Tag: Fun!

Baked Falafel

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Today was much better than yesterday.  I was still pretty lazy but not NEARLY as much as yesterday.

I got my butt to the gym as soon as it opened (12:00pm, isn’t that crazyyy late?!?).  I did a FANTASTIC interval work out inspired by this lady.  Actually I wrote this work out plan on a little piece of paper with the intention of taking it to the gym with me, but left it at home as I often tend to do.  Instead, I made up my own on the spot.

5 min warm up
3 sets: (9 mins)
1 min 6.0
1 min 7.0
1 min 4.0
3 sets: (9 mins)
1 min 5.6
1 min 8.0
1 min 4.2
3 sets: (9 mins)
1 min 6.5
1 min 7.5
1 min 4.5
3 sets: (9 mins)
1 min 7.0
1 min 6.0
1 min 4.0
3 sets: (9 mins)
1 min 8.0
1 min 6.5
1 min 4.2
5-10 min cool down

LOVED IT.  I was a sweaty mess at the end.  The work out just flew by!  Probably helped that I was listening to an old school playlist that I hadn’t listened to in a million years.  I hate to admit it but I like running on treadmills.

I’m excited to do this again sometime this week.  Next time, I’ll do her actual work out.  Definitely recommended!

Then I came home and made the most magical lunch ever!

Baked Falafel

adapted from Epicurious
1 cup dried garbanzo beans
1/2 large onion, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon salt
4 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon baking powder
6 tablespoons flour (I used sorghum flour, so I think they were gluten free)

Soak beans overnight in plenty of water.  The next days, put the garbanzo beans and onion in the food processor and pulse to roughly chop.  Next add remaining ingredients and pulse until combine.  Refrigerate mixture for a few hours (this is when I went to the gym and did the above mentioned fab work out).

After the  mixture is chilled, pre heat your oven to 375 degrees.  Form garbanzo bean mixture into 20 walnut sized balls.  Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.  Turn and baked for another 15 minute.  Serve on lettuce with cucumbers, tomato and yogurt tahini sauce.

Yogurt Tahini Sauce

1/4 cup greek yogurt
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp water (more or less depending on how thick you want it)

Stir together in a bowl and drizzle over falafel.   This recipe makes enough to serve 4 or 5.

In case you’re curious, this is the nutrition information for each ball:

Pretty tasty!  I will say that they can be rather messy to eat, God forbid I use silverware!

Of course after lunch I watched the World Cup Final.  Big surprise (I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about it, but it’s over now).

Spain won! I’m pleased!

Alright now back to my book!  Have a great night!

The Thought Process of the Laziest Day Ever

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I woke up and looked at the clock. 7:09am.  That’s a reasonable hour to be awake on a Saturday morning.   Sat up and looked out the window and wondered what I’m going to do today. Hmm I can go to the gym, it opens at 10am on Saturdays.

In the meantime, I’ll have breakfast. I hop out of bed, make coffee and waffles.  Blog a bit.

10am comes around.  Hm I’m still full.  I’ll wait it out a bit.  Oh wait, maybe I should go to the farmer’s market real quick to pick up my CSA share since they recommend going before 12:00pm.

So I go to the farmer’s market, pick up my share and I’m home by 11:30.  As I put away my CSA veggies, I have a bright idea to make something with some of last week’s veggies. They’re going to go bad, obviously they can’t sit in the fridge an hour longer while I go to the gym.

I made some Cilantro Lime Slaw.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

adapted from Epicurious

1/4 cup greek yogurt
zest + juice of 1 lime
few shakes of cayenne
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
black pepper
3 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 an onion, thinly sliced

Combine all the ingredients together and mix well.  Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Then since it was sitting in front of me, I ate some Cilantro Lime Slaw.  Who else is going to eat that plate I just photographed?  I mean it can’t go back in the bowl that’s going in the fridge! I thought it was delicious!  When I was little my mom used to make cabbage with lime and salt, nothing else.  This tastes like a spicier, better version of that.  What can I say, I’m easy to please (…not true at all).

While I was at it I had some chips that my old roommate who moved out left behind.  Hmm now I’m too full to go to the gym.

Guess I’ll clean up a bit in the meantime.  As I clean, I see a bag of bread flour and have a bright idea!  Oatmeal bread!

Oatmeal Bread

adapted from King Arthur Flour

3 cups bread flour
1 cup oats
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp molasses (or honey or sugar)
2 tsp dry active yeast
1 1/4 cup milk, warm (microwaved it 30 seconds)
extra flour for dusting kneading surface

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.  In a small bowl combine butter, milk, yeast, and molasses.  Let sit for a few minutes until it gets foamy.  Then add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix together.  Once you can’t mix it any more, turn onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes.  Place dough in a greased bowl and put in a warm place to rise for an hour.  After the dough has risen, put it in a loaf pan and let it rise for another hour.  Once it has risen about an inch or so over the rim of the pan, bake at 350F for about 40 minutes.  Allow to cool completely before slicing.

