipe on The Food Network website.  I usually don’t check there, but when I typed in “turkey meatballs,” this was the first recipe to pop up.</p> <p><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/mini-turkey-meatballs-recipe/index.html">Turkey Meatballs + Sauce recipe</a></p> <p>Unlike usual, I decided not to make any changes, since the reviews were so good.  I used 93% lean ground turkey for the meatballs.  They had a great texture and were extremely flavorful.  Everyone raved about the sauce and it was all really easy to make if you have a little time!  The recipe says they make about 40 meatballs. This is completely false.  It says to roll them at about 1 1/4” but I only got 24 out of them.  So just an FYI on that…it would be REALLY easy to double the recipe. [for meatballs or both!]</p> <p>The mixture seemed a little on the wet side, but they were still roll-able.  I thought about adding more breadcrumbs, but was glad I didn’t.  The last thing you want is a mealy meatball! The texture was perfect.</p> <p>Meatball mixture before adding the ground turkey.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPlJa52JI/AAAAAAAABHo/1snVVCHlk4g/s1600-h/_MG_5476%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5476" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5476" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPlla3p4I/AAAAAAAABHs/SphBX8zboy8/_MG_5476_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>When I make pasta sauce I normally have to end up adding quite a bit more s+p than it calls for, or more garlic, or even a little sugar.  This was perfect as is…I guess if you wanted to make it spicy you could add red pepper flakes.  It says in the recipe if it’s too acidic to add 1T of butter until it’s to your liking, but I didn’t even need to do that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPmN5WBpI/AAAAAAAABHw/fJhECrjlJiI/s1600-h/_MG_5473%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5473" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5473" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPmg9eJUI/AAAAAAAABH0/vMwzS8qeRk0/_MG_5473_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>The sauce called for 64oz. can of crushed tomatoes.  I used: 1, 24oz can of fire roasted WHOLE tomatoes – 1, 24oz can whole peeled tomatoes, and 1, 15oz. can diced tomatoes.</p> <p>The fire roasted added an extra layer of flavor.  I got <strong>whole</strong> tomatoes so I could easily pull the skins off.  It’s kind of gross when you chew on a bunch of skin in pasta sauce and the fire roasted didn’t have the “peeled” option.  The skin was pretty much falling off already, and I just took off as much as I could.  Then I mashed them with a potato masher before cooking.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPm7YSQuI/AAAAAAAABH4/0roTj8ouFQk/s1600-h/_MG_5468%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5468" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="_MG_5468" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPnGHmeMI/AAAAAAAABH8/0laoj77SfRA/_MG_5468_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPnYJAxEI/AAAAAAAABIA/ydEgP_xyjMA/s1600-h/_MG_5470%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5470" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="_MG_5470" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPn66iZ0I/AAAAAAAABIE/NCyeUBtfBnw/_MG_5470_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" /></a></p> <p>2 similar products – 2 TOTALLY different things!!! This disgusts me and is such a good example of eating something that is “real food” as compared to “franken-food.”  Who would ever even think to look at the ingredient list for breadcrumbs?? Should just be bread and maybe some salt, right?</p> <p>WHY!!!?????? Why is this list SO LONG?  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPosprF0I/AAAAAAAABII/f7Nj9w2DKdQ/s1600-h/_MG_5469%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5469" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5469" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPpZ9a7RI/AAAAAAAABIM/3Uqy4_l--K4/_MG_5469_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Whole Foods bread crumbs - $2.99</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPp8fdSCI/AAAAAAAABIQ/e7bLcbpBdOY/s1600-h/_MG_5471%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5471" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5471" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPqetCLmI/AAAAAAAABIU/rlZDzbpMICg/_MG_5471_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Pleas check your ingredient lists!!!! It can be quite disturbing to see what is being added into your food. =)  </p> <p>While I was cooking with my Aunt, I was introducing her to a bunch of things that are on my regular grocery list.  She was really excited to give everything a try and couldn’t believe some of the things I was telling her about food!</p> <p>ie: the process to make brown sugar as opposed to the process of making pure can sugar</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPqhgzJMI/AAAAAAAABIY/vcuSb8OnY0E/s1600-h/_MG_5466%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5466" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5466" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPrBg8h5I/AAAAAAAABIc/Z_aF4BSxAi4/_MG_5466_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Left row front to back –> hemp granola/millet/quinoa/whole wheat pastry flour</p> <p>Right row front to back –> pepitas/organic rolled oats/dried apples/pure can sugar</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPsOo_6bI/AAAAAAAABIg/DGqW4TbusVw/s1600-h/_MG_5467%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5467" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5467" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPs64G0CI/AAAAAAAABIk/gBDCgyHrR7I/_MG_5467_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Oooh ALSO very exciting!! As you may know I am not the biggest fan of soy…I will go over my views on this at some point!  The thing I hate the most is how Soy Lecithin [soy sludge] is in EVERYTHING.  It is sooo hard to find chocolate without it…and I just think it is completely unnecessary!  I have found <em>some</em> chocolate without it and it tastes just the same…so I’m not sure what the deal is with adding it in.  It is even in most organic chocolate.</p> <p>Well, Whole Foods [love them!] has their own 365 brand of chocolate candy bars with NO soy lecithin! They are $1.99 compared to most high quality bars that are $3.50+.  They have a bunch of different varieties including dark chocolate with mint crisps! mmm </p> <p>Okay…back to dinner!  I wanted everyone to try some different veggies that get a bad rap.  Brussel sprouts!!! mmmmm</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPuJHexAI/AAAAAAAABIo/pgByzjxF7Ww/s1600-h/_MG_5482%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5482" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5482" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPudxKyiI/AAAAAAAABIs/nB98CzBcwR4/_MG_5482_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>These little suckers are SO good and SO good for you.  I promise they can be tasty! My favorite way to cook them:</p> <ol> <li>Wash – cut stem off – chop in half or in 1/4’s </li> <li>heat pan on medium with 2T olive oil</li> <li>add sprouts with s+p </li> <li>Let sit for a 5min and then flip to the other side for another 5..I usually just kind of monitor them for about 20+ minutes.  Some people like them softer/harder so just test them after 20min and see where you’re at.</li> <li>At the end I usually pour in about 2T balsamic vinegar and it helps to caramelize the sprouts and add a little sweetness.</li> </ol> <p>I let them get pretty dark brown if not a little blackened.  Even my 11yr old cousin said, “I like these!!”  She was very skeptical at first..but tried it and said she would for sure eat them again.</p> <p>Not the best photo…but I wanted to get the whole spread of food!  I also made sweet potato fries.  They don’t really “go” with this meal, but it was another food that is nutrient rich, and I wanted to show them a really easy/healthy/yummy way to cook them.  Everyone liked them, even ones that don’t normally go for sweet potatoes. Yay! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPu91DGSI/AAAAAAAABIw/XQMsX5l9YIg/s1600-h/_MG_5493%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5493" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5493" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPvUsuG_I/AAAAAAAABI0/OkEA-FIO1H0/_MG_5493_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 400* [use middle rack]</li> <li>Slice potatoes into strips</li> <li>Toss with a light coating of EVOO, s+p</li> <li>Put on baking sheet for about 40min [time varies] and turn a few times throughout cooking.</li> <li>When soft enough to eat – put the oven on broil @ 500 until desired crispiness is reached.  Mine took about 10min on broil, believe it or not! </li> </ol> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPv505eaI/AAAAAAAABI4/bR-s2C40ch4/s1600-h/_MG_5497%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5497" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5497" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPwrdIjBI/AAAAAAAABI8/PJ_y1ghh26k/_MG_5497_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>My plate! No I didn’t use a flash, it was bright overhead lighting =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPxXuN5pI/AAAAAAAABJA/C-6-82RGtYs/s1600-h/_MG_5504%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5504" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5504" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPx_rh77I/AAAAAAAABJE/UPKHzqtH2PI/_MG_5504_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Will definitely be making the meatballs and sauce again.  It’s so easy to double the recipe and freeze 1/2 of it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPyRjDI1I/AAAAAAAABJI/3y8vcyYv-ps/s1600-h/_MG_5505%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5505" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5505" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StaPy8RMBWI/AAAAAAAABJM/-wHUwVvTPYI/_MG_5505_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>For dessert I prepared the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/mini-turkey-meatballs-recipe/index.html">peanut butter krisp treats</a> from 101 cookbooks. The only substitute I make, is using Brown Rice Syrup instead of Maple Syrup and Tapioca Starch [$2.50 for a box at WF] instead of agar agar flakes.  The brown rice syrup works perfectly 1:1 and will not spike your glycemic index levels in the same way sugar/honey/maple syrup do.  So you won’t get the “high” and “crash” feeling…I use it whenever I can!</p> <p>Again…so easy…so good!! </p> <p>Niiiight all…I’m pooped!</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-37202327680458411662009-10-14T00:11:00.001-04:002009-10-14T00:30:44.887-04:00girl dates<p><font color="#272727">I had 2 fun dates planned today.  One was with my grandma and one was with my good friend Megan.  I went to my grandparent’s house, while my g’pa was running errands.  I made her quick breakfast and then we put together a puzzle…a HARD puzzle.  There were only 300 pieces but it was a painting and the whole picture was kind of fuzzy.  </font></p> <p><font color="#272727">We managed to get it done in about 1 1/2 hours!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPbyBU9_I/AAAAAAAABGA/8PH3mOng094/s1600-h/_MG_5449%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5449" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5449" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPcZa_T3I/AAAAAAAABGE/Jx6th0eDfzU/_MG_5449_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I am usually only home for a short weekend trip and don’t get to spend much time with my grandparents, so this was fun.</p> <p>I made 1/2 of last night’s dinner for lunch, with my 2 butternut squash pierogies, and some broccoli.  The pierogies were SO.GOOD.  I sautéed them with a tiny bit of oil until they were brown and crispy.  The leftover squash was just as tasty as last night.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPc-rA18I/AAAAAAAABGM/Nc_DwZYZGXs/s1600-h/_MG_5450%5B7%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5450" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5450" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPdQF_hwI/AAAAAAAABGQ/bebBF4lNPOA/_MG_5450_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I applied for a job today!! It is just a part time thing, but they already called me to set up an interview.  I am kind of excited about it, however it has nothing to do with architecture, and everything to do with food!  I found a craigslist ad for a part-time Vegan chef.  I looked into it more and it was for a preschool.  They are hiring a new chef to cook lunch + snacks.  HOW FUN!!! Plus this might lead to other fun opportunities, like in-home catering, or setting up cooking classes for kids at their house.  I’ll keep you posted on what happens with that for sure!</p> <p>I went on a quick + brisk 3+ mile run.  I knew it would be a shorter run, because I had to shower and get ready for date #2, so I did some intervals of quick running mixed with my normal pace.  Every few minutes I would just run faster for maybe 50-100yds.  It definitely got the blood pumping a little more than usual! </p> <p>Megan and I went to a fun little restaurant, Tommy’s, in the Coventry area.  Coventry is a cool little artsy neighborhood with lots of fun shops and good eats.  This place has a HUGE menu full of awesome vegetarian/vegan and meat options.  We <strong>split</strong> 3 things: a platter with falafel/hummus/baba ganous/spinach pie/pita, a pita sandwich with veggies + swiss cheese, AND a strawberry banana milkshake.  Splitting meals is my favorite thing to do!!</p> <p>It was SO creamy + delicious.  I have had their milkshakes many times…and they might be the best ever =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPd8K-KPI/AAAAAAAABGc/hGtlZ3IbpEA/s1600-h/_MG_5458%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5458" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5458" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPem5k5zI/AAAAAAAABGk/E6MwoSPKS6Q/_MG_5458_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Platter of yumminess</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPew-iOKI/AAAAAAAABGo/wugYVNf_QOw/s1600-h/_MG_5462%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5462" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5462" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPfR5wluI/AAAAAAAABGs/4s0OUJ8G4IM/_MG_5462_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Look at how pretty this girl is!!! Megan and I have been friends since the 7th grade.  Just one of those life-long friendships you know you’ll always have!  She is an UH-mazing mother of 2 adorable children!  [Logan, almost 4 – Dominic, 3 months]  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPf29PCuI/AAAAAAAABG0/mvIQILrdMHQ/s1600-h/IMG_1172%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1172" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1172" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPgPvX82I/AAAAAAAABHE/IBhXGeEPo9o/IMG_1172_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>I have to show off her CUTE kids!  Logan always remembers me, even though I don’t see him very often.  He gives THE best hugs and is such a little grown-up.  Dominic is just such a cute happy little baby =)</p> <p>Look at them! [I couldn’t resist not snagging this photo from facebook, Meg!]</p> <p><img height="247" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs280.snc1/10717_281603210286_505430286_9108934_1262381_n.jpg" width="365" /></p> <p>Off to do some food research for a few different things…</p> <p>One last photo…it was from my last visit home, in August.  Chris + the dogs both came that time.  I miss them!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPgZC5RwI/AAAAAAAABHI/NXNFUu5YXgM/s1600-h/IMG_9823%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9823" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_9823" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StVPg-F1lvI/AAAAAAAABHQ/qivkvd6FZIw/IMG_9823_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Niiiight =)</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-71647069022352352072009-10-12T23:43:00.001-04:002009-10-12T23:51:13.268-04:00a foodie filled day<p>I made up for the bogus breakfast my mom and I tried to get at that organic restaurant yesterday.  My Aunt found this awesome little restaurant in Tremont, called <a href="http://www.grumpys-cafe.com/">Grumpy’s Cafe</a>.  First of all, Tremont is a super cute area, filled with restaurants, cute coffee shops, yoga studios, historic churches, art galleries, etc. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3Iu6zzwI/AAAAAAAABCg/Pv4PGmNC5Y4/s1600-h/_MG_5371%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5371" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5371" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3JHdoYaI/AAAAAAAABCk/wDu95rw6bZo/_MG_5371_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>Our main reason for going there was that they had PUMPKIN PANCAKES on the menu!  We split 2 pumpkin pancakes and vegetarian style eggs benedict.  The pancakes were light and fluffy and full of pumpkin flavor.  The eggs were SO good.  The veggie style version was stacked with an english muffin, avocado, tomato, the perfect poached egg, and a delicious hollandaise sauce.  OH, aaand all of the meals come with cajun style home fries…YUM, were they good!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3JcPrWCI/AAAAAAAABCo/QEcUTUXbSZk/s1600-h/_MG_5362%5B4%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5362" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5362" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3J9H4uJI/AAAAAAAABCs/bAeXMWJQvew/_MG_5362_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>The restaurant was really clean, the staff was extremely friendly, and the decor was simple but stylish.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3KEFdatI/AAAAAAAABCw/GA6AV9422Io/s1600-h/_MG_5368%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5368" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5368" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3LMa6N_I/AAAAAAAABC0/drZk3Wo3KU8/_MG_5368_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>The pancakes were great but the eggs benedict stole the show! They had tons of other yummy sounding dishes, including chocolate french toast.  I will hopefully be going back there 1 more time before I go back to Colorado =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3LqksiuI/AAAAAAAABC4/VqowUshjvkw/s1600-h/_MG_5359%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5359" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5359" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3MNQ0D-I/AAAAAAAABC8/mjittXvRDWM/_MG_5359_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>After breakfast, we headed to The West Side Market, which is always a ton of fun.  My dad came to meet us there too!  I have been going there for years with my dad.  We would get up early on a Saturday, every so often, and head to the market.  There are two HUGE aisles of produce, most is not local, but good quality and pretty cheap.  On the inside of the building there are tons of local Cleveland bakeries/delis/cheese shops/candy shops/ethnic food/etc.  </p> <p>The market is in this building.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3MVvwlzI/AAAAAAAABDA/7U-O_iXvPFw/s1600-h/_MG_5420%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5420" style="display: inline" height="375" alt="_MG_5420" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3MjKlSZI/AAAAAAAABDE/3jZk5yZfMIM/_MG_5420_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" /></a></p> <p>so.pretty.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3NFkW6RI/AAAAAAAABDI/Z6QQCzY9GIk/s1600-h/_MG_5372%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5372" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5372" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3NcNwBCI/AAAAAAAABDM/aZQuv8Kc7qQ/_MG_5372_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>yum yum fruit</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3N7ZiqgI/AAAAAAAABDQ/GSeB6S2pO3Y/s1600-h/_MG_5375%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5375" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5375" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3OJ4gFFI/AAAAAAAABDU/T4j5icnyVO0/_MG_5375_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Aunt Sherie + Dad</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3O_hDwgI/AAAAAAAABDY/k09ohr-H3r8/s1600-h/_MG_5377%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5377" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5377" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3PuedqJI/AAAAAAAABDc/Pzteq2oBcAo/_MG_5377_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>*starfruit*</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3P3Puk1I/AAAAAAAABDg/ERN33lztIog/s1600-h/_MG_5378%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5378" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5378" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3QSZYU3I/AAAAAAAABDk/_oG26KJ07JM/_MG_5378_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>shoppers</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3Q-se_JI/AAAAAAAABDo/1XjUihZx_ZE/s1600-h/_MG_5385%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5385" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5385" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3RscX6YI/AAAAAAAABDs/DejCzhx33HU/_MG_5385_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>If you didn’t know, the Ohio State University mascot, is the Buckeye.  There is a DEE-licious candy they make that looks like the buckeye nut.  It is basically a glob of peanut butter [mixed with a few other things] dipped in milk chocolate.  Here was a caramel apple, Buckeye style.  Very tempting…but we left this one in the case ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3SKYvFqI/AAAAAAAABDw/fFXMHFAggw4/s1600-h/_MG_5386%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5386" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5386" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3TujYGBI/AAAAAAAABD0/xHotK7B8KVo/_MG_5386_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Sampled some amazing goat cheese that dad bought a 1/2lb of.  