I count my blessings

If you read my last post, you know about City of Hope.  Today was the yoga event benefitting this research hospital and I attended with two co-workers.  We hope to have a to have a bigger group next year to represent our lab (ah-hem).   This was an incredible day for yoga on the green in Seattle Center. Imagine: 69 degrees, sunshine, green grass, the International fountain and the ringing of bells surrounding you on a Saturday morning and you are about to begin daily yoga practice with friends surrounding you.  Blessing number one.

Dustin has been trying to introduce me to his friend he met at the gym, Ty, and his family.  After the long wait, we met and walked around our neighborhood's street fair.  Ate goodies, gawked at crazy dancers, chatted with neighbors and met new ones and finished the day with JERF-ing (ask me or Ty if you don't know what that means).  So happy to expand my circle of friends with such energizing folks. Blessing number two.

Thank you to my mother-in-law for stopping by to see my grandma.  I think she really enjoys the company.  It's nice to know that my loved ones can connect even when I'm not in the equation.  Blessing number three.

My last blessing is that I have a supreme bed to lay my body to rest on because it's been a looooong, fun but exhausting day.  I'm going to treat myself to day two of sleeping in.
Peace!

I love beets more than you do...

You might be thinking, 'well, that's not hard.  Beets are gross and they taste like dirt.'  At least that's what my husband says to me.
Others might be thinking that I just presented a valid challenge.  I've found that those who like beets generally love them and vice versa.
Well if you do love them, I've found something wonderful for you.  Besides being great for your gut health, blood circulation and making your poo red, this smoothie is good for athletic performance and recovery from sustained exercise.
Breakfast today was a cherry and beet smoothie and it blew my mind how good it was.  I drank the whole thing before remembering that the recipe was for two servings!  Found this one via the Nourishing Meals cook book this weekend.  They also have it posted on their blog.  I really love these resources because you can tell they refine the recipes if they don't work the first time and kudos to the chefs for constantly trying new combos.
Try this recipe even if you think you don't like beets.  You may be converted to the red side.

Cherry-beet smoothie
1/2 cup grated beet root
1/2 cup grated jicama (their recipe calls for a small pear, but jicama is what I had on hand)
8-10 frozen red cherries
1/2 cup water
1 tsp ground chia seeds (for good health measure)

Put everything in the blender and blend, blend, blend.

Sip, sip, away!

Let's help one another

Have you ever joined a fun run or an organization because you believe in the cause?
Or done it because someone you know invited you?
Or because you were just looking to do something good for someone else?

I remember the first fun run I participated in was benefiting Chrone's and Colitis, both irritable bowel diseases.  This was the first organized run I did since running cross country in high school.  As it was my first experience with running for a cause, I dedicated my run to my grandma.  It takes a lot out of a person to deal with this kind of issue because so many things can contribute to an abdominal 'flare-up.'  I was learning bits and pieces about it as my grandma was going to one doctor appointment after another, trying one type of diet after another to minimize the symptoms.
In any case, I was rusty as a runner and wanted to get back into the groove for my own health.  It was very fun, and I felt good about being around all the other people there for the same reasons.

Coming up next weekend in Seattle is an event called Yoga For Hope which donates to a research hospital called City of Hope.  They have been researching the effects of yoga and other integrative therapies on patients who have cancer.
My co-worker has created a team for us and other co-workers at CellNetix to join to help support this great event.  I believe that not only doing the practice increases my own self awareness about health, but I hope that this will be an opportunity for me to learn more about City of Hope or possibly meet other people who are interested as well.
I invite you to join the team and come out to support this cause and have some fun doing yoga.  If you want to donate, you can do so online and click on the pink 'DONATE' button.  Please understand, I am in no way asking you for money or support.  This is something I think is great and am interested in sharing the heath benefits with you!

Taste of Thai!

This weekend we were super enthusiastic about planning meals for the upcoming week.  Preparing meals ahead of time is a surefire way to make sure you have something healthy on hand when you are busy during the work week.
I know the feeling at about 3 o'clock when my mind begins wandering to what we will have for dinner (instead of keeping my mind on work like I should be).  I always think, what's in the fridge, what meal/cuisine haven't we had this week, what will Dustin want for dinner and how many times will he change his mind between now and 5 o'clock?
Last thought; 'Let's just go out for dinner.'
WRONG!
Well, okay. Somedays you just have to throw up your hands and say "It's a Taco Time night!"