So I started making that.  As the dough rises, I peruse the internet and look at the clock.  It’s about 1:30.  Oh the Germany vs Uruguay game is at 2:30, this gym doesn’t have a TV.  I better not go now, plus I’m still full.

Instead I took a nap while my bread was rising.  At 2:20, I woke up repositioned my bread into a bread pan and let it proof one more time.  Perfect timing the game is going to start!

At the half time, I put my bread in the oven.

45 minutes later.  Germany wins.  I’m bummed but life goes on.  My bread is ready.  I should probably take pictures of it.  In that process I ate two pieces (the rest is now in the freezer).  Again too full to exercise. And damn the gym closes at 5:30pm.

Around 6:00pm, I finally gave up.  Forget this, I’m not exercising today. Instead I took a shower and went to the mall for two reasons.

To watch this by myself:

and to buy this:

I’m a lonely, midwestern housewife. Don’t tell.

Eclipse was terrible.  No two ways around it.

Sure, Taylor Lautner was pretty, but the movie was horrible.  I laughed out loud a few times (not always at intentionally funny parts).  I’m glad I went alone, I think I would have been terribly embarrassed if I made someone go see that with me, especially a boy (not that I have one to go with).  There were a fair number of men in the theatre surprisingly.  You know I’ll still see the next one anyway…

So it looks like I have a date with my bed and the above mentioned book (10th Sookie Stackhouse book, I can’t say no).

I must confess: I love cheesy books.  They make me so happy.  Sookie Stackhouse fills that need for me.  For the record, the books really aren’t that much like the show.

This is the perfect example of why I need schedules (activities and meal times) and planning ahead.

I overspent both my monetary entertainment budget and my calorie budget.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

Put a Ring on It Blueberry Pancake

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Most pancake recipes are meant to feed groups of 4-6.  That means you can cut it in half but it still makes enough to feed 2 or 3.  I don’t know about you but I’m not a fan of leftovers (although they happen a lot).

But a few days ago I stumbled across a pancake that even Beyonce (you knew it was coming!  I’m obsessed) could appreciate

Obviously, as I always do, I changed the recipe.  This one is healthier, pretty darn tasty… and perfect for one.

Really, you shouldn’t need someone else to have a delicious breakfast.  Be I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T

Single ladies like pancakes too, especially blueberry pancakes.

One huge blueberry pancake.

Put a Ring on It Blueberry Pancake

inspired by Joy the Baker’s Single Lady Pancake

1/3 cup + 1 tbsp whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbsp oats
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp milk (or soymilk or veganify!)
dribble of vanilla
handful of blueberries
1/2 banana, sliced

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl,  add milk and vanilla and stir together.  Heat a greased pan.  Pour in batter, sprinkle with some blueberries then put a lid on it and let it cook for a few minutes.  Flip and cook for an additional minute or two.  Top with more blueberries,  1/2 a sliced banana and syrup of choice.

Because I’m cheap with calories and money, I made my fabulous yogurt syrup concoction: 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt + 1 tbsp real maple syrup + 1 tbsp water.

I feel like my day is already starting off better than yesterday.  Have a wonderful Friday!!

P.S. I just rewatched the Single Ladies video (you probably should too).  How do I get Beyonce’s legs???!?!?!?!?

4th of July Weekend

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Happy Birthday, America! (A day late)

I spent last 4th of July partially on a plane flying home from India, the other portion of it was spent asleep.  Thanks, jet lag.

This year was a million times better.

It was spent in Vermont,

mostly on a boat with great people.

Friday, Sara

Matt

and I drove to Vermont (as evident from Matt’s face, it was a great drive).

We stayed with his Aunt, Uncle and Cousin (friendly and amazing folks!).

We walked around Burlington and the waterfront of Lake Champlain (where I got terribly sunburnt, only the first of crazy things that happened to me… I won’t get into it but it involved a jalapeno…)

Went sailing

Sat for 5 hours at a restaurant (that hung fishing line to keep the sea gulls out)

waiting for fireworks to start (and having a great time doing so)

Plenty of fun all around!  I should also note, I was not very diligent with my photo taking.  Most of these photos were taken by Sara.  (Thanks, Lady!)

Now I’m back in Ithaca where it’s blazing hot and I have a ton of work to do!

Hope your weekend was as fun as mine!

Vegan Peanut Butter Apple Bars

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Apple and Peanut Butter.

Pretty much one of the best combinations ever, right?

It finally cooled down enough for me to turn on the oven, so I decided to make something with that wonderful flavor combo.  You should probably give this a whirl, especially if you love peanut butter as much as I do.

