Spicy Chickpeas and Creamy Peas

As requested here are two recipes for some recent dishes I've cooked.  Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are very high in protein!  I made some brown rice as a side with this.


Spicy Curry Chickpeas

Chickpeas (you can used can if you don’t want to cook these from scratch)
Onion (about ½ diced)
Garlic (2 cloves diced or pressed)
Green Chile (diced, to taste I used 2)
1 tsp Turmeric
1tsp Cumin
1 tsp Coriander seeds (mashed)
1 tsp Garam Masala
Salt and pepper to taste
Tomatoes (peeled & diced about 8 oz or to taste can use canned if want)
1 tblsp olive oil

Soak about 16 oz chickpeas overnight in water
Boil chickpeas for about 10 minutes then reduce to simmer and cook for another hour or until soft (or use canned)
Boil and peel tomatoes before dicing (or use canned)
In a separate pan sauté onions, garlic, all spices except garam masala, green chile for about 5 minutes
Add tomatoes and let simmer for about another 5 minutes (at this stage I added about ½ cup water but that is up to you if you want it a little more like a sauce)
Add Chickpeas and garam masala and cook for about another 5 minutes
Serve garnished with red onions and a side of brown rice

Creamy Peas

About 16 oz. peas (frozen or if fresh 16 oz. after taken out of pods)
8 oz. pearl onions (peeled)
Fresh parsley (chopped fine)
1 tbsp. olive oil or Earth Balance
¼ cup water
½  cup heavy cream or unsweetened soy milk
2 tbsp. flour
½ lemon
dd
Sautee the onions until browned
Boil the pea, and parsley in water for about 10 minutes
Add onions to peas
Mix the flour and cream/soy milk in a measuring cup until flour is dissolved
Lower heat on peas and add milk mixture and heat through (be careful not to cook for too long because then it will thicken too much)
Remove from heat and squeeze lemon juice and mix together


 Not requested but you get an extra bonus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No not a boob shot just my new favorite shirt, but this confuses most people cause they don't understand why I would love that movie soo much, they've never heard of the other Ironman :-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't forget my Technical Hoodie Giveaway!

Nutritional Yeast

How many of you have heard of this cooking ingredient?  How many have used it in anything?  I had been vegetarian for over 5 years before I heard of it.  Anyway, so now I've used this ingredient in several recipes, mainly casseroles and gravies.  However, I still wasn't too sure about what the benefits were to it.  I know they recommended using it in these recipes because it made it seem creamier since I wasn't using cheese (I dabble in vegan recipes because of the health benefits and they are yummy!!!).  So I decided to do a little research.

This is what I found on Wikipedia which I know isn't always accurate so I would welcome anyone who has a better source of info to let me know:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae.^[1] Nutritional yeast is produced by culturing the yeast with a mixture of sugarcane and beet molasses for a period of 7 days and then harvesting, washing, drying and packaging it. This is commercially available in the form of flakes or as a yellow powder similar in texture to cornmeal, and can be found in the bulk aisle of most natural food stores. It is popular with vegans and vegetarians and may be used as an ingredient in recipes or as a condiment.^[2]

Nutritional yeast flakes

It is a source of protein and vitamins, especially the B-complex vitamins, and is a complete protein. It is also naturally low in fat and sodium and is free of sugar, dairy, and gluten. Some brands of nutritional yeast, though not all, are fortified with vitamin B12. When fortified, the vitamin B12 is produced separately (commonly Cyanocobalamin) and then added to the yeast because yeasts are fungi, whereas B12 is synthesized only by bacteria.^[3][4][5]
Nutritional yeast has a strong flavor that is described as nutty, cheesy, or creamy, which makes it popular as an ingredient in cheese substitutes. It is often used by vegans in place of parmesan cheese. Another popular use is as a topping for popcorn, typically paired with pickles. It can also be used in mashed and fried potatoes, as well as put into scrambled tofu or eggs. Some movie theaters offer it along with salt or cayenne pepper as a popcorn condiment.^[6]

What do you think?  I think I should try adding it to my menu more often after reading the benefits.

