Our go to fast(er) food places are Chipotle and Vui's Kitchen. This summer while I was training for the Chicago Marathon, I had a slight case of food poisoning the night before and then again after my run. It was the only long run I did inside, you know, easy access to bathrooms... I needed something that would be easy on my stomach, and Vui's pho was just the remedy. I now associate it with magical healing powers. Making broth from scratch is something I have always wanted to do and was also a goal for this year in my life, this was a great starter recipe to fulfill my goal! (One more thing!! Hello to my precious friend Jess, from college, who requested this recipe!!)
Lentil Chickpea Stew with Tomato + Coconut Sauce
Nashville has had more 'April' weather than 'February' these past couple of days. The trees are blooming, daffodils are popping up EVERYWHERE, and the sun feels warm. Last night I went for a run and heard frogs down by the river's edge. I don't like it. This recipe is an 'Ode to Winter Weather'. The perfect warm, hearty meal to cozy up with during a snowstorm....
Vegetarian Nachos with Homemade Enchilada Sauce
I've said it before, but one thing that gives me great joy, is tricking people into thinking there is meat in something. I served this lovely mixture of lentils and barley simmered in homemade enchilada sauce at our Christmas party in 'dip' form. Two meat eating males thought there was definitely meat in this mixture. MU AH AH AH! THERE ISN'T! But aside from that, have you ever made your OWN enchilada sauce?? It is RIDICULOUSLY delicious. (This might be the prefect thing to make in time for that big Ping Pong Championship happening tonight) Also included in this post, is the perfect nacho chip....
Fresh Greens + Satsuma Oranges + Burrata = Super Salad
Last weekend, I managed to scarf down two doughnuts before we left the parking lot of the Franklin Farmer's Market. I felt like I needed some greens to balance me out. The crisp, crunchy greens paired with the sweetness of satsuma oranges would be good enough on its own, but add in creamy burrata with flakes of salt sprinkled on it and a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinaigrette?? DREAMY!
Vegan Lentil Mushroom Meatballs
I have been making Lentil Mushroom Meatballs on the reg for the last two years. After a long history with veggie burgers, I welcomed the challenge of developing a recipe for flavorful 'meat'balls. I figured it was an attainable goal since veggie burgers are one of my favorite things to eat. In the process, I found two magical ingredients that really make these AMAZEMEATLESSBALLS!!!
Crispy Herbed Chickpeas over Bucatini with Tomato Sauce
Things are hectic right now. It seems like every minute during this season is filled with holiday activities, whether its shopping for Christmas presents, attending Christmas functions, watching Hallmark Christmas movies, or baking Christmas treats! Busy times plus the fact that my diet has recently consisted of pumpkin molasses cookies, espresso shortbread with butterscotch glaze, the bag of potato chips someone left at our house from our Christmas party (I don't even like potato chips but these are just so DELICIOUS), and citrus fruit.
This is why it is KEY to have a couple healthy, easy, quick recipes on hand! Add warm and filling to the list, and here you have the perfect winter dinner!
A Compilation of Delectable Thanksgiving Fare!
It's Turkey Lurkey TIME! No turkey for me, but there is one recipe in this compilation that will help you use your leftovers deliciously! In this post you will find EASY flavorful appetizers, a collection of delectable vegetable focused dishes, a couple of special dessert recipes (including my FAVORITE pumpkin pie in the world), and some hilarious holiday headlines from The Onion!!
Quinoa, Black Beans, and Sweet Potato with Spicy Lime Sauce
This recipe has been my go to recipe for years!! It is super quick, easy, and nutritious! Somehow, during the last couple of months, I managed to make it even easier by straight up microwaving the sweet potato instead of roasting it.... This recipe is will be the perfect addition to your life during these next few weeks when everyone seems to have delicious holiday candy and cookies on hand.
EASY Cracker-thin Pizza Crust + Delightful Pizza Accoutrements
I have been playing around with a new recipe for thinner crust pizza, almost cracker thin. I finally perfected it this summer!! If you have always wanted to make your own pizza dough, this is a GREAT recipe to start with! There are only 4-5 ingredients needed for the dough, and It is so much quicker than your usual pizza dough recipe! I also compiled some delightful pizza topping accoutrements that you must try, especially if you're looking for some new Meatless Monday recipes!
2016 Chicago Marathon Race Recap
I completed my second marathon last Sunday as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. I finished in 3:56! Even though I PR-ed by 17 minutes and had my first sub 4 hour marathon, I haven't had many positive thoughts since I crossed the starting line.
Someone once told me that finishing a race is how an athlete expresses themselves. That a strong finish is an expression and reflection of the time and effort you put in to your training. This race did not reflect how hard I worked all summer. My quadriceps were in charlie horse level pain from about mile 10 to mile 26.2. I knew it was a physiological problem, and planned to get a blood work up as soon as I got back home. What the heck happened????