Vegan Peanut Butter Apple Bars

Cookie Base:
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky, I used a combination of both)
1/2 cup honey  (or agave nectar or maple syrup)
1 cup flour (all purpose or whole wheat, both work)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla

Apple Filling:
5 apples, peeled, cored and diced
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp clove (optional)
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

Crumble Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp peanut butter
3 tbsp coconut oil

Combine wet ingredients for the cookie base, in a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients.  Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.  Stir to combine.  Chill in the freezer while you prepare apples.

Combine all ingredients for apples, let sit for 10 minutes.  In the meantime, you can do dishes, have a dance party, do some squats, make the topping, wash your hair, write a love note… you get the idea.  Should you choose to make the topping now, combine all the ingredients using your hands until you get coarse crumbles.  You can also preheat your oven to 350 F now!

After your dough has been chillin’ for a while, press it into a 9 x 13 baking pan (I used a pie pan and a small casserole dish because I’m a rebel like that, or really I just take any opportunity to use that little dish that was a complete impulse buy).   On top of that, layer on the apples, then sprinkle on the toppping.  Bake for 30-40 minutes.  Allow to cool and enjoy.

It’d probably be a good idea to top this with ice cream (although sadly my dulce de leche ice cream is no longer in this household, let’s just say it was a popular creation).

I recommend you start making this now, especially if it’s cloudy and gross out like it is here.

I also recommend wrapping them in wax paper

And giving them to friends as a friendly weekday treat.  Sometimes I think this is the secret to making and keeping friends.  I hope that’s not actually true…

Lastly, and completely unrelated to the rest of this post (or, arguably, food for that matter), did anyone watch True Blood this weekend and see who plays Alcide Herveaux?  (Sorry to those non-True Blood watchers/Sookie Stackhouse readers)

Holey Moley!  He gives Alexander Skarsgard a run for his money!

Maybe it’s just the beard?

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

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I’m feeling particularly unwilling to do things right now.  Honestly, I could probably be convinced to go shopping but not much else (except maybe bake something).  Why?  Let me tell you.  Today has felt eternal.

As usual, I was up at 7:30 ready for a new happy day.  I lounged around for a while, had coffee then toast then some more coffee.  The morning was rather blah.  Then there was a soccer game.  I was right.  Germany won.  There was a party of Germans next door.  They got the feed before I did, I knew a goal was coming when there were a million screams and the bellow of a vuvuzela.

At the half time, I made ice cream.  30 minutes later, I brought my computer into the kitchen and packed the ice cream nicely in containers for freezing.

Okay really this was roughly a two day process.  So let’s backtrack.  Remember when I mentioned Argentina was playing against Mexico?  Well I decided I should probably make something in honor of Argentina.  I had a hunch they would win (again, I was correct).   So I decided dulce de leche (dUUUlce not dOOOlce… just saying…) was probably a good idea.

Last night, I boiled a can of sweetened condensed milk for a few hours (about 2 and a half).  I was a little concerned it might explode but as long as it’s completely submerged in water, all is well.

After boiling it for 2 and a half hours, I turned the heat off and went across the street to watch Che: Part 2, with a friend.  All I have to say is it’s looooooong (but enjoyable to some extent, I liked part 1 better).

Have I ever mentioned how much I like beards?  Well, I love them… there were a lot in these films… that’s all…

In the morning, I took the cooled can out of the water and opened it to find a perfectly delicious, sweet and sticky treat.

Then I got started on the ice cream.

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
adapted from Gourmet

1 1/2 cup half and half
1 1/2 cup whole milk
1 can of dulce de leche (guessing about a cup?)

Heat milks together, add dulce de leche and stir until dissolved.  Allow to cool (I put it in the freezer to get really cold) and put in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.  Freeze for a few hours before serving.

In between games I went for a run with a friend.

Boys run fast, even if they claim to not have exercised in a long time.  I’m sure he slowed down for my 5’3″ stride, but I was pretty pooped by the end.  My legs felt like lead the entire time, and I have huge blisters on the bottoms of my feet (shoes not tied tight enough?).  Despite the heat and the fact that I felt like I was dragging small children on my legs the entire time, I had fun.

After running, I decided to sit outside in the shade to cool down.  So I ran into my apartment grabbed some water and took off my shoes (blisters remember?).  While I was sitting outside, my roommate walked out with her friends.  Little did I know, she locked the door.

There I was stinky, hot, barefoot and locked out.

Locked out of my apartment with only 30 minutes until the Argentina vs Mexico game no less!

Luckily, the friend I ran with lives across the street.  While I watched with him, I won’t lie.  It was embarrassing to be that gross if front of anyone.

My roommate got home just as the game was ending.  I was able to bathe and eat some ice cream (which my stomach will pay for later).

and now enjoy a beer (any Vermont readers??)

because sometimes you just need one.

(Thanks for the beer, Christina!  Sorry it didn’t make it to Matt, but I’m glad you made it to Florida!)