Can’t wait to snack on that!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3TxjOE_I/AAAAAAAABD4/bEaFKu6G0mk/s1600-h/_MG_5391%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5391" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5391" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3Ul77bXI/AAAAAAAABD8/OL4KImvLFLI/_MG_5391_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I could definitely snuggle with one of those…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3U6OEA4I/AAAAAAAABEA/Zh6Ye2VbcLw/s1600-h/_MG_5396%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5396" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5396" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3V0cVh2I/AAAAAAAABEE/m6e8s_rdxq0/_MG_5396_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Balcony view of all the vendors.  I love coming here =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3W5HzeQI/AAAAAAAABEI/sDHqFxaBbz8/s1600-h/_MG_5399%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5399" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5399" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3XrmUcUI/AAAAAAAABEM/gCEtWS0D2Wg/_MG_5399_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>One of my favorite stands at the market, has fresh pierogis.  I bought 2 filled with butternut squash and cannot WAIT to try them out!</p> <p>Leaving the market…I had <strong>such</strong> a good time with my aunt + dad =) </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3X2il0WI/AAAAAAAABEQ/4cKoCU35Y-s/s1600-h/_MG_5408%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5408" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5408" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3YWET68I/AAAAAAAABEU/BRMrOpNBnKo/_MG_5408_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Dinner time.  </p> <p><a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/roasted-corn-pudding-in-acorn-squash-recipe.html">Corn pudding in acorn squash</a> – Round 2          </p> <p>I forget what the crazy looking squash was called, but it tasted exactly the same as the acorn.  The hardest part of this recipe is cutting off the ends to make the squash halves sit flat.  I cut through to the inside on 1 this time.  Last time it was 2.  If that happens though, just seal it as tight as you can with foil and you will still be able to fill it with the corn pudding.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3Yyw8QMI/AAAAAAAABEY/NBpvFOguHOs/s1600-h/_MG_5428%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5428" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5428" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3ZO4V3-I/AAAAAAAABEc/Td7eZFawbLc/_MG_5428_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>It was the perfect dreary, chilly day, to make this meal.  My mom loved it but my dad didn’t get to try it yet because he was at the Cav’s game tonight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3ZR4lyfI/AAAAAAAABEg/qpXauuVN51U/s1600-h/_MG_5432%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5432" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5432" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3ZvcAWYI/AAAAAAAABEk/lyU60pAl_OI/_MG_5432_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Round 2 was even tastier.  The side of broccoli was delicious too.  I pan sautéed it with a little olive oil, s+p, and garlic powder, for about 8min on medium.  It’s a nice change of pace from boiling or steaming it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3aIlth7I/AAAAAAAABEo/P7kYIe83cTE/s1600-h/_MG_5440%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5440" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5440" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StP3ax9MuWI/AAAAAAAABEs/V9T6fj7X2RA/_MG_5440_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Not sure what all is in store for tomorrow…</p> <p>Check back though =)</p> <p>Ashley  </p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-50726205754099641232009-10-12T00:26:00.001-04:002009-10-12T00:32:44.260-04:00family fun sunday<p>A few photos from last night!</p> <p>If you are looking for a really creative different gift for your mom/sister/friend/etc. check out these amazing paper flowers! I got one for my mom for mother’s day.  It is so unique and lasts forever.  <a href="http://www.handmadepaperflowers.com/home.html">Anemone – handmade paper flowers</a> They have a fan page on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spokane-WA/aNeMonE/43567057179?v=photos&ref=ts">facebook</a> too with tons of photos.  Lots of really amazing wedding displays.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvfkk72NI/AAAAAAAAA_I/BCnT_TrFYsM/s1600-h/_MG_5160%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5160" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5160" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvgCOKASI/AAAAAAAAA_M/58xgg8rt8rw/_MG_5160_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>AJ [cousin] Aunt Sherie, Uncle Alan [mom’s bro], Grandma [mom’s mom]</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvhLY7nSI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/rt_L8wK_SQM/s1600-h/_MG_5178%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5178" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5178" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvh5mhfbI/AAAAAAAAA_U/d6ZJT4U-5pg/_MG_5178_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Happppppy 30th Josh!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKviYvA8mI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/dHLds4wcbB0/s1600-h/_MG_5201%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5201" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5201" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvihSnFcI/AAAAAAAAA_c/PnMHGYzip-4/_MG_5201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I went for a brisk 4.5+ mile run this morning.  I could definitely tell a difference running in Ohio compared to Colorado.  My legs felt great! It was only in the low 40’s, no sun, and windy, so my lungs took awhile to warm up [asthma was worse w/the cold weather too].  Mile 1-2.5 was so sluggish but then I felt great and I breezed through the last mile.  I forgot to look at the clock before I left, so I’m not sure what my pace was.</p> <p>My dad spotted me running, while he was on the golf course, so I ran over to say hello =)</p> <p>My mom heard about this great organic breakfast place, kind of a far drive, but we wanted to check it out. Total disappointment.  There was only a buffet option on Sunday, it was completely picked over, and not much to begin with.  We were going to just grab a bakery item but the case had a few flies in it. Ew =( I have had some bad luck with eating out lately!</p> <p>Then, my mom and I went to go see my bro play his tabla drums at a bookstore close to our house.  He was playing for this organization called <a href="http://www.passportproject.org/">Passport Project</a>.  A quote from their website… “<strong>Passport Project</strong>'s mission is to provide exciting education experiences that build community through the arts, encourage respect for diversity and rejection of racism and negative bias, and a passion for learning and the global community.”</p> <p>I am trying to learn how to use the digi SLR for more than just food.  Bear with me!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvi4jTIhI/AAAAAAAAA_g/yMPBayLv7v4/s1600-h/_MG_5204%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5204" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5204" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvjYHiS_I/AAAAAAAAA_k/wMQu_nPA0Xs/_MG_5204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>My bro is WAY talented!! So proud of him =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvj3-t-cI/AAAAAAAAA_o/Qgklx_hreT4/s1600-h/_MG_5206%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5206" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5206" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvkB1lDgI/AAAAAAAAA_s/giFk-vgHOX8/_MG_5206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>This man was visiting from Guinea, W. Africa.  I didn’t get to see him dance, but apparently he is amazing.  He said he was having a really hard time adjusting to the fall Ohio weather.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvkp0trgI/AAAAAAAAA_w/YGVHgoJ6_l8/s1600-h/_MG_5217%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5217" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5217" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvlZQwlRI/AAAAAAAAA_0/0TmhcIEZa6Y/_MG_5217_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvl8uMPLI/AAAAAAAAA_4/YcvEpsXX9UQ/s1600-h/_MG_5256%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5256" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvmRGnvpI/AAAAAAAAA_8/v0t75Zlzo3k/_MG_5256_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvm1jb6BI/AAAAAAAABAA/0Jlyqa3dYzE/s1600-h/_MG_5261%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5261" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5261" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvnWzYOpI/AAAAAAAABAE/M-hWWmjAg5Q/_MG_5261_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvnluX7JI/AAAAAAAABAI/ObWlmPhmVqA/s1600-h/_MG_5216%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5216" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5216" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvn3SR4QI/AAAAAAAABAM/98g7m5i-2js/_MG_5216_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvoSyjscI/AAAAAAAABAQ/yzHr5xlXRQw/s1600-h/_MG_5229%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5229" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5229" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvoyRXNmI/AAAAAAAABAU/soz6Dpeol9E/_MG_5229_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>My mom and I ended up eating at the bookstore [joseph beth bookseller].  They have a full restaurant there.  We had a yummy, very late breakfast!</p> <p>Banana yogurt boat w/granola, fruit, and a blueberry muffin.  I had a strawberry Kombucha drink too.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvpx2-PEI/AAAAAAAABAY/XPkKCtxgXt8/s1600-h/_MG_5281%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5281" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5281" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvqNkAFYI/AAAAAAAABAc/pHmOJi97VtM/_MG_5281_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>My mom got the egg/toast plate.  I ate half of the banana boat, some of the muffin, a few egg bites, and 1 sausage link.  I am a sucker for sausage.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvqqFLVTI/AAAAAAAABAg/pHnx5n82_MU/s1600-h/_MG_5280%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5280" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5280" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvrBsL-WI/AAAAAAAABAk/pzfLCxB6N7Q/_MG_5280_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Then we headed to Patterson’s Fruit Farm with my aunt, uncle, AJ, and Jenna.  You can’t tell, but this apple was seriously HUUGE!  If you make a fist and wrap your other hand around your fist, that is how big the apple was.