Not this week!
A very taste-of-thai dinner we had with leftovers for tomorrow and the rest of the week.  Tom Ka Gai (coconut/chicken soup) and Som Tam Thai (green papaya salad, pictured below).

Garnished with shredded carrot and green cabbage and raw peanut pieces, this dish is refreshing with a lime dressing.

This soup is relatively easy to make...

IF...

... that is a big if, you have all the ingredients.  We made a trip yesterday to Viet Wah in Chinatown for the galangal, lemongrass, thai chilis, cans of coconut milk and lime leaves.  But it is so worth the trip for the special ingredients.  If you've ever ordered this creamy, citrus-y soup from a restaurant you know what I mean.

We are very satisfied, and ready to settle into bed and watch a couple of episodes of Portlandia after all that work in the kitchen!

Exactly!

My aunt shared this quote with me recently.
If we are not living our lives according to these words, what are we doing?
This could be interpreted in many ways; some people will say "learn something new everyday," but I think of it as the same thing.
I feel I practice yoga in this way.  It is easy for me to look at yoga as a whole and readily accept that I have room to improve.  On the other hand, it's not so easy to try harder within my job.  I think I know all the ins-and-outs of my duties, but it would serve me well to find ways to expand within my current position.
I have taken my own advice here by combining two things that are important to me by teaching a short yoga class each week for my coworkers.  What I've learned is that I'm good at the poses, myself, but I could use a few pointers on teaching.
Each week I am grateful for this opportunity and continue to log the hours as experience.  Let me know if you have any tips on teaching for me!

My growing boy!

Growing boys need milk. Raw milk that is...

Thanks to the co-op in Bellingham, Dustin got a reasonably priced half-gallon of raw Jackies Jersey Milk, a dairy in Bellingham.
There are so many health benefits to raw milk that we just don't get from pasturized.  We have been hunting and with little luck finding it for sale in the city.  Usually we find a store that carries one dairy farmer's products, but then they shut down by bouts of e-coli.  Frustrating!  My theory is that some of these dairies get popular and try to increase production, and with increased volume comes more opportunity for contamination. 
Our continued quest: how do we support our nearby farmers and keep them in business without increasing the demand so much that the  processes become flawed?  Is raw milk a small industry by nature, or can it become a large business?  Maybe we have to find a way to reverse the business model that we've created...

Want a super food for allergies?

Try Nettles!

This is soup made with them. Here's the recipe!

Adapted from Irish Traditional Cooking by Darina Allen

5 oz. young nettles
4 Tbsp butter
10 oz. potatoes, chopped
4 oz. onions, chpped 4 oz leeks (white parts only), chopped
Salt and fresh ground pepper
1 3/4 cup good quality chicken stock
1/2 cup cream or full-fat milk

Blanch the nettles in boiling water.  Drain them in a colander and set aside.
Melt butter in a soup pan over medium heat and add the potatoes, onions and leeks. Saute until the vegetables soften a bit (5-10 minutes).  Season with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken stock and cook until the potatoes are soft all the way through.  Add the nettles to this mixture and transfer to a blender or food processor.  Thin with the cream and serve warm.



My seasonal allergies are now in full swing.  The first thing I always reach for is my nettle tincture.  This has been my miracle when I am sneezing, and my eyes and throat are itching.  I just put a dropperful under my tongue and chase it with water (because it is not a pleasant taste).  Joane to the rescue the first year I had these terrible allergies; I now buy these each year.  I was super excited when my aunt Barbara told us she was bringing this soup for Easter dinner.  Any way I can get nettles in my diet is a +!
Another thing I just tried this year is chewing seeds of culinary nigella.  I found these in the Ethiopian market in Cherry Hill when I was making a recipe of greens to go with my lentil wot.  Dustin started chewing about a 1/4 teaspoon of them every morning and claimed they cleared up his allergies considerably.  So I'm trying them out.  It seems to be working, whether its a placebo effect or not.
Always looking for other good and natural alternatives to chemical allergy meds, so please share if you have any!

