Category: Food Blogging

This Week in Yum: Wrap It Up

It’s no secret that I am in love with burritos. So, whenever I have the opportunity to include some type of wrapped deliciousness into my meal, I’m game. While burritos are my number one love, I really enjoy wraps of all forms. When looking back on the past few weeks of meals I’ve created, I realized that there have been quite a few versions of wraps – some more traditional than others, but all of them take on that tuck and roll form.

First up was using collard greens as a replacement wrapper. I’ve only ever thought of collard greens in a slow cooked format to be served with black eyed peas, but I’m happy to report collards are in fact a perfect wrapping vehicle. For this particular version, I sauteed some typical “burrito” fillers, and steamed the big collard green leaves for about 20 seconds. It was so incredibly easy that I can’t wait to get my hands on some more collard greens to try a different filling.

I’ve made “egg rolls” before, but went with either a traditional Asian theme, or a Southwestern twist. This time I was trying to use up some falafel mix I had in the pantry, and figured I would give falafel egg rolls a try. I don’t know how I thought of it (I haven’t found a recipe for it yet), but am glad I followed through on this one. All I did was prepare the falfel according to the package, except instead of shaping them into balls I formed them more like logs so they’d fit in the wrappers. I filled each wrapper with a tablespoon of hummus (supremely spicy, of course), some diced red onion, and one of the falafel logs. Baked at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, and I had perfection. It was so easy I didn’t think it warranted a full written recipe, but you really should make these. I’m excited to have some leftover egg roll wrappers, and I can’t wait to use them!

I also made a more traditional wrap this past weekend after my last long run before the Chicago marathon – chimichangas! I had seen online the idea of making baked chimichangas, and decided to give them a try (because I LOVE the fried version). Again, you can really put whatever you want in them (I used onion, pepper, poblano, tomato, corn, and black beans), and roll that up in a burrito sized tortilla. Then, you just need to bake them at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes, sprinkle on some cheese, and cook them another 3-5 until the cheese is melted and they’re crispy. So easy. So delicious.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned with all these wrapped up foods, though, is the importance of patience. I can’t tell you how many times I burnt my tongue or the roof of my mouth – to the point where it hurt for days. Matter of fact, I’m still nursing my post-chimichanga burn, which is almost a week old! But that’s okay – it was worth the deliciousness.

Anyone else obsessed with wraps? 
Have any fun wrap recipes I should try? 

Shake It

If you remember not too long ago the folks at Vega sent me some of their newly launched Vega Smoothies to try. I loved the individual packets and their convenience, so when they asked if I’d be interested in trying their new Vega One French Vanilla flavor, I couldn’t resist.

It’s true that nowadays I’m a bit of a nutrient powder fiend. Since getting a bunch to try from GNC (final thoughts coming soon!), I’ve been having some type of protein powder in one form or another almost every day. This isn’t to say I am getting most of my nutrients from powders (that would be weird, and I probably wouldn’t be very healthy), but I like the ability to add to my daily intake when necessary – especially during marathon training. Since all of the powders I have are protein based, I was excited to try something that was a little more well-rounded, even if the protein count is on the lower side. These powders have 50% of your daily intake of vitamins and minerals, 15 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, 1.5 grams of Omega-3, and a bunch of antioxidants, probiotics, and greens.

When it comes to shake and powder flavors, chocolate and vanilla are usually the most popular (and most people I know gravitate towards chocolate). I remember when I was younger stopping at a Friendly’s with my mom and getting milkshakes; she ordered chocolate and I ordered vanilla. I’m never going to forget her commenting about how boring it was that I ordered vanilla, and if I was going to have a shake I should have gotten chocolate (since it’s apparently much less of a boring flavor). While I love chocolate, I still to this day find myself gravitating towards vanilla flavored drinks, and so I was pumped to try Vega’s French Vanilla.