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvrp-zzsI/AAAAAAAABAo/aVN81XAlxQ8/s1600-h/_MG_5294%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5294" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5294" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvr4WfsUI/AAAAAAAABAs/Ar-q25VM2KE/_MG_5294_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Gourds!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvsP3Ww9I/AAAAAAAABAw/GVeTIFee47o/s1600-h/_MG_5300%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5300" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvslwCuiI/AAAAAAAABA0/0qa4gJz1_Zk/_MG_5300_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Aj + Jenna were super excited about the honey sticks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvtVhzRTI/AAAAAAAABA4/S51SS69Ruek/s1600-h/_MG_5301%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5301" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5301" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvtxv5TJI/AAAAAAAABA8/PVNm0HXkPMo/_MG_5301_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>corn stuff</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvuV5YUTI/AAAAAAAABBA/SYnTs7UtZzs/s1600-h/_MG_5315%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5315" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5315" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvu6z3CwI/AAAAAAAABBE/24gcpRx5cvg/_MG_5315_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Pun’kins!!! =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvvqVqfAI/AAAAAAAABBI/Z4WW-7RkdVo/s1600-h/_MG_5310%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5310" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5310" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvv0f5JJI/AAAAAAAABBM/9_L1HtvyDC4/_MG_5310_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Jenna, mom, and AJ</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvwfgCO7I/AAAAAAAABBQ/fPZTVKcUR5g/s1600-h/_MG_5319%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5319" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5319" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvxFeO0cI/AAAAAAAABBU/UpqiVaKRO88/_MG_5319_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>The kids humored me posing for some pumpkin pics ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvxhnGpGI/AAAAAAAABBY/5TcJub4YY6E/s1600-h/_MG_5323%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5323" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvyIfSbbI/AAAAAAAABBc/kxTgdaVceHg/_MG_5323_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>They used to be my babies!!! Now they are so big! Jenna is 11 and AJ is 14. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvyV8_-aI/AAAAAAAABBg/BM8yOJhtpYk/s1600-h/_MG_5324%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5324" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5324" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvy8PHBpI/AAAAAAAABBk/26U34t2ardA/_MG_5324_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Jenna wasn’t sure this shot was such a good idea…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvzTmrnCI/AAAAAAAABBo/ZqAJ_K2PfQI/s1600-h/_MG_5325%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5325" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5325" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKvz3Blf9I/AAAAAAAABBs/fr3qNiPsdp8/_MG_5325_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Mom took this one…good job mom!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv0c_zcAI/AAAAAAAABBw/9Rt9M0DItGw/s1600-h/_MG_5326%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5326" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5326" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv1KHY9CI/AAAAAAAABB0/Ewa66PWbeNg/_MG_5326_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv1_VPvDI/AAAAAAAABB4/da-UqKaTuS4/s1600-h/_MG_5342%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5342" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv2NB38pI/AAAAAAAABB8/CBLET-1l7jQ/_MG_5342_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Crazy white pumpkins!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv2VfENVI/AAAAAAAABCA/m1TvNVYNO6I/s1600-h/_MG_5343%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5343" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5343" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv2zNowkI/AAAAAAAABCE/NpONkgRgMN0/_MG_5343_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Then…[we did SO much today!] we went to visit some other family.  So nice catching up!</p> <p>A little blurry, but these two kids are SO cute.  Cole is 6 and Carson is 3.  Cole was my ring bearer when he was 4yrs old.  I remember the cutest thing he said that day… He was getting a little antsy, waiting in line to walk down the aisle.  I said something to him like “you only have to stay still a little longer Cole..” and he said “I once heard, slow + steady wins the race!” hahah What 4yr old has heard and remembered that??? Too cute!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv3sfR0fI/AAAAAAAABCI/7QE-cI80ThQ/s1600-h/_MG_5350%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5350" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5350" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv39yRRsI/AAAAAAAABCM/Tc2y0uiKJec/_MG_5350_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>AJ, Jenna, my aunt and uncle came over for a quick dinner.  Jenna also shared a cake she decorated at a birthday party last night.  Mayfield is the school they go to [and the one I went too].  The mascot is a wildcat.  I thought the cake was so cute!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv4WPmBjI/AAAAAAAABCQ/SOAERdeg37s/s1600-h/_MG_5353%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5353" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5353" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv5TUQ_iI/AAAAAAAABCU/qfm7RWn0NUw/_MG_5353_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Awesome awesome day with the family!  More to come tomorrow!  Stay tuned! I bought 2 big acorn squashes to make that <a href="http://otabars.blogspot.com/2009/09/playing-while-unemployed.html">corn pudding in acorn squash</a> I made a few weeks ago.  Pretty pumped for that!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv555DM7I/AAAAAAAABCY/Wv_Vlg34i2Q/s1600-h/_MG_5329%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5329" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5329" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StKv6ZvlFdI/AAAAAAAABCc/vQHO7xJNEC8/_MG_5329_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>Night!!</p> <p>Ashley           </p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-12614881984780072442009-10-10T23:37:00.001-04:002009-10-10T23:37:09.942-04:00off to cleveland…for better weather!<p>I am writing while in flight today.  I have never had a laptop that actually held more than 20min of battery power, so I thought I would try to make use of my time in the air!  I never thought I would be traveling to Ohio looking forward to the weather there, haha.  It was in the low 20’s when I left this morning with a dusting of snow on the ground.  Natalie says this is definitely a-typical.  I hope so!  </p> <p>The digi SLR was all packed up and ready to go, so it was a point-and-shoot type of morning ;)</p> <p>Wake up call: 7am – last minute gathering of things, shower, hair, breakfast, and I’m off…Flight was supposed to take off at 11am and get in at 3:45 EST.</p> <p>Creamy + hot bowl of oats, much needed on this chilly morning.</p> <ul> <li>1/3c. oats</li> <li>1 medium banana</li> <li>1T almond butter</li> <li>honey drizzle</li> <li>cinnamon shake</li> </ul> <p>= Deeelicious</p> <p>I usually only use a 1/2 banana in the oats, but the full banana made it even creamier. YUM!  See my car on the street + the snow? [yak!]</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSvmujTBI/AAAAAAAAA9w/m0fHTVnDIQs/s1600-h/IMG_1145%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1145" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1145" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSwM1qzZI/AAAAAAAAA90/APe0q_BbjgI/IMG_1145_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>I try my best to avoid road food/airport food because it is definitely not the healthiest option and is usually way overpriced at that.</p> <p>PB samich on honey whole wheat + walnut date KIND bar + LARABAR chocolate/coffee + Kidz bar peanut butter crisp [not pictured]</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSwYIK0YI/AAAAAAAAA94/eYtAEIhHvGY/s1600-h/IMG_1147%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1147" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1147" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSw5wUibI/AAAAAAAAA98/-LtcLaoegNc/IMG_1147_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>And behind door #3…a new car!!! Well, we definitely didn’t win this..but we are still really excited about it.  We got a new RAV4 this week and on day 2 of owning the car, Chris already bought and installed the snowboard rack, hehe =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSxXUaorI/AAAAAAAAA-A/o-yjBifJdSU/s1600-h/IMG_1150%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1150" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1150" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSxjXU0XI/AAAAAAAAA-E/CdIEvI_DM3o/IMG_1150_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>It has a lot of power and will be super safe in the snow.  It’s extremely spacious and rides really smooth.  We picked this car because of its size [not too big], safety ratings, power, and it has the best mileage for a v6 in its class.  For 200 miles we have driven so far, mixed freeway/city miles, it was at about 27mpg. Pretty awesome! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSyHQHhBI/AAAAAAAAA-I/UYOlJjlAMWc/s1600-h/IMG_1151%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1151" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1151" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSy11odXI/AAAAAAAAA-M/NqzTcEGfm1Y/IMG_1151_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>The trunk area is huge.  Definitely big enough for both crazy dogs and there is a large storage space under the mat too! [notice the snowflakes]</p> <p>Chris and I were super excited this AM, when we realized that the cup holders hold a full size Nalgene bottle!  I have never seen cup holders that big.  Seems silly, but we always have those bottle around and they end up on the floor. woop woop =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSzd3R3jI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/G6DAYM5P1g0/s1600-h/IMG_1155%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1155" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1155" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFSz8z__nI/AAAAAAAAA-U/5kE-Vtz6Igs/IMG_1155_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>Got to the airport and the plane was already delayed for 30min.  After waiting for awhile they said it would be delayed another 1hr because they were fixing a broken window.  At least it wasn’t a mechanical problem!  Then a little while later it was delayed another 1.5hrs…frustrating! Then, it actually got pushed back 45min, which I have never ever seen happen.  It wasn’t too bad.