Nettles Superfood profile

Never underestimate the value of a home cooked meal

I like to think of myself as a grown up.  I can get myself ready in the morning and get myself to work, feed myself, and pay bills.  Yesterday I planned on grabbing a salad at home and then something quick while I was out grocery shopping.  I felt like I had a million thins to do in 3 hours and I had to get all of it done!
As soon as I walked in the door I heard my mother-in-law, "yoo-hoo!"
"What?" I thought to myself.  "Who?  Oh, Roseann!
She had come to our house as a surprise and had a whole home-cooked meal ready for us. Lasagna with veggies and meatballs, salad, wine, the whole nine yards!  It was so delicious.
My point in sharing this story is that in the midst of all of our rushing around and keeping ourselves busy, is that sometimes we forget to nourish ourselves.  Don't get me wrong, I wasn't going to just grab a box of cookies for dinner and call it good, but sitting down and enjoying my family's company is something I find nourishing on a different level. 
I know that not everyone is close to family, but I think we should all have someone; be it a friend or relative or someone you meet at the grocery store, to sit down with and enjoy a meal.  Slow down!  People are interesting, so take the time to open up to others.  I highly recommend it!

Anything is possible

Anything is possible

Really great outlook on human movement.  After seeing Frank Forencich speak at NPTI, I have been inspired by his ideas of simplicity.  We have attached so many rules of form, frequency and direction to physical activity that it's no wonder people don't want to get out there.
Please read some of his work from his book Exuberant Animal or follow the link above to his blog.  I hope it inspires you as it has for me.

Good thing to remember...

If you're looking for motivation, listen or read the article on this link: http://www.precisionnutrition.com/motivation-master-your-fear

The above link summarizes a major shift I went through when I was in high school. 
I saw a cool car with a for-sale sign on it when I was riding around with my friends.  We were pulling out of the cul-de-sac and I said 'how sweet it would be to have that ride!'  Steve said,"I'll turn around so we can get the phone number." I resisted and said that I would just come back with my dad later.  He turned and looked at me and said very plainly, "why don't we just get the number now so you don't have to come back?" 
This was such an easy answer, how come I'd never thought of it before? Maybe I didn't want to inconvenience my friends, or maybe I just hadn't thought it through.  But I am glad he said that to me because a week later I was tuning up that very car.
Learning to take action in life serves us well.  Especially if we apply it to our health as the article linked above alludes to.

Protein shakes. Love 'em or hate'em?

I really try to JERF, but it's hard to get enough protein in my diet that way.  I don't eat a whole lot of meat.  Sometimes I'll supplement with a whey protein powder, but I know it in no way resembles whole food.  Stuck in a health/moral bind...

What's your take?

Who knew being responsible could be so fashionable?

I finally ordered a medical ID bracelet.  Something I should have done a couple of years ago.  Having a serious allergy or disease can have its scary moments.  Hopefully I won't have to go through any ever again, but this is life and it happens!

Too Many Omegas?

Last week Dustin was reading something on his iphone and then said to me, "I think I'm going to try this Bulletproof coffee thing."

My eyebrow raised a little.

"It's low-toxin coffee with butter and coconut oil in it."

Okay, now I raised both of my eyebrows.  I was thinking, what? and why mess with a good thing? Cafe au lait is a good thing!

Upon explanation I learned the reasoning behind it.  Anyone familiar with the 'Warrior Diet?'  Basically it's fasting until early afternoon, doing an exerting workout in a fasted state, then eating for the remainder of the evening.  It's based on the idea that our ancestors had to hunt for food and then fight to kill it, then brought it to homebase and feasted in the evening.

Another diet, I say.  Not one I should try considering my recent hypoglycemic episode in Vegas (ask me later if you really want the details).  Good for those who don't like choking down a cup of oatmeal and raisins first thing in the morning.  The coffee drink still has a meal's worth of calories in it, but will not feel like it. 

Alas, we are now buying grassfed cow's butter from Trader Joes that's $6/lb., plus extra virgin expeller pressed organic coconut oil for D's coffee.  The claims are that the omega 3 to omega-6 amounts in this butter is a 1-1; which is supposedly the perfect balance.  I think we're advised not to have too many omega-6's (think vegetable oils or margerine) in our diet.   I will admit that I really like this butter for its flavor and it's really yellow!  Remember old pictures of butter?  We put the Kerrygold butter on the dish next to the generic store-brand butter and wow!  The difference in hue is great, and if it offers some health benefit.
So this raises the question; how much is too much omega?  Fish oil, flax seeds, cultured butter.  Where does it end and what constitutes too much?  What can I say?  We are trying to nourish our bodies the best way we know how.   And... the coffee tastes fine.  I had to try it!!  Has the mouthfeel of a creamy cup of coffee, but is still rich in roasted flavor.  Definitely worth the experience if you are a coffee lover.  I still prefer my whipping cream in coffee :P

Tofu Smoothie Success!