I know a lot of people try different kinds of vanilla powders and say things like “Wow! That tasted like cake batter!,” well I’m here to tell you that if you’re looking for a cake batter or super sweet flavor, this powder isn’t for you. It’s plant based and is derived from ingredients like pea protein, so it tastes much more earthy than your average instant smoothie. This isn’t to say it’s bad – I just think it is much more of an acquired taste than most would be prepared for. I’ve found that mixing it with some type of milk (regular milk, or almond/coconut/soy/hemp) is much better than just using water – the powder mixes much better with a thicker milk consistency, and the flavors meld together in a way that isn’t possible with water. Also be aware – since it’s derived from plants, when mixed it does have a greenish hue. For me, I’m not looking for a dessert flavored healthy shake – if I wanted a milkshake tasting drink, well, I’d have myself a milkshake!

That being said, I like how convenient it is; mixing some into some milk gives me way more nutrients than I would get from your average smoothie, and its filling! I prefer to have it in the early afternoon just when I’m about to hit the slump, or in the morning as a part of my breakfast.

It turns out they’re having a sale and offering 15% off until 9/30/12! So if you’re interested in giving it a try, head over to Vega.com and order yourself some!

Do you use any powders to enhance your daily nutrients? 

Disclaimer: Vega sent me these protein powders to try at no cost to me, and all opinions are my own. 

Eat Your Vegetables

You’ve probably noticed that I haven’t posted a recipe including meat in quite some time. I did have some peach salsa about a month ago that I had with some salmon (which was delicious, by the way!), but other than that, I haven’t really been posting any  meat recipes. Well, there’s a reason for that.

If you remember back in January I tried to go vegetarian for an entire month, and failed miserably. I was eating a mostly vegetarian diet as it is (lacto-ovo since I still eat eggs, milk, and cheese), but there was still the occasional piece of fish,  a hamburger, or piece of chicken (you get the drift) – so meat was still clearly a part of my diet. As time progressed, I began realizing that I preferred a vegetarian diet, and in most cases when I wasn’t eating vegetarian, it was out of convenience. A poor excuse, maybe, but the reality nonetheless.

Not too long after I came up with that salsa recipe and paired it with salmon (about a month now), I decided that I really wanted to try being vegetarian. Everyone has their own definition of what a “vegetarian” is, and for me that means no animal flesh – whether you find it on land or in the sea. Growing up I was never a big fish fan, and never liked pork or lamb, leaving me just with chicken, turkey, and ground beef (I never really liked steak, either). So I guess you could say it hasn’t been too hard for me to switch to a vegetarian lifestyle.

I am still in the transition phase, meaning I’m not scouring every label – I had a phenomenal Chèvre cheese last week, but was sad when I read the label and saw it was made with rennet. This also brings to light the issue of gelatin which is found in marshmallows, and a lot of other products as well. Since it’s an on-going process, I’m starting with the big things (meat) and working my way to the smaller things and label reading more carefully (animal by-products).

By this point, you’re probably wondering “why?” I get that response from most people I tell, and my answer is simple: I love animals. I realize that most people do, and they chose to eat meat, which is absolutely fine – it’s a personal choice. But for me, I’ve come to a point in my life where I would just prefer not to eat meat. I’m more than okay with people eating meat – heck, I’ll even prepare it for you – I just don’t want to eat it myself. And don’t be confused – I still think meat is delicious. I just can’t bring myself to eat it anymore.

There are so many delicious meatless options out there, that I haven’t missed meat – yet. I’m looking forward to discovering more vegetarian foods, and embracing the lifestyle change.

Do you have any vegetarian resources to share? 
If you’re a vegetarian, what prompted you to go meat-free? 

Transition Chili

I always find myself with mixed emotions when summer comes to a close. It’s no secret that summer is my favorite season (it’s always been), but I don’t mind fall. In fact, there are a lot of things I do enjoy about fall, like cooler running temperatures, being able to wear boots and scarves, not working up a sweat while cooking, and Halloween!

I’m looking forward to this fall because it means I get to relax – at least a little. This summer has been packed with marathon training (even if it’s been half-hearted, it still takes up a lot of time!), and a LOT of weddings. Basically, I’m looking forward to not having to wake up at the crack of dawn to run because it’s too hot and I have a million things planned for the afternoon. Yes, I can’t wait to be lazy.