</p> <p>Kenna + Dakota on my computer screen.  Ate the crisp bar!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS0AUjaaI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/lpAMIEEQSpA/s1600-h/IMG_1157%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1157" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1157" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS0jv1JgI/AAAAAAAAA-c/bZLkW3LcmoI/IMG_1157_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>Why is it so hard to resist buying magazines at the airport?  Gave in and bought some Naked juice and hilarious postcards that looked like they were shot in the 1980’s.  I have been meaning to send out postcards from CO but haven’t really come across any until the airport.</p> <p>The Green Machine Naked juice is delicious and full of real food!  I don’t regularly buy the Real Simple magazine, but it is pretty long and I figured they would have some good articles and recipes to check out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS07RnapI/AAAAAAAAA-g/bdzcRn77Ep0/s1600-h/IMG_1158%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1158" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1158" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS1Stl3wI/AAAAAAAAA-k/dERujvpkjDI/IMG_1158_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>I read some amazing stories of breast cancer survivors, learned better ways to organize the laundry + avoid wrinkles [haha], got a recipe for pumpkin muffins, and some possible dinner recipes.  It was a good read for $4.99 and I didn’t finish all of it.</p> <p>Snacked on 1/2 of my PB samich and caught up on some blog reading while waiting for the plane.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS184OrzI/AAAAAAAAA-o/RZcZDvAITmE/s1600-h/IMG_1160%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1160" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1160" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS2H55HZI/AAAAAAAAA-s/u7_gCehQHso/IMG_1160_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>Finally got on the plane.  They were showing a pretty terrible movie…I don’t remember the full title but it was something with “Valentine’s Date” in it.  I put the headphones on to listen to some Old Crow Medicine Show and Katie Herzig, while I tried to cleanup disk space and organize some folders.</p> <p>We’re going to dinner to celebrate my bro’s 30th bday, right down the street from my parents house, where my wedding was at. [stonewater golf club]  I love going back there…lots of good memories.  Wish the husband was with me!   </p> <p>Oh yah, actually got free lunch on the plane.  Small turkey sandwich, which I took 1 bite of.  I haven’t had Ruffles in a long time and couldn’t resist 1/2 of the bag along w/the twix.  Caramel, cookie, and chocolate?  Couldn’t pass it up ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS2_OxhnI/AAAAAAAAA-w/97wDCTYSxZE/s1600-h/IMG_1164%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1164" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS3cmHV9I/AAAAAAAAA-0/BBoK2hNS6E8/IMG_1164_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>…</p> <p>Got to Cleveland! Smooth flight and only 2hrs 10min.  Mom and dad picked me up and I came home to pumpkin fudge and a surprise in the envelope =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS37UXrdI/AAAAAAAAA-4/BQ7dMvy8Ad0/s1600-h/IMG_1165%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1165" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1165" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS4NaiZGI/AAAAAAAAA-8/Dmqp7qxREh0/IMG_1165_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>Off to dinner.  Normally, Stonewater is <strong>spot on</strong> with their food. Tonight, very “meh.”  I went with something I normally would never get.  It was pasta with a cream sauce [i think pasta carbonara?] sprinkled with bacon and pees.  I just didn’t feel like a meat dish or a salad and they were out of the lasagna I wanted. </p> <p>Waaaaaaaay too much bacon.  Kind of bland.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS41qu96I/AAAAAAAAA_A/mRJ2cGhEuUI/s1600-h/IMG_1168%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1168" style="display: inline" height="302" alt="IMG_1168" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/StFS5cLTk5I/AAAAAAAAA_E/G-T27f2ICnU/IMG_1168_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>The whole family came over to our house for Josh’s b-day.  Lots of family fun =) Happppy to be home!</p> <p>Night!</p> <p>Ashley </p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-62382029330123280822009-10-09T17:10:00.001-04:002009-10-09T17:11:37.721-04:00you call that a buffet??<p>Alarm: 6am… Why? To meet Laura + Travis at the grand opening of Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store in Boulder.  But why so early? They were offering a FREE buffet breakfast to the first 200 people. Sweet!  The only alarm we have right now is on Chris’s side of the bed, and his hand must have been lightening fast on the snooze b/c I didn’t hear it go off until 6:30am. Eeeek! Rush rush rush and out the door by 6:40. </p> <p>It was a nice and chilly 35 degrees!  I met them in line and we anxiously waited…for our free yummy, hot, satisfying breakfast!  As we start to get closer we noticed people carrying around small styrofoam bowls.  Is the breakfast really in that TINY bowl??? Maybe at least it was hot oatmeal??</p> <p>We finally reach the “buffet.”  Here was the lineup: 8oz containers of milk/choc milk/oj – 1T packs of almond butter – 2oz sample of Naked juice – 1T udi’s granola – 1/3c. yogurt. </p> <p>This was before Laura even ate any of it. Lame.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mrorOIVI/AAAAAAAAA80/AojXGxxh1V4/s1600-h/IMG_1140%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1140" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1140" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-msTbH_pI/AAAAAAAAA84/htQejnf5-Bo/IMG_1140_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>You could hardly call that breakfast, let alone a BUFFET!  We were all really irritated.  They should have said “free morning snack.”  Yes it was free, but come on…it was enough to hold over a 5yr old for like 1hr. Laura said it was really odd because when places advertise free things in Boulder it’s always above and beyond what you would expect.  Not to mention they were using styrofoam bowls and 16oz styro cups for their 2oz. juice samples, at a natural foods grocery store. Shame on you!</p> <p>Okay, sorry for the ranting…but it goes just a little further!</p> <p>Since we were still super hungry we decided to go to Panera.  Normally, I feel like Panera’s portions are really big.  Their bagels and muffins are huge and they always give you a side of bread or fruit with your soup or sandwich.  So we all order breakfast sandwiches for about $3.59 + tax.  When it came out my first thought was, “where is the other 1/2 of my sandwich???”  Any normal person would have to order 2 of these to be full for breakfast.  I realize it wasn’t their normal lunch/dinner sandwich price, but those use a lot more ingredients and fancier bread.  </p> <p>It also came out on the biggest plate ever!  It had to be about 12” long, which made it seem even smaller, haha.  The napkin was a bigger than the sandwich.</p> <p>Friday Breakfast = ANNOYED</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-msjbp7_I/AAAAAAAAA88/c-FkruXu3yU/s1600-h/IMG_1143%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1143" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1143" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mtP0udYI/AAAAAAAAA9A/vOo1ITQM09U/IMG_1143_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a> </p> <p>But we still had a really good time laughing at the situation!!! =) </p> <p>I came home and took a 20min power nap.  [I mastered the power nap during grad school ;)] Then, I went on my normal 4+ mile hilly run.  The first 2 miles were rough.  My lungs and legs were not in sync and I just felt sluggish.  It could have been from the early wake up call and short nap.  Did a quick 2min stretch at the turn around point and headed back.  Even with the wind in my face the 2nd half of the run was much better.  I’m sure the downhill had something to do with it.</p> <p>Mile #2 is always my worst mile.  It’s when I get the thoughts like “why am I running today” “go at least another .5 mile then walk” etc.  Even during the 1/2 marathon training that was always the worst mile.  As soon as I would get up past 3-4 it became a lot easier.  What is your hardest mile to get past?</p> <p>Now I’m in a hurry to start packing for Cleveland and doing some other last minute things.  It’s Pat’s [my bro-in-law] birthday today, so we’ll be gone all tonight.  Lots to get done in the meantime!!</p> <p>Check this out!!! <a href="http://foodshouldtastegood.com/#/home/">Food Should Taste Good</a> sent me some rockin’ samples! 6 full size bags of their chips and each was a different flavor.  Of course I tore into the chocolate bag first.  I have never had any of the flavors they sent, so I am super excited about this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mtihvhCI/AAAAAAAAA9E/J9eVlDibWeE/s1600-h/_MG_5145%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5145" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5145" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mt64EoUI/AAAAAAAAA9I/4xsZpxNxrog/_MG_5145_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>Lunch HAD to include the chocolate tortilla chips. What to make?</p> <p>Pumpkin Parfait [can you tell I love pumpkin yet?]</p> <ul> <li>1 container Stonyfield Organic Vanilla Oikos</li> <li>1/2 cup organic pumpkin puree</li> <li>dash cinnamon</li> <li>dash cloves</li> <li>drizzle of honey</li> <li>1/2 thin sliced organic banana</li> <li>FSTG chocolate tortilla chips!</li> </ul> <p>Lunchtime perfection!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-muUuB7pI/AAAAAAAAA9M/yVN-Rdq0adc/s1600-h/_MG_5149%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5149" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5149" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-muleNpWI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/K0YYD8Kx6kw/_MG_5149_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>This was delicious and filling.  Dipping the chips in the mix was awesome.  Love the crunch ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mvBFtAYI/AAAAAAAAA9U/zlSNpQGVEEc/s1600-h/_MG_5152%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5152" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5152" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mvpVhC9I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/Mbuvwf_rOdI/_MG_5152_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>You can see the honey on top of the banana…mmmm</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mv_Y-koI/AAAAAAAAA9c/LxyuaNND53I/s1600-h/_MG_5155%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5155" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5155" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mwSyTyCI/AAAAAAAAA9g/J7j0UN9vLko/_MG_5155_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Total calories: 350 - Total fat: 7g – Protein – 18g!! [thanks to the yogurt mostly] – Fiber: 7g</p> <p>This definitely wasn’t a full lunch for me, but it was all I wanted at the time.  2hrs later [now] and I need something small to hold me over before dinner. yum yum yum – this was so good!