I was pretty impressed with this morning's smoothie experimental outcome.

The flavor was mild but pleasant, filling, not too sweet, and none of the ingredients seemed to overwhelm.  The only change I would make to this morning's smoothie would be to leave out the almond butter or sub it for a creamier version.  I usually stick to the Trader Joe's raw almond butter.

Here's my variation:

1/3 cup extra firm tofu

1/3 cup whole milk

1/2 banana, frozen

2 Tbsp flaxseed meal

1 Tbsp almond butter (optional)

1/4 cup wild blueberries, frozen

1/4 cup chopped spinach, frozen (you would never be able to guess this was in there!)

1/4 cup water

3) et Voila!

First, grind the flaxseeds if you haven't already.  I did this with a clean coffee grinder and it only took 10 seconds.

Step 1

2) Whir it up 10 seconds

First measure out your tofu, milk, flaxseed, almond butter (if using) and put them all in the blender with the banana.

Mix it all up!

Scrape down the sides of the blender and add the blueberries and spinach.  Blend it until smooth adding water as needed.
* I did add the full 1/4 cup of water since my blender is not like those high powered Vitamix.  Sure I wish I had one of those babies!



Pretty and Purple, I had my breakfast on-the-go!

So pretty!

There it is.  Among the last bits of my homemade kraut, colorful and various shaped leftover containers

 is the tupperware with the green lid, 

on the second shelf, 

hiding behind the foil-wrapped bowl.  

The unconsumed remainder of tofu.

I have been struggling with the idea of tofu lately.  I read that it is a good protein source when meat isn't an option, but then I have also read that too much isn't good for you because it is a phytoestrogen (can screw with your hormone levels).  I read that organic is okay, but what you really want to look for is non-GMO sourced soybeans.  Then I saw a video that claims any soy isn't good for you unless it is in the fermented forms of tempeh or miso.

AAAAAAAAaaaaahhhHHHHHHH!

How am I supposed to know what is right?
And here I am faced with another conundrum: Dustin likes tofu and we used a little bit last week, and now if it doesn't get used in the next couple of days it's going to go bad.  I HATE wasting food.  Sooooo, I had the bright idea of blending it (I don't care for the texture of the firm) into a breakfast smoothie.  Don't give me credit just yet; I'm planning on making it tomorrow morning.
here's the recipe I found from an old blog called 'Brownies for dinner' (cute name):

• Breakfast Smoothie (adapted from The UltraSimple Diet)

  1/4 cup silken tofu
  1/4-1/3 cup unsweetened soy milk
  2 tablespoons ground flax seed (optional)
  1 tablespoon almond butter (optional)
  1/2 banana, sliced (frozen if possible)
  1/4 cup frozen cherries
  1/4 frozen blueberries
  1/4 cup water (or more depending on your preferred thickness)
  1. Put tofu, soy milk, and banana into the blender with flax seed and almond butter if using, and blend on low until it’s mixed up.
  2. Add berries, cherries, and water. Blend starting on low and working your way up to high until everything is smooth.
  3. Enjoy!
  4. Nutrition Information:  With almond butter: 266 calories, 11g fat, 9.7g protein, 33.5g carbohydrates (7g fiber)                           Without almond butter: 171 calories, 6.2g protein, 30.5g carbohydrates (5g fiber)

Sounds good enough, right?  I'll let you know when I make it how it turns out.  I have to go grind some flaxseeds now.

<jumping for joy>

Reaching for those... Chips, cookies,CHOCOLATE (you fill in the blank)

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/rr-calorie-restraint-fat-loss
Check out this link above.  It's an article from John Berardi and if you like health then get to know his name! He founded Precision Nutrition which seems to me like an amazing organization.  I only get the weekly newsletter, but this is one piece of electronic mail I don't immediately junk. There's lots of research behind his work, so I geek out on that (since I have a social science background).
If you are interested in the topics, but don't want all the technical info from the research it's easy to jump around the research bits.

Hope everyone has a lovely Easter.  Don't eat too many candy eggs!!!

Remember to enjoy little things that you love

Thank you lawd fo this sunshine!!