Aside from cooler temperatures and new fashion, there are foods that evoke the feelings of different seasons, too. One food that makes me think of cooler weather is chili (and soups in general). Even though it’s still technically summer (I can’t handle people saying things like, “it’s officially fall!” because it in fact, is not until tomorrow), I decided to deviate a bit from my “hang on to summer for as long as possible” mantra and made a pot of chili. For me, this wasn’t just any old batch of chili, though, rather it was more of a transition from summer to fall because of the ingredients – they’re light and colorful, but still provide that quintessential big bowl of chili feeling.

Veggie Grain Chili
– serves 4-6 –  

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 poblano pepper, diced
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp cumin
1 tsp Adobo
1 tsp oregano
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
2 15 0z. cans of beans – I used black and pinto, but any combo will work! 
4 oz. soy chorizo (or regular chorizo)
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced (smaller pieces help it cook faster)
1 ear of corn (kernels removed)
18 oz. vegetable broth (about 1.5 cans)
1 cup dry cous cous or quinoa

Directions:
1. In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and poblano pepper for for 5-10 minutes, until they’re translucent. 
2. Add in the spices (chili powder, cumin, Adobo, oregano), and tomato paste. Stir constantly, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. 
3. Stir in beans, soy chorizo, sweet potato, corn, and vegetable broth. Turn heat down to medium, and cook for 5 minutes. 
4. Add in the grain, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. 
5. Serve with avocado, cilantro, cheese, and/or sour cream! 

Lunch Toppers

When it comes to cooking, it’s easy to fall into a pattern. For me, I like to try and make something new almost every night for dinner. But when it comes to lunch, I tend to stick to what I know and repeat a lot. What I have for lunch seems to go through a cycle, depending on what I’m feeling. One week it may be frozen meals, another week it may be sandwiches, and sometimes its specific snacks or ingredients.

I’ve been adding cucumbers and tomatoes to my lunches almost everyday the past two weeks thanks to my CSA box, putting them in sandwiches, wraps, and salads. My favorite, though, has to be in sandwich form with some hummus and alfalfa sprouts. It’s simple, easy, and really delicious. The cucumbers add a nice crunch, while the tomatoes add some sweetness.

I think it’s important to eat what you enjoy at lunch – it’s a break in the workday, and who wants to eat something they’re less than enthusiastic about? There are plenty of afternoons I head to the kitchen ready for lunch, and am less than excited about what awaits in the fridge. My personal favorites are a well dressed sandwich or salad, or leftovers. Since I save most of my eating out for dinner on the weekends, I only have myself to blame when I’m less than excited about what I have each day. I can’t wait to see what my next lunch obsession is… I’m seeing veggie burgers in my future.

Do you have any lunch time staples? 
Any suggestions of things I should definitely try? 

Gluten Free Goodies

As I mentioned in my previous post, I’m trying out a gluten-free diet to see if that helps get rid of my GI-woes. I mean it when I say this isn’t necessarily a choice I wanted to make, but one that I felt was necessary in order to try and figure out once and for all what’s going on in my gut. That’s my new goal of 2012 – have a diagnosis and actually feel better by year’s end. So obviously in order for me to start this gluten free diet, I needed to make some quick changes in the kitchen.

I started out with a trip to Trader Joe’s, where I grabbed some necessities (for me). Since we get a CSA box each week, our grocery trips have resulted in picking up less items – just beans, grains, milk, yogurt, some type of snack and dessert, and miscellaneous fruits and veggies we need but didn’t get in our box.

My biggest concern was bread. I don’t usually have sandwiches at work, but I do have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before most long runs. So I picked up a package of Udi’s bread, which tastes a lot more like freshly sliced bread, rather than sandwich bread. The slices are small and the price is high ($4.99), but if it means I can keep my pre-run routine, I’m okay with it. I don’t want to mess with perfection (good joke, my running is far from perfect).

