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....
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????
Burrata, Peaches, Cherry Tomatoes, and Grilled Sourdough Bread
Every summer, there is one dish that dominates mealtime. We try to make it whenever possible. Last year it was Grilled Romaine and the year before that, it was Heirloom Tomato Panzanella. This year, the winner is this lovely compliation of everything that is in peak season right now!
Summer in a Bowl (BEST SALAD EVER)
This salad has a different name in our house, but it has a bad word in it, and I know there could be some of my GOTRs that read this, so I am keeping it out of this part. The first time I made this salad was on my birthday which is April 30th, and it was after my first bite that I gifted this salad its signature name. We had it every day that week, and since then we've had it every week.
Vegan Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs
Aside from the dark chocolate Easter bunnies, Resee's peanut butter cup eggs used to be one of the most highly coveted treasures in those Easter baskets. Then, one day, I became an adult and now most sweet things that you can buy in the candy aisle make me feel terrible, and I am not even the least bit tempted to indulge. One day I was making protein bars, and then these happened. What a happy accident!! I've experimented several times, and after making these into hearts, shamrocks, and medallians, I am so proud of how this recipe turned out!
100% more delicious than Reese's peanut butter cups and probably 100% healthier too! Peanut Butter Filling: 8 ingredients, including vanilla and salt. Dark Chocolate Covering: 3 - 4, ingredients including salt.
Taco Tuesday: Sweet Potato Black Bean Falafel Tacos + Kale Slaw + Tahini Sauce
Aside from being healthy and worthy of the mid-chewing 'mmmmmm's' (I'm thinking specifically of the scene in What About Bob? where Bob is eating corn at the family dinner table), my favorite recipes have three things in common:
- They make great leftovers
- They are easy and relatively quick
- They keep me satiated for a long time
Spicy Almond Chickpea Salad Sliders
I love to be sneaky and trick people who usually shy away from anything labeled 'vegetarian' or 'vegan' into eating exactly those kinds of things and then watching their reactions of surprise and delight.
This is a GREAT recipe for that purpose.
Roasted Squash with Farro, Toasted Pepitas, Pomegranate & Warm Maple Cinnamon Drizzle
In walks you, tamer of delicious Thanksgiving vegetable delights. Carrying a platter of beautifully roasted butternut and delicata squash, topped with savory barley and farro, pomegranate and toasted pepitas, topped with warm maple cinnamon drizzle. As soon as you reach the table, the compliments start flowing, even conservative Aunt Janice pipes up!