</p> <p>THANK YOU FSTG!!! I cannot wait to try all of them!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mw44Rz6I/AAAAAAAAA9k/hCaRlC16Oh4/s1600-h/_MG_5147%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5147" style="display: inline" height="154" alt="_MG_5147" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss-mxBcrQDI/AAAAAAAAA9o/3mTvt69Pom4/_MG_5147_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I have a few other chip dip ideas I’ll be posting when I make them.</p> <p>Have a great weekend guys!! I might not post again until Sunday with traveling to Cleveland and losing 2hrs with the time change…but I may get to it.  Either way, stay tuned! </p> <p>Ashley </p> <p>p.s. Visit the <a href="http://foodshouldtastegood.com/#/home/">FSTG</a> website for a $1 off coupon!! You can find the chips at Whole Foods and some other stores too.</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-62539653933869651402009-10-09T00:00:00.001-04:002009-10-09T00:00:08.318-04:00chubby little bottles + affordable dinners<p>A representative from <a href="http://pomwonderful.com/">POM Wonderful</a> contacted me last week to see if I would be interested in trying their juice.  Heck.Yes.  Eight chubby bottles of their pomegranate juice arrived at the door yesterday.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61GhkIYqI/AAAAAAAAA78/JqsAJFT_BUo/s1600-h/_MG_5079%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5079" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5079" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61Hh3IEiI/AAAAAAAAA8A/Lbp8WcRHTcI/_MG_5079_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I took them outside for a photo shoot.  I love the bottles and the juice is SO good.  It is sweet and super flavorful with slight sour bite.  This juice has a <a href="http://pomwonderful.com/health/research/">slew of health benefits</a> as well.  I would say the only downside is that 8oz. of juice is 170 calories.  Although, it is not your typical sugary/watery juice.  POM juice is definitely a nice healthy treat.  Thanks for the samples, POM! =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61IhnQFAI/AAAAAAAAA8E/Cbyj6XlWbN4/s1600-h/_MG_5084%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5084" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5084" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61JgxOQVI/AAAAAAAAA8I/-txJN8T1dj0/_MG_5084_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I also received a fun package of goodies from <a href="http://stonyfield.com/">Stonyfield</a>.  I got coupons for their Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt, which I am in love with.  I also got a super cute shopping bag made out of 80% recycled materials.  Thanks Stonyfield!  Visit <a href="http://coupons.stonyfield.com/new_coupon3.cfm">this link</a> to get some coupons of your own!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61KlFNLlI/AAAAAAAAA8M/vFySBa-wN6w/s1600-h/_MG_5094%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5094" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5094" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61LcjpQUI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/rF1kwu_yd-c/_MG_5094_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I wanted to give you guys a recap of the cost of our meals this week.  I was pretty excited about the final numbers!  It is kind of hard to know how to figure out the total cost though.  Do I include things I already have in my pantry?  If I only use half a bag of rice, do I only account for 1/2 the cost in the total?</p> <p>Here is what I came up with:</p> <ul> <li>I’ll make a “pantry list” that points out all of the ingredients I have paid for in the past and are slowly being used up when I cook</li> <li>If I buy a bag of rice [for example] specifically for a meal, I will include the full price of the rice, even if I don’t use it all.  When I use the rest of the rice, for another recipe, this will now be included in my pantry list.  It is too hard to figure out percentages of what I’ve used, so I figure I’ll include the full price the first time I use the item.</li> <li>I am including the 3.96% CO food tax</li> <li>I will divide the total grocery cost, for that recipe, by the total number of servings we got out of it.  If it is a big enough serving for 1 adult meal, I am counting it as 1 serving.</li> </ul> <p><strong><font color="#ff8000">Curried Veggies + Coconut Rice:</font></strong></p> <p><strong>pantry items:</strong> jasmine rice/sweet potato/red potato/curry powder/cinnamon/cayenne pepper/ginger root/olive oil</p> <p><strong>total cost:</strong> $24.86</p> <p><strong>serves 8:</strong> <font color="#0080ff">$3.10/serving</font></p> <p><font color="#ff8000"><strong>Taco Bake:</strong></font></p> <p><strong>pantry items:</strong> olive oil/cumin/garlic powder/cayenne pepper/frozen corn</p> <p><strong>total cost:</strong> $24.96</p> <p><strong>serves 6-8:</strong> <font color="#0080ff">$4.16/person for 6 - $3.12/person for 8</font> </p> <p><strong><font color="#ff8000">Spaghetti Squash Pasta Bake:</font></strong></p> <p><strong>pantry items:</strong> garlic powder/oregano/basil/pepper/olive oil</p> <p><strong>total cost:</strong> $14.95</p> <p><strong>serves 4:</strong> <font color="#0080ff">$3.73/person</font></p> <p><font color="#ff8000"><strong>Red Beans and Rice w/Andouille Sausage:</strong></font></p> <p><strong>pantry items:</strong> garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, cajun spice blend, rice</p> <p><strong>total cost:</strong> $9.98</p> <p><strong>serves 8:</strong> <font color="#0080ff">$1.25/person</font></p> <p>How much would it cost to feed a family of 4 at McDonalds?  These meals are also sliiiightly [understatement] healthier than anything you will find under the golden arches.</p> <p>---</p> <p>So, I was planning on making the red beans and rice tonight, but guess what I forgot to do?? Soak the beans overnight. <font color="#ff0000">FAIL!</font> I was so mad when I realized this.  But, it was already pretty late and the meal would have taken 2.5hrs to make anyway, so we’ll save it for another night.</p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Plan B:</font></strong> <font color="#ff8000"><strong>Pumpkin French Toast + Eggs</strong></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61MPr7tqI/AAAAAAAAA8U/kWhUanwx2yA/s1600-h/_MG_5108%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5108" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5108" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61Mhz_PII/AAAAAAAAA8Y/kD5Z-eFn2iI/_MG_5108_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>I l.o.v.e. french toast!! This was on a whim and turned out really good.  Super easy in a pinch!</p> <p>All of these things were pantry items – SCORE!</p> <ul> <li>2 slices whole wheat bread</li> <li>1 egg</li> <li>1/4c. pureed pumpkin</li> <li>1/2t. cinnamon</li> <li>1T cream or milk</li> <li>1T maple syrup</li> </ul> <ol> <li>Heat skillet on med. and grease with a little butter or oil.</li> <li>Whisk egg/cinnamon/cream until combined.</li> <li>Dunk both sides of each piece of bread in egg wash to cover completely.</li> <li>Lay in pan and cook on each side until golden brown</li> </ol> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61NgE-2XI/AAAAAAAAA8c/TL3QvyC-ePY/s1600-h/_MG_5122-2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5122-2" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5122-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61Oj-slUI/AAAAAAAAA8g/C0yS4uM3Es8/_MG_5122-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I topped it with warm pumpkin puree, a little maple syrup, and 1T of vanilla granola.  I also scrambled 2 eggs on the side!  It was sooo good with the glob of pumpkin on top!  I have never done that before…but will definitely be doing it again =)  Had some POM juice to wash it all down.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61PKYOmBI/AAAAAAAAA8k/Ee5bhO3SYSM/s1600-h/_MG_5130%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5130" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5130" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61PzC61uI/AAAAAAAAA8o/ZX_5dU_Bkxo/_MG_5130_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I’m headed to Cleveland this Saturday, to visit my family.  I grew up [well, the first 7yrs of my life were in Michigan] in an eastern suburb of Cleveland.  I moved to Columbus, OH for undergrad and lived there for 5yrs and then moved to Charlotte, NC for grad school and lived there for 3yrs.  </p> <p>I’m going for a week and super excited to visit friends + fam and hang out with my bro for his 30th birthday!!! [which was today] I’m taking Chris’s camera [yay!!] and will be keeping the blog updated with fun food stuff.  I am planning on making <a href="http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/caramel-apples-recipe.html">caramel apples</a> with my cousins and lots of other yummy things!</p> <p>Night all =)</p> <p>Ashley</p> <p>p.s. It snowed today…ICK! You can barely see it in this photo but later in the evening it was starting to accumulate. Not ready for it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61QgDKt4I/AAAAAAAAA8s/cV-r6Or5oPk/s1600-h/_MG_5106%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5106" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5106" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss61RjxDWYI/AAAAAAAAA8w/5q12SBY6XDU/_MG_5106_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-52038622863001188622009-10-08T00:38:00.001-04:002009-10-08T00:46:20.049-04:00two right feet<p>I tried to get as much done today as I possibly could.  Had to make some oh-so-boring calls to insurance, clean, laundry, run, cook, photos, research + think about new blog things, think about what I should do with my life!! Ahhh! There really are ZERO architecture jobs right now, so it’s time to get creative with what I can do.  I have some ideas in mind, but I have to look into them more before I start blabbing about them =)</p> <p>I knew I wanted to go for a run today.  Since being in Colorado, I have been cramping up while running, way more than I used to.  I stay really well hydrated, so that was not the problem.  I have been eating 1 banana each morning about 1hr before running, because potassium is supposed to help with cramping.  Well, it’s not working.  Something with more potassium?  Coconut water!  I tried it once before and didn’t like it at all.  I thought maybe it was just the flavor.</p> <p>1 serving of coconut water has 2x the potassium as 1 banana.  It had to work!  I got 2 flavors at Whole Foods yesterday.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1sfPUvCDI/AAAAAAAAA6M/3Y-yadxCfa8/s1600-h/_MG_5067%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5067" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5067" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1sfedp1CI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/XGR0a2_vYtw/_MG_5067_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>The flavor was fine, but there is just something about coconut water that I don’t like.  