Just when I think the day couldn't get any better (60°+ in Seattle, I'm off work) but I walk by a lovely lady perched on the corner of Columbia and 5th Ave strumming a ukelele singing.  Wow.  I was reminded the power music has with people when I heard her sing.
Thank you anonymous diva, you made my day.
I don't always have these moments, but if you pay attention and look for them, they are happening right under our noses all the time.  We just have to open our consciousness to it all happening around us.
Remember to notice things you love and give thanks.
Peace.

Wonderful San Juan Island

What a fun place to be.
Thanks to Ariel, we had the most quaint little mini-moon you could possibly dream up.  I am truly thankful for Ariel's gift for lodging in Friday Harbor for a wedding gift because we could have quite possibly pushed off planning a honeymoon for years. 
But talk about a recharge!  This trip came exactly when I needed it!  Last week I felt so lousy, most likely a stomach flu (but still waiting on test results), and felt good for nothing.  Luckily when Saturday morning rolled around most of that nasty bug had made its way through me.
Anyways, it's so important to take time out for yourself to do just whatever you want to do.  And if you have a partner to have a getaway with that person once in a while.  We often get so caught up in daily tasks, work, housework, family issues, and you-name-its that we forget who we are and are run down.  It's good to take time to refresh ourselves with what we need.  The best way to do that is to listen to your body; it has a mind of its own, you know.

What have you done for you lately?

Finally! A doctor who confirms what I've been suspecting

From Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/diet-soda-health_b_2698494.html

Here they are!

Aren't they just lovely little cakes?  Ahh!  Did I mention how much I love crab? 

Here's the recipe I used:
(adapted from a recipe called Paleo Maryland Style Crab Cakes, & had just the right amount of spice)

1 large egg
2 Tbsp plain yogurt
1 tsp prepared mustard
1/2 tsp Bragg's Liquid Aminos
1/4 tsp chili flakes
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp Old Bay (type; I made my own mix) seasoning
ground black pepper to taste
1 pound lump crabmeat (remember those lovely legs?)
1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 Tbsp diced sweet red pepper
1 green onion stalk, sliced thinly

1. Whisk together in a bowl the first 8 ingredients.
2. Break apart the crab meat and place it into a large bowl.  Pour the ingredients from step 1 into the crab bowl.  Mix in the red pepper and green onions.
3. Pour the bread crumbs into a shallow bowl. *See note for "healthy" bread crumbs*
4. Form the crab mixture into patties by pressing the mixture into a 1/4 cup measuring cup.  Gently knock out the mixture into the bread crumbs and coat.  If these aren't sticking together to your liking, go ahead and mix some bread crumbs into the crab mix.
5. Place the formed patties onto a baking sheet and throw into the fridge to chill out for about an hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and bake the cakes for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them about 10 minutes in.
7. Enjoy with tartar or lime juice.  I used some homemade horseradish sauce!

*A lot of store bought bread crumbs have hydrogenated oils or corn syrup in them.  Avoid this by taking a couple slices of bread and toasting it until completely dry and then put in the blender or food processor.  Just make sure your bread doesn't have those nasty ingredients in it either.  I can't believe 'food' makers put that junk in everything! <rant*

Although I got a suggestion to use my crab for some devilishly delicious looking crab rangoon, these were lovely and I'm glad I could find shortcuts to make them healthy!  I substituted plain yogurt in this recipe for mayo, didn't use prepackaged breadcrumbs and baked instead of fried them.  These tricks can be used in a lot of other recipes too.  

P.S.  I did use some of the leftover pieces in my lunch with drawn butter.  Old habits die hard, and while I try to be absolutely healthy, I don't think there's too much wrong with a tablespoon of butter here and there.

*Balance*

Sun peeking over St. James Cathedral

This morning at work one of my coworkers asked, "How was your weekend?"  "Good," I answered quickly, then stopped to really consider it for a few seconds.  I let my coworker go on about their own business, but stopped and thought to myself, it was an awesome balance of work and play.  I love feeling productive  and accomplished!  And to do it without even realizing it, is like a godsend!

Too often I run through my mental list of 'to-dos' without actually taking any action and think 'Why can't I get motivated!? Argh!!!'  Then I've just wasted an hour... two... the entire day!  No wonder I find myself asking where the time has gone.

I've learned over and over, and today I was reminded how rewarding it is to: 

J

U

S

T

D

O

I

T

!