In addition to bread, I wanted to find a pasta alternative; even though I don’t eat pasta too often, with marathon training kicking it up (20 miler is looming!), I wanted it (even if it’s more for my mental state than my body). So, I picked up some corn pasta, which my mom made a face at. Yes, I realize it’s weird, but at this point, I’ll try anything. I’ve also seen some black bean pasta and things like that around the blogosphere, so I’ll be on the lookout for any alternative.

In addition to lunch and dinner staples, I needed to find breakfast options. I typically eat breakfast at work, which involves some sort of cereal – I was used to the luxury of mixing it up each week. A lot of the labels I looked at didn’t blatantly say wheat was or wasn’t included, so I settled on a granola that was labeled gluten free. I found myself typing the same phrase over and over again in Google: “is X gluten free?” I can tell you I learned lot this past weekend! I would have automatically assumed oats weren’t gluten free, but some of them are. Of course the giant tub of steel cut oats I have at home isn’t gluten free, but I’m glad to know there are options out there (like the beloved Love Grown Foods, which I also picked up).

 Snacks were another big concern, since I usually have some type of cracker, fruit, and yogurt (spread throughout the day). While I didn’t need to worry about the fruit and yogurt, I needed to find a substitute for the crackers. I picked up a package of granola bars and rice crackers, and they’re both just okay. I know there are tons of options out there (I’m looking at you, delicious KIND bars), I just have to actually spend the money on them.

While the goodies I picked up should get me through the week, there is another equally important gluten free option I need to find… beer! Thanks to the suggestions of Twitter, I have a brand I’m planning on trying that my local liquor store seems to carry. I just have to cross my fingers that when I go, they have it. I also scored some gluten free pizza crust mix at Marshall’s of all places. The package says it makes two 14-inch pizzas, so I can’t wait to try it. I’m glad I can still enjoy pizza Fridays, gluten free style!

In my Googling frenzy over the weekend, I read mixed things about how long it could take to feel better, if you do in fact have a gluten intolerance. For some it’s a matter of two days, while for others it’s months. I’m thinking that I should see some difference within a week or two, and if not, it’s back to the drawing board. Maybe it’s just the time of year (I felt pretty bad around this time last year), or stress, or a combination of it all, and it really isn’t anything I am or am not eating. But the only way to know for sure is to try it. I mean, it can’t hurt (more).

Are there any other must-have gluten free foods I should try? 
I’m trying to stay away from overly processed foods, but am willing to try suggestions! 

Gluten Free – The Way to Be?

Gluten. It’s been my best friend since my early days of swimming – carb loading before swim meets, devouring bagels afterwards, and it stuck around as a tried and true friend for running as well. The thought of not being able to enjoy my beloved gluten always made me thank my lucky stars I didn’t have to worry about it.

As you can guess based on that oh-so-dramatic lead in, I need to try and cut out gluten. When I first went to the doctor back in May he suggested trying a dairy-free diet to see if that made any difference, and it didn’t. After having a boat load of tests (yes, that’s an actual unit of measure), he prescribed me some bile-binding medicine to help with my ‘lazy’ gallbladder. He mentioned I could try a gluten-free diet first, or try the pills, and I opted for the easier solution. Unfortunately the pills haven’t provided me enough relief. While the blood tests I had didn’t pinpoint any dairy or gluten intolerance, I know that there’s something else going on here.

I’ve been jotting down everything I’m eating for the past two months, but haven’t been able to pinpoint anything in particular. So knowing that dairy didn’t make a difference, my only other elimination option is gluten. I have my fingers crossed that this isn’t the issue, but at the same time, part of me just wants to know exactly what it is that’s causing my tummy distress. I’m scheduled for an upper GI Scan and more blood work just to confirm it isn’t Crohn’s, but I just don’t know anymore.

So I’m crossing my fingers that this all gets sorted out sooner rather than later. But in the mean time I’m going to try and eliminate gluten from my diet which is going to be tricky, but may be the answer I’m looking for. And I promise I’m not doing this to be “cool” – I love me some carbs. I’ll keep you posted!