This may sound weird, but I swear it has a slimier texture/feeling when you drink it.  It’s slightly thicker than water and just goes down funny.  [ashley <---- freak] I choked down 3/4 of it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1sf3vmm2I/AAAAAAAAA6U/6Z0Bz98QtTA/s1600-h/_MG_5069%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5069" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5069" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1sgUb_IOI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/qWQAyYdnoCc/_MG_5069_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>While photographing the water, I had my perfect pumpkin oats cooking away on the stove.  I finally found the spice ratio that I like the best!</p> <p>cinnamon + nutmeg + ginger + cloves</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1sg0rlrFI/AAAAAAAAA6c/q6smw0sUuIQ/s1600-h/_MG_5074%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5074" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5074" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1shOpvLpI/AAAAAAAAA6g/WgZ4dWA7EQM/_MG_5074_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Serious Pumpkin Oats – serves 1</p> <ul> <li>1/3c. organic rolled oats</li> <li>2/3c. any type of milk or water [I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk]</li> <li>1/3c. organic pumpkin puree</li> <li>2t. sucanat or honey or maple syrup</li> <li>2-3 shakes ginger + cloves + nutmeg</li> <li>1/4 rounded tsp. cinnamon</li> </ul> <ol> <li>Turn burner on medium heat.  </li> <li>Add oats/milk/spices/sweetener </li> <li>Whisk/stir until combined and every minute for about 5min until nice + thick.</li> </ol> <p>Topping ideas: granola/walnuts/almonds/peanut butter scoop</p> <p>You can see the steam!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1shrcTYmI/AAAAAAAAA6k/mNmiB3bEgDY/s1600-h/_MG_5076%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5076" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5076" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1shwKwpgI/AAAAAAAAA6o/N6Iv4--Cf4U/_MG_5076_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>Driving to Boulder…love this view</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1siSha18I/AAAAAAAAA6s/xWUmTsCNGV4/s1600-h/IMG_1128%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1128" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1128" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1si1E9j9I/AAAAAAAAA6w/B7BSd5S7y-E/IMG_1128_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>2 right feet + 2 different shoes</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1sjZvCoUI/AAAAAAAAA60/fc75jssspgg/s1600-h/IMG_1129%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1129" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1129" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1sj9typWI/AAAAAAAAA64/vbzVIlJQiOM/IMG_1129_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>I drove to Boulder to meet with <a href="http://www.fuse-photographic.com/">Laura</a> for a mid-morning run.  The leg on the right belongs to Laura ;)  The weather was per.fect. It was about 58*, sunny, and not windy.  We ran through a park/bike path/running path that runs through Boulder along a creek.  It was such a scenic run.  I am really enjoying my runs out here - so much more than Charlotte!</p> <p>We ran about 3.5m and kept a good pace, especially at the end.  It was probably around 9.5min/mile for the first half and closer to 9 for the 2nd half.  After the run, we walked about a 1/2 mile to get some lunch on Pearl Street.  We found a newer place called <a href="http://www.maiberry.com/ourstory.html">Maiberry</a> that had a menu with crepes, frozen yogurt, belgian waffles, and smoothie bowls.  They have tons of fresh fruit toppings, granola, nuts, and sauces you can add.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1skFhqjgI/AAAAAAAAA68/cdSUUYnHVfA/s1600-h/IMG_1131%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1131" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="IMG_1131" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1skUHUrNI/AAAAAAAAA7A/7dB_6FV0RGo/IMG_1131_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" /></a></p> <p>The architect in us, loved this table =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1skz7WB5I/AAAAAAAAA7E/eenDJjSrRqE/s1600-h/IMG_1132%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1132" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1132" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1sldsdXVI/AAAAAAAAA7I/PPpoGknyFck/IMG_1132_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>We decided to split a waffle and smoothie bowl and added about 4 toppings each.  The waffle was fresh and fluffy. It was topped with tons of fruit and a little maple syrup.  I got the Acai Bowl which was realllly yummy.  It was topped with granola, 3 kinds of fruit, honey, and almonds.  YUM!  The prices were pretty decent too.  </p> <p>waffle - $6.50 –  [including all topppings]</p> <p>small smoothie bowl - $4.50ish [including all toppings]</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1sliPmcRI/AAAAAAAAA7M/RiewdWLYCg4/s1600-h/IMG_1134%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1134" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1134" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1smD8D_PI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/8eLgLTiDRQo/IMG_1134_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>My half.  We ate every last bite.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1smZRfB9I/AAAAAAAAA7U/OLEjMxwS_Sg/s1600-h/IMG_1137%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1137" style="display: inline" height="364" alt="IMG_1137" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1smp6gqzI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/jrd88GqTB7k/IMG_1137_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="273" /></a></p> <p>I got all of the cleaning/phone calls/boring stuff done and did quite a bit of thinking! On to dinner…</p> <p>Dinner was nice and simple.  </p> <p>Spaghetti squash! mmm</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1snIri_CI/AAAAAAAAA7c/7CWIC9ihzDQ/s1600-h/_MG_5085%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5085" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="_MG_5085" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1snb6m44I/AAAAAAAAA7g/WDHUYzw9ygw/_MG_5085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="173" /></a> </p> <p>the.guts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1snpmtwyI/AAAAAAAAA7k/U0pRc1ZKsyc/s1600-h/_MG_5090%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5090" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5090" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1soB_LvpI/AAAAAAAAA7o/vFvhTKsa8GU/_MG_5090_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>Spaghetti Squash Pasta Bake:</p> <ul> <li>1, appx. 3lb spaghetti squash</li> <li>1, 5oz. container spinach</li> <li>1 jar of spaghetti sauce [avoid runny sauces]</li> <li>baguette loaf</li> <li>liberal shakes of garlic powder/dried oregano/dried basil/pepper</li> <li>6oz. fresh grated mozzarella cheese </li> </ul> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 350*</li> <li>Cut spaghetti squash into quarters and scrape out guts.</li> <li>Lightly oil and bake for 40-50min.</li> <li>Let cool for 20min and then scrape out the insides with a fork into a 9x13 casserole dish.</li> <li>Add 5oz. container of spinach/half of the cheese/half of the sauce/and seasonings and stir until combined.</li> <li>Spread another 1/4 of the sauce evenly on top of the squash mixture.</li> <li>Cover tightly with foil about bake for 30min</li> <li>While baking, slice a baguette in half and lightly brush with oil and shake on garlic powder/black pepper/salt.</li> <li>Cut into crouton sized cubes.</li> <li>Take dish out of oven and turn to broil.</li> <li>Spread cubes and cheese evenly on top and broil for about 5min, until bubbly and browned.</li> </ol> <p>Sometimes it can get a bit runny, so serve with a slotted spoon.  The crunchy squash had such a great texture and the bread croutons on top were SO good and helped to make this all veggie meal more filling.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1soYuuJuI/AAAAAAAAA7s/AlaezvcNDw4/s1600-h/_MG_5100%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5100" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5100" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1spCFSQAI/AAAAAAAAA7w/R0cYL1ooL9s/_MG_5100_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>My plate…so so good.  There was a lot of spinach in there but it’s hiding!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1spURvzhI/AAAAAAAAA70/5xdHiPt7-Q4/s1600-h/_MG_5101%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5101" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5101" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ss1spzJCk7I/AAAAAAAAA74/Nk4DqdyS4Ok/_MG_5101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>I also got some awesome POM samples in the mail today and coupons for Stoneyfield Oikos!  More on that tomorrow!! </p> <p>Time to do more thinking…</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-89040660116924925722009-10-07T01:06:00.001-04:002009-10-07T01:14:27.056-04:00taco bake bonanza<p>I don’t know what made me think of this meal.  I’m sure there are versions like it out there, but I just went with my gut and made this one up!  My initial thought was “taco lasagna!”  It is pretty hard to mess up baked layer dishes and they are always totally open for additions/subtractions.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh0I_QN7I/AAAAAAAAA5c/UQXHT-sfhW4/s1600-h/_MG_5043%5B8%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5043" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5043" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh09H8jGI/AAAAAAAAA5g/550b7XXZZQU/_MG_5043_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a> </p> <p>I went on a nice 4+ mile trail run today.  The first 2 miles are a steady incline the entire way.  It’s nice to have the mountains to look at while running!  Hitting the 1/2 way point is always SO nice – quick stretch – and a nice downhill run back home.  I’m not sure what my pace is because I’m not sure of the exact distance.  I would say on the way up I’m at a 10+min/mile and the way down 9.5min/mile…maybe a little better?  I wonder if running in Cleveland, when I’m home next week, will be be a little easier now?</p> <p>Chris and I went to the climbing gym today too.  I was not feeling the climbing as much as normal but we did some <a href="http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=bouldering&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi">bouldering</a> [short climbs with no rope] which I enjoyed much more.