(Thanks, Nike) 

Know what I mean?  I used to think that some people were just good at being aggressive and dedicated and that just didn't describe me.  I thought, I'm shy, I'm quiet, I take things slow.  But I learned that aggressive doesn't have to mean hasty or greedy, but also encompasses clear and confident.  Once you know what you want out of life, it becomes that much easier to clear your path to get to it.

One tactic I learned from my aunt, who has been a great inspiration to me, is to write a list of things you want/need.  This helps to set your intention and rid your mind of any hindrances that may come along your path.  I've done this a couple of times in my life so far, come across the lists years later, and laughed because I got about 85% of what I wrote on my lists (ask me about it sometime).

So my weekend consisted of cleaning up the yard and planting some seeds, painting the trim inside the house for my work portion.  (It may not sound like a lot, but the finished product pays off!)

For fun I started at a yoga studio a couple blocks from home.  That was also work (kind of), but it felt so good afterwards.  My sister brought me, my dad and husband together over a happy, italian dinner to celebrate her 21st birthday.  I always feel so good to get family time in and am reminded how blessed I am to have them around.  So thanks sis!

Next time I ask how your weekend was, I want you to know I genuinely mean it.  See ya!

I LOVE CRAB!

I Apologize ahead of time if you are not a seafood fan, so you need not read further.  Unless of course you like torture.

I may be the luckiest girl in the world.  At least that's how I feel tonight.
Thanks to my friends at Kloosterboer, Brandon spared me some of the loveliest legs I have ever seen.  Crab legs, that is.  My only regret is that I didn't photograph them before I dismantled them.
But the meat is beautiful...
Now, what to do with it?  Beyond the obvious, eat it, with lots of butter.  I want to showcase this lovely crustacean flesh in a dish that will be healthy and most definitely delicious. My first thought was crab quiche; pretty high in fat and not much else. :(
Dustin suggested crab cakes.  I wasn't too hot on the idea at first, but now that my wheels are turning, I think that could be the best bet.  Found a recipe by Elie Krieger on foodnetwork.com that I was sure would hit the mark since she is known to lighten up many dishes without sacrificing flavor.  But I was left searching for a bit more.
I'll let you know what I come up with...

Sparkpeople - Heard of it?

There is an e-mail that I subscribe to that frequently sends tips about living with diabetes. I have learned a lot over the last 5 years about the disease, and generally, tips I get aren't anything I haven't heard before.  But last week I read an entry from one of the website's members that was so inspirational to me.  Again, I'm sure I've heard this stuff before, but for whatever reason reading this short blurb about routines struck a chord in me.
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=584

By the way, if you are interested in the website, I would recommend spending some time signing up and customizing your profile.  There's tons of cool features like a meal tracker, exercises, recipes.

Soup's On!

Carrot-Parsnip-Ginger soup garnished with coconut milk

If you live in Seattle you know what type of weather calls for soup.  (P.S. It looks like soup weather outside right now.)

Soup is great for fitting veggies into your diet since they cook down, sometimes you don't even notice you've eaten 3 servings of veggies!  Health +!  Also, depending on the ingredients soup is generally a low carb meal.  (Another Health+ if you are diabetic or carb counting)  Making your own adjustments to the recipes are easy too.  Most soups can be made in a vegan or vegetarian version and lots of recipes are already GF! 

  Usually making a batch of soup will last you more than just one meal so it's great for leftovers!  Most will freeze well too.

Dr. Isacson shared with me in the break room the name and info of this great company; Got Soup.  This got me to head over to our farmer's market this weekend.  Love their creative blends and they use lots of fresh, local ingredients.  For a list of their soups and farmer's market locations visit http://www.gotsoupseattle.com/moreinfo.php.

This weekend was made into a soup-a-palooza at my house!  My husband loves using tried and true recipes and there is one in particular we really love to make.  We love it so much that we made it for our wedding and now call it 'the wedding soup.'

More like a chilli, it is full of goodness.  Spicy sausage, fresh chunks of butternut squash. poblano chilis...

We made this one yesterday as well as one from a recipe that our friend passed along to us (Shown at top of blog post).  Carrot-Parsnip-Ginger puree.  You don't have to love parsnips to love this recipe.  They kind of just give it an essence.  I put more ginger in this one than the recipe called for, and boy did my sinuses clear out!  This one lends well to coconut flavors as well.  We garnished this one with coconut milk. 

YUM!