Does anyone have any gluten free resources they’d like to share?
It won’t be that hard, right?!

Inspirational

A few days ago, I got a sweet little note in the comments section of my “About Me” page. It was to let me know that Chronicles of Bad Times nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger award! I am well aware that I am far from a popular blogger, but it’s nice to know the people that are reading enjoy the content!

So based on what I’ve read in fellow nominee’s posts, I need to do the following:
1. Display the award logo on your blog.
2. Link back to the person who nominated you.
3. State 7 things about yourself.
4. Nominate 15 other bloggers for this award and link to them.
5. Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements.

Since I’ve already done number 1 & 2, I suppose that means I need to tell you 7 things about myself. Let’s see…
1. I started swimming when I was 11, and swam in both high school and college – I actually know one of the Olympic swimmers competing this year (we swam on the same club team)!
2. My favorite color is green.
3. I am obsessed with iced coffee.
4. I’m still not sure what I want to be when I grow up.
5. Summer is my favorite season.
6. I played field hockey my freshman year of high school and hated it because it took me away from swimming.
7. I am extremely competitive (though I keep it all internal).

I realize it says to nominate 15 blogs, but I didn’t want to just pick a whole bunch to meet the criteria. So instead, I made it 10, and picked my 10 favorite!
1. Krissy @ Shiawase Life – she is a super sweet, speedy marathoner who loves Disney just as much as I do, and I can’t wait to meet her after the marathon this January!
2. Taryn @ Sweetly Serendipity – she makes some of the most delicious looking treats, and I am always near-drooling when I read her posts! If only my baked goods could look so pretty.
3. Bess @ Bess Be Fit – she lives in my hometown and is also training for the Chicago marathon! And she can do lunges for a mile – homegirl is STRONG!
4. Katie @ She Rocks Fitness – another fellow New Jerseyian who has serious workouts, and is always motivating others to do the same!
5. Katy @ The Singing Runner – I’ve been interacting with Katy since the 2011 Disney 1/2 Marathon, and I’ve loved following her training. We’ve both had our share of injuries, but I love that she never gives up!
6. Caitlin @ Cait Plus Ate – not only does she have a witty blog title, even though I’ve never met her I can tell she is SO sweet. Plus, her fashion rocks!
7. Liz @ Little Bitty Bakes – a fellow swimmer turned runner, Liz makes drool-worthy treats, and who doesn’t share her Chobani love?!
8. Diana@ Veggie Next Door – Diana is always making yummy vegetarian dishes, and as someone that is on a quest to eat a more vegetarian diet, I love having her blog as a reference!
9. Jen @ This Runner’s Trials – also a (former) Jersey girl, Jen is a super speedy momma who has an adorable baby.
10. Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean – while in school and always coming up with fun workouts and yummy recipes, Lindsay is the organizer of Foodie Pen Pals, which is an absolutely amazing program that I’m so glad to be a part of!

So there you have it! Thanks again to Chronicles of Bad Times for the nomination, and hopefully you’ll check out the awesome (at least I think so) blogs above.

And in the meantime, why don’t you tell me who inspires you? I know all these Olympic athletes certainly inspire me!

Jam-Packed

Thanks for all the wonderful birthday wishes on Thursday! Because one day of celebration isn’t enough, I was able to extend the festivities throughout the weekend.

After a half day of work and a trip to the doctor’s (I finally have my diagnosis – more on that later!), I got together with my family for dinner and fro-yo in my hometown. Only in Westfield, New Jersey would it be appropriate to have two self-serve fro-yo establishments within blocks of one another. We decided on Yapple Yogurt for two reasons: the inside of the store is cute, and they have salted caramel pretzel flavored yogurt. I didn’t even need to question my decision.