Turnip and Kohlrabi Slaw

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It really is just way too hot to cook.  This morning I had oatmeal.  Big mistake.  I was sweatin’ like a ____ in _____.

So there’s no way I’m turning on the stove, much less the oven, but my vegetables still need to get eaten.

My goal is to not let any vegetables from my CSA share go to waste.  Can I do it?

Last week, I got these guys:

I won’t lie.  I was a little concerned when I put them in my bag at the farmer’s market.  First, I had never touched a kohlrabi.  Second, the only knowledge I had of turnips was a book I read in elementary school…

Luckily, the internet (and Clay and Zach) saved the day.

Turnip and Kohlrabi Slaw

adapted from Turnip-and-Kohlrabi Slaw with Ginger Vinaigrette

1 kohlrabi, peeled and grated
 1 bunch of turnips, peeled and grated (I used about 5 small turnips)
 A few lettuce leaves (or any other green), shredded
 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
 3 tbsp olive oil
 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
 salt and pepper to taste
 a handful of peanuts

The food processor is really handy to grate all these veggies.  Combine grated kohlrabi, turnips and shredded lettuce in a bowl.  In a small bowl mix together vinegar, oil, sugar, ginger, salt and pepper until the sugar is dissolved.  Pour dressing over vegetables, toss to combine and sprinkle with peanuts.  Serves 4-6 as a side dish.

I was extremely pleased with this.  Next time, I would definitely add a grated carrot and some cilantro for both taste and color.  This really would be perfect to take to a barbecue or potluck!

Have a great night!

Way Too Hot To Cook

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The past few days have been HOT HOT HOT and not in a good way.   That doesn’t mean I haven’t done fun things

The past few days I’ve:

  • Gone on a trail run in a wild flower preserve.
  • Swam in a creek with a waterfall with a dog here:

This photo is not mine and I don’t know those, but that’s where we swam and it was great 🙂

  • Failed at making black and white cookies

  • Got 3 huge bunches of kale, 1 bunch of lettuce, 1 bok choy and strawberries in my CSA.
  • Enjoyed a salad made with my goodies

  • Started making some dresses

  • Made sangria

On the Agenda for Today:
-Work/Internship Stuff
– Play with ice cream maker my neighbor let me borrow. Interested in beer and wine?  Check out his blog!
-Check the mail every 10 minutes to see if the exciting thing I ordered online arrives!
-and realistically I’ll probably watch a soccer game at some point…

Have a great day!

Pão de Mel (Honey Bread)

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My first Portuguese teacher was named Mimi (Miriam); she was from São Paulo.  On the last day of class, she brought a delicious, Brazilian treat for the class.  It was sweet and spicy.

Honey,  spices and chocolate, an interesting combination.  Ever since, I’ve wanted to make it.

A few days ago, I stumbled upon a blog and while perusing the recipes, I came across it!

Pão de Mel (Honey Bread)

from The Cookie Shop

2 cups flour
1/2 tbsp baking soda
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup oil (I used coconut oil)
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Whisk together dry ingredients.  Add wet ingredients and combine well.  Put batter into a greased and floured baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes.    As soon as you take it out of the oven, sprinkle with chocolate chips.  As the chocolate chips melt, spread with a spatula.  Allow to cool and serve.

I’m not sure why I love this stuff so much!  Probably because it’s crazy sweet and has an interesting flavor combination.  Let’s call it sweet and sassy.  Reason enough to try it, right?

It’s a beautiful day out here!  And it’s Friday!

Have a great day!

Waffles: Round 2

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Waffles seem to go well with the World Cup, especially when I want the team to win.

I have a special place in my heart for the Argentine national team.  I was in Argentina for the 2006 World Cup.

I promise I was actually having fun!

Today!  This guy scored 3 of the 4 goals!

Like last week, there were waffles.

Except this time, I watched from my little computer with Spanish commentators.  With a total of 5 goals scored in throughout the game that means at least an entire minute of them shouting “GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!” Univision does it right!

and with this lovely lady

That’s Sara.  She’s pretty.  She’s enjoying banana waffles.

Banana Waffles

2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1 3/4 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 very ripe banana, mashed
coconut oil (few tablespoons)
2 eggs

Combine all the dry ingredients.  Mash banana and put in 1/2 cup measuring cup, fill remainder of measuring cup with coconut oil (should be about a tbsp or two).  Add banana, oil, water and eggs to flour mixture and combine.  Place in a hot waffle iron and cook for about 5 minutes.  Makes 3 fat Belgian Waffles.

Ahh! Need to get some work done before my 2:30 date with the gym TV to watch France vs Mexico.  France better lose.

Also, NBA finals game 7 tonight.

Oh my goodness.  I’ve watched more sporting events in the past week than I have all year.

You a sports fan?