Recipes to try:

Bean, Sausage and Butternut Squash Chili (This is what we call our 'wedding soup')

Serves 6

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 pound chorizo or hot Italian sausage

1 large yellow onion, chopped

2 cups butternut squash cubes cut in 1/2″ square

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 poblano pepper, membranes and seeds removed, cut in 1/2″ pieces

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded, finely chopped

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 – 28 ounce can Italian plum tomatoes

1 1/2 cups chicken stock

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 bay leaves

1-15 oz. can of cannellini beans

salt & freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish

2 scallions, white and green parts finely sliced

fresh avocado as garnish (optional)

Heat olive oil in a stock pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add sausages and fry until no longer pink. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel.

Add onion to pot and saute until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add squash, garlic and peppers. Saute 3 minutes. Add dry spices and cook stirring, one minute. Add tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste and bay leaves. Simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in beans, sausage, salt and pepper. Simmer 10 more minutes. Taste to adjust seasoning.Before serving add cilantro. Serve in bowls with with scallions, fresh avocado (if using) and additional cilantro.

Adapted from recipe found on Taste Food blog: http://tastefoodblog.com/2011/01/12/black-bean-sausage-and-butternut-squash-chili-recipe

Roasted Carrot-Parsnip-Ginger soup 

1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
1 pound parsnips, peeled and quartered lengthwise
1 large onion, sliced
3-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
8 cups rich chicken broth, more if needed
salt to taste
pinch of cayenne
1/4 cup creme fraiche, for garnish
snipped fresh chives, for garnish
1.  Preheat the oven to 350. Combine carrots, parsnips, onion and ginger in a shallow roasting pan. Dot with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Pour two cups of broth into the pan, cover well and bake until the vegetables are very tender, two hours. (Your house will smell GREAT.)
2.  Transfer vegetables and every last bit of broth into a large soup pot; add 6 remaining cups of broth. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for ten minutes.
3.  Puree soup in food processor or with immersion blender
4.  Serve with garnish if desired. 

Above recipe from Elizabeth Berg. http://www.elizabeth-berg.net/site/epage/69564_662.htm

Who likes running???

Yeah, I know.  Sometimes it's great, especially after a race when you have that runner's high, but other times it can feel like a chore.

But...
There is something fun about organized running.  It's a time and place where you can meet others, spend time with your friends and family or let your competitive side out!  Next week is the Valentine's Love 'em or Leave 'em dash at Green Lake Park in Seattle.  It's a 'fun run' and only 3 miles long, and they'll be giving away chocolate.  Yum!

Here's the link to check it out:
 http://promotionevents.com/valentines/SEA_Reg.htm

Let me know if you are thinking of going because I'd love a running partner!

Feeling green... In a good way!

Maybe it's a trend because it is still around the New Year, but I have been running into green juice recipes everywhere!  Got the best of me so I had to try one!

The tastiest recipe to me was on Seattle Weekly's website from Strawberry Moon http://www.strawberrymoonjuice.com/pages/about-us.

Kale, chard, spinach, pear, ginger & cayenne.  Nuff said.

I tried it in the blender because with the fruit I wanted to keep the fiber in my drink.  This method extends the time it takes to digest and helps to not spike blood sugar levels. 

My result?  A thick, spicy/sweet drink.  I would rate it a 4 out of 5 for taste and would try it again in a juicer.  here's what I did:

Need:

Blender

handful of kale

handful of swiss chard

half of one large pear

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 dropperful of cayenne tincture

3/4-1 cup water (depending on how thick you like it)

Dino kale and Swiss Chard from our yard!

What to do:

In blender on high speed add all ingredients and blend, blend, blend!  Make sure you stop and scrape down the sides to get everything into liquid form.

* This would also be great if you use a juicer to juice a lemon, the greens and the pear.

There are so many variations to try, what do you like??

It's that time of year again...

Yes, the time of year we all want to do something great. When we all want to lose those last 10 pounds. Yadayadayada.
I don't like new years resolutions, though today I found the change of the calendar somehow forced me to state a goal. If you know me, then you know I'm always searching for ways to make my life healthier. What I've been doing in the last month has been to try to eat something fresh with every meal and snack. I have loftier goals than that, but it seems like something I can easily manage every day. I believe that it's the small things that count and they really do add up in the end.
I would be interested to know how others feel about setting New Years resolutions & goals. Does it make a difference to set goals if we never reach them? Thoughts and comments are welcomed!