</p> <p>I’m wiped out from all the activities today!! But in a good way. </p> <p>On to dinner…</p> <p>cajun spice mix, sitting in my new spoons!! =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh1bYS6qI/AAAAAAAAA5k/mwpK6FgbmNE/s1600-h/_MG_5036%5B3%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5036" style="display: inline" height="273" alt="_MG_5036" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh1-69ASI/AAAAAAAAA5o/L8qteUHYDKo/_MG_5036_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Layered Taco Craziness: serves 6-8 hungry adults</p> <ul> <li>1 – 1.5lbs ground beef [I used a mix of 95% and 85% lean grass fed]</li> <li>1 sm. yellow onion</li> <li>1 green pepper</li> <li>2T olive oil</li> <li>1 rounded tsp. ground cumin</li> <li>1 rounded tsp. garlic powder</li> <li>1 rounded tsp. cajun spice blend</li> <li>1/2tsp. salt</li> <li>1/2tsp. cayenne pepper</li> <li>fresh ground black pepper</li> <li>2 avocados</li> <li>1 can green chilies</li> <li>1 can black beans, drained</li> <li>1c. frozen corn</li> <li>1 jar salsa [steer away from really runny salsa]</li> <li>appx. 8oz fresh grated cheese [I mixed sharp cheddar and monterey jack]</li> <li>1 bag of your favorite tortilla chips [I used a mix of red corn + Food Should Taste Good Jalapeno]</li> </ul> <ol> <li>Chop onion + green pepper.  </li> <li>Cut, scoop, + mash avocado until smooth.</li> <li>Heat 2T oil in large skillet on medium heat.  Add meat/onion/peppers.</li> <li>Add all seasonings and mix well.  </li> <li>Pre-heat oven to 350* and get out a 9x13 deep dish pan.</li> <li>Cook meat until completely browned, take off heat and drain grease.</li> <li>Put a layer of smashed chips in the bottom of the pan just to cover. </li> <li>From there add 1/2 of the black beans and 1/2 of the salsa, evenly spread.</li> <li>Add 1/2 of the beef mixture and 1/2c. of the corn. </li> <li>With a spatula spread all of the avocado evenly and then add the whole can of green chilies.</li> <li>Repeat steps 7-9.  [in the middle layer I used the jalapeno chips for a little kick!]</li> <li>Cover with foil and bake 30min.</li> <li>Take out of the oven and turn to broil. Top with a light layer of crumbled chips and the grated cheese on top.</li> <li>Take out when cheese is bubbly and melted, appx. 3-5min. </li> </ol> <p>Of all the meals I’ve made in the past few weeks, this was in the top 3, for sure.  Let me know if you try it out!  You can adjust the seasonings however you want.  I would say this had a medium heat level.  You can also use chicken instead of ground beef or take out the meat and add more veggies.  It’s very open for playing! =)</p> <p>pre-bake</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh2EjOsiI/AAAAAAAAA5s/mzuzQZ22SH8/s1600-h/_MG_5047%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5047" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5047" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh2rc0nsI/AAAAAAAAA5w/zPAUxFo5YrM/_MG_5047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>FSTG yummmy Jalapeno chips</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh3C6cuSI/AAAAAAAAA50/K3EUOPmDXU0/s1600-h/_MG_5050%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5050" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh3uMTaWI/AAAAAAAAA54/h2H0fY1DQFM/_MG_5050_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>The crunchy chip + cheese topping was realllly yummy…I always love a little crunch in my meals ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh36XZgVI/AAAAAAAAA58/lN409VqYs7o/s1600-h/_MG_5054%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5054" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5054" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh4c67XiI/AAAAAAAAA6A/mnchhbsNBNg/_MG_5054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>One of my new plates!  I took a little too much…Chris had no problem helping me finish it =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh4p6gOII/AAAAAAAAA6E/cmuQu-ZiVuw/s1600-h/_MG_5061%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5061" style="display: inline" height="271" alt="_MG_5061" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Sswh5FG7TAI/AAAAAAAAA6I/W_ZOk3FYZ_s/_MG_5061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" /></a></p> <p>Okay…now time for YOU to help ME! </p> <p>I am trying to figure out what to do with this blog.  It first started as a way to blog about my journey with my granola bar business.  Since that is on hold for the time being, and I have no job, I thought I’d give the food blogging a try.  I have always loved to take photos of my food + have always loved to cook.  Now I have more time to play with Chris’s camera and work on the photography side of things.  Most newcomers are probably confused as to what “ota.bars” even is.  </p> <p>I’m wondering if I should start a new blog and leave the ota.bars blog behind for now?  [until I can do something w/the business again]</p> <p>What kind of content do you like the most?</p> <ol> <li>food + food photos only</li> <li>#1 with general life stuff</li> <li>more in depth details on calorie consumption, my workouts, food cost, food reviews, etc.</li> </ol> <p>And for the photos…</p> <ol> <li>food photos only</li> <li>food + people + places</li> </ol> <p>I am getting sick of my blog template too.  It just isn’t working for me now.  It was fine for ota.bars but now that I’m posting more I need more organization.  </p> <p>I feel like I started things a little backwards and didn’t give you much basic info into my life and what I’m trying to do here.  Would you like a few posts like this: “about me” “my pantry staples” “ingredients I despise” “general health + fitness” etc.</p> <p>I would love to bring something new and different to the table.  Let me know your thoughts!</p> <p>Time to brainstorm!! Comments pleeease =) </p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565044327820644520.post-85000196283248414612009-10-06T02:32:00.001-04:002009-10-06T02:38:14.733-04:00curry + coconut<p>Curry spiced veggies with a side of coconut rice was on the menu for tonight.  It was my first time ever attempting something like this and it seemed to go over really well.  It was FULL of veggies. Lots of chopping!  I did all of that at the beginning and got all my spices out to make it easier on myself.  Spending a little more time at the beginning to organize everything, will save time + stress while cooking!</p> <p><strong>veggie lineup</strong> – 1 red pepper + 1 green pepper + 1 med. yellow onion + 2 carrots + 1 sweet potato + 1 large red potato + 2 med. zucchini squash + 10oz spinach [I forgot to add the spinach in…and was really mad 2hrs later when I realized it…GR!]</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ssrkj8T_OwI/AAAAAAAAA48/Kz-N2cs531k/s1600-h/_MG_5016%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5016" style="display: inline" height="275" alt="_MG_5016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ssrkkc9B6LI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Al9bpWYHlkw/_MG_5016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" /></a></p> <p>Cooking away in the delicious spices and carrot/orange juice.  The curry + turmeric definitely made everything very yellow…including staining a white spatula…beware!  It smelled SO good. </p> <p>[bad lighting..eek]</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ssrkk0bxq0I/AAAAAAAAA5E/9nQ9h64SmNs/s1600-h/_MG_5028%5B5%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5028" style="display: inline" height="275" alt="_MG_5028" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SsrklVyQ18I/AAAAAAAAA5I/-MS5lvDujgY/_MG_5028_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" /></a></p> <p>It paired perfectly with the subtle coconut flavor I added to the jasmine rice. </p> <p>I got to use 1 of my new plates!! Natalie used one too =)  It’s kind of fun to have a bunch of mix-matched plates.  It was a change of pace from the normal dinnerware and they were such a good deal! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ssrkl1CMNNI/AAAAAAAAA5M/1DDkWHFzOVo/s1600-h/_MG_5032%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5032" style="display: inline" height="275" alt="_MG_5032" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SsrkmYTKCTI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/Z4PEnXLXo6U/_MG_5032_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" /></a></p> <p>The veggies were really yummy and didn’t get too soft while simmering.  This is a “keeper” for.sure.</p> <p>1-2-3 Curry Veggie Yum: [feeds 6-8]</p> <ul> <li>1 red pepper </li> <li>1 green pepper </li> <li>1 med. onion </li> <li>2 med. zucchini squash</li> <li>2 carrots </li> <li>1 sweet potato </li> <li>1 large red potato </li> <li>3 cloves garlic</li> <li>15oz. can of garbanzo beans, drained</li> <li>10oz. spinach</li> <li>3/4tsp. salt</li> <li>1 rounded tsp. ground turmeric</li> <li>1 rounded Tbs. curry powder</li> <li>1tsp. ground cinnamon</li> <li>1/2 – 1t. cayenne pepper [start with 1/2t. if you’re not sure – you can always add more to taste at the end]</li> <li>1c. orange juice [or carrot juice, or I found an orange/carrot mix]</li> <li>1tsp. fresh ground ginger</li> <li>6Tbs. olive oil</li> </ul> <p>Creamy coconut rice:</p> <ul> <li>2c. jasmine rice</li> <li>1.5c. lite coconut milk</li> <li>1.5c. water</li> <li>2T extra virgin coconut oil [this gives it most of the flavor – you can substitute any oil however]</li> </ul> <ol> <li>Peel the potatoes + carrots then cube. </li> <li>Chop all other veggies and mince the garlic.</li> <li>In a medium saucepan add 3T olive oil/cayenne/salt/turmeric/cinnamon/garlic.</li> <li>In a large pot heat 3T olive oil on medium.  When hot, add onion/peppers/carrots/potatoes and sauté for 5-8min. </li> <li>After the veggies are sautéing for a few minutes, turn the spice mixture on medium heat for 3min. + stir until all combined together.</li> <li>Add in orange/carrot juice, ginger, beans and zucchini to the veggie pot.</li> <li>Use a spatula to scrape out the spice mixture and add to the veggies. Stir until well combined.</li> <li>Cover and simmer for about 20min. You can always do a potato check to see if it’s ready to eat after 20min.</li> <li>Stir in the spinach at the very end [tasted great without it but next time I’ll add it in]</li> </ol> <p>To time the rice correctly you can turn that on after step 2.  The rice will take 30min total.</p> <ol> <li>In a large saucepan add rice/coco milk/water/oil and cover on medium heat until it comes to a boil.  When it boils, stir once, recover and simmer for 20min.  [until all liquid is absorbed] Take off heat and keep covered for 10min.  Fluff with fork just before serving.</li> </ol> <p>If you want the curry sauce to be a little thicker you can mash up some of the beans and a few potatoes.  This releases their starches and will help to thicken a bit.</p> <p>Let me know if you try this out!  It was super flavorful and something fun and different to make. YUM.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/SsrkuZrGI8I/AAAAAAAAA5U/E-v3bGgqt6Q/s1600-h/_MG_5029%5B2%5D.jpg"><img title="_MG_5029" style="display: inline" height="275" alt="_MG_5029" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_AIEErhQE87c/Ssrku1aMjUI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/8GM-RJQCBuk/_MG_5029_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" /></a> </p> <p>I am too tired to figure out the cost of this meal…maybe tomorrow?  It wasn’t too bad because I had all but 1 of the spices, there was no meat, and I always have coconut oil on hand.  It also will serve 6-8 easily.</p> <p>I’m pooped…off to bed!</p> <p>Niiiight =)</p> <p>Ashley</p> Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00917355588009826371noreply@blogger.com0