Each year on the Friday after my birthday, I know I have plans. Ever since my teammate and friend was tragically killed back in 2006, we all get together for a golf outing to support causes that were near and dear to his heart. It’s great to see familiar faces that I spent so much time with in college, and it’s also an excuse for everyone to go out in Philly afterwards. Since it’s close to my birthday, I always get suckered into birthday shots (not that I’m complaining), and no matter how old we get, our old college selves come out to play for a bit. This year we headed to City Tap House in University City, and thanks to their rooftop lounge we got to watch the awesome thunderstorm from a cool location (we tried to sit outside, and the 97 degrees at 11pm thing wasn’t happening).

After a quick 4-mile run on Saturday morning through University City, it was off to The Pop Shop in Collingswood. If you are ever in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area, you NEED to go here. Aside from their soda shop throwback look, they have tons of different grilled cheese sandwiches and fries available for you to devour (and don’t forget about the flavored soda or milkshakes). They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options, which I think is pretty neat. Being the bad food blogger that I am, there are zero pictures from The Pop Shop. Assume it’s because I spent the entire time shoveling food into my mouth. The rest of Saturday was spent trying to get things together for our Eurotrip, and an early bed-time for Sunday’s long run.

The weather has been nice and toasty the past few days, so getting up early to run on Sunday was a must. Because I’m going on vacation and I won’t be able to get in a super-long run while I’m away, I figured I’d split the difference between this past Sunday’s scheduled run and next Sunday’s, which left me with 11 miles. I luckily ran the majority of the miles on a shade-covered path, but that didn’t stop me from looking like I jumped in a pool when all was said and done. Thankfully, I was able to literally jump in the pool when I got home.

The weekend wrapped up with a seriously delicious dinner – Caribbean Jerk Salmon Bowl with Mango Salsa, courtesy of A Pinch of Yum. This was so easy and flavorful, and I had enough leftover to justify bringing it for lunch the next day.

While the weekend was jam-packed, the next few days are going to be even more-so. I’ve got a lot to do in the next two days before heading to my parents to run the annual Firecracker 4-miler, and then jet off to Europe! I have plans to blog while across the pond, but I’d say the odds are forever not in my favor (like what I did there?).

Tell me: what did you do this weekend?

June Foodie Pen Pals

Another month come and gone – I can’t believe it’s officially summer and I just had my birthday! But, the close of another month means another Foodie Pen Pal recap! This month I received my box-o-goodies from Maria over at Lil Mys Ninja, who is also into food and fitness. After checking out her blog, I knew I’d be receiving some awesome treats!

The box came as they always do, waiting for me on my doorstep after a long day of work. When I opened the box, I was greeted with a  sweet little note – how cute!

When Maria first e-mailed me to get my information, she asked if I preferred salty or sweet, healthy, etc. I felt silly responding that I like it all, but it’s true! SOmehow she was able to give me just the right amount of everything, and it was all new to me except for the Justin’s Nut Butter, which I love. I joke that their chocolate hazelnut butter is magical. I always buy the packets because I have no self control, and they prevent me from eating the entire thing. I also got a new-to-me larabar flavor, blueberry pie, which was awesome. I’m yet to meet a larabar I don’t like!

There were also some completely new treats, including some Back to Nature crackers, fruit leather, a granola Powerbar, a Zone Perfect bar , and a Power Crunch bar. I think the Zone Perfect and Power Crunch bars were my favorite, probably because they tasted like dessert! I’m always weary of “health” food bars, usually because the ones that taste good are high in calories, and the rest really aren’t that good flavor wise. So I was pleasantly surprised that these bars actually taste like they say they do. There was also a bar of dark chocolate, which is always a favorite of mine. I was bummed when they were gone, but that just means I’ll have to go get some for myself!

I couldn’t be happier with the goodies I received this month, which is evident by the fact that I barely have anything left! I’m bummed I won’t be able to participate in July, but hopefully I’ll find my own yummy treats while on vacation. Thanks again for the goodies, Maria !

If you’re interested in joining, here’s what you need to know to get started:

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
-Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents. Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re interested in participating for July, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

You must submit your information by July 4th as pairings will be emailed on July 5th!