So I got my self new running shoes and even though they didn't have it in the color I wanted it was a killer deal and so far after breaking them in for 1 week I love them!!  I think these are stiffer in the front around the ball of the foot then my last ones and that is what the doctor recommended for the extra support I needed so that I wouldn't experience the pain on the top of my foot.  Extra bonus there was no child labor used to produce these shoes!  I spent most of last weekend indoors which meant less mileage but I was a little down and spent most of my time on the couch watching Netflix so I'm glad I still managed to make myself get to the gym!  This week already looks way more promising!  Happy Running!

Turkey Trek

Started the day off right with a local Turkey Trek with two other running buddies and about 2,000 other people!  It counted as my virtual 5k that I did with Daily Vitamin F, thanks for putting that on!  It took me 27:51 which lately is a pretty decent finish time for me.  I may still be slow but the good news is I'm on the upside I'm not getting slower anymore I might actually be starting to slowly get faster again.  I almost puked at the finish line but that's because I've been pushing myself too hard on the races.  I'm use to finishing faster and in my head think I should still be able to but my body knows other wise.  It ended up being perfect weather for it.  Then on home to cook a vegetarian feast for Thanksgiving!  Since the hubs is on deployment we didn't have to cook a turkey and my parents ate vegetarian with us.  I'm thankful that I had family here with me today even though my husband was not able to come home. 

On the menu:
Vegan Greenbean Casserole
Mashed Potatoes
Vegan Gravy
Tofurkey
Stuffing
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Soup
Vegan Pumpkin Pull Apart Rolls
Oatmeal Cookies
Pecan Pie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Empanadas kind of night

So I was so tired and burnt out yesterday I decided to move my day off of the gym from Friday to Tues.  I figured I don't have to work friday so I can workout first thing in the morning :-)  But I'm back to it today weight lifting and a quick warm up mile and cool down mile. 

Last night I cooked and cleaned.  What did I cook you ask? 

Where did I get this wonderful recipe?

Super excited about this cookbook it reminds me of the stuff my family in Colombia cooks but Vegan! :-) 

This was an easy recipe to follow.  I might save this for a weekend meal just because it's a little time consuming or it might be good to make the dough ahead of time.
The filling was corn, green onions, garlic, soy creamer, smartbalance, cornstarch and seasoning salt, pepper, cayenne. 

Tasted way better than I make it look in this pic

The dough was really easy to make.  There was a lot of filling left over so it would either make more dough or less filling next time.

and voila final product:

And yes, the non-vegetarian in the family loved them he took like 5 of them to work today for lunch.

I was a little tired but this is the only one who got a nap:

Happy Trails!

What it means to be a vegetarian girl living with a carnivorous boy (excuse me Man)…

I know there are many vegetarians and meat eaters out there alike and I’m not here to discuss the qualities or lack thereof of either choice.  But how food is such an integral part of our lives and what it means when you decide to cohabitate with someone with opposite choices….

Three key words:  Compromise, Flexibility, and an IRON WILL!

One way we’ve compromised is there is a veggie and meat side to our grill YAY! (we got a big grill) There are meat pots and pans and vegetarian pots and pans.  I cook vegetarian meals and if he so chooses he cooks some meat on the side to accompany it.  But the truth is sometimes I just can’t help the gross out factor when I find this:

on my vegetarian bamboo cutting boards.  Ahhhhhhh

My least favorite conversation:  “I want to go to a steakhouse”   “You can just have a salad”  Ok so let me just say I CAN just have a salad but there are some requirements to that salad.  If it is topped with a protein like garbanzo beans or baked tofu, if it has some healthy fat in it like avocado or sesame seeds, some flaxseed for good measure, and enough veggies to compromise the colors of the rainbow.  In that case YES I would love to “just have a salad” but the truth is that when you go to most steakhouses, the salad consists usually of iceberg lettuce, croutons, cheese, and some tomatoes if you’re lucky so in that case no thank you.  Don’t worry we say this all in good cheer! ;-)  In all honesty though I usually don’t enjoy eating out in general. 



Nice Compromise Veggie & Chicken Skewers



Lastly the iron will part comes in when he still has the metabolism of a 20 year old and can eat whatever he wants and as he is eating a tasty dessert playfully waves it in front of my nose and mouth “come on just try one bite”  The thing is if I give in and have that one bite my cravings come on full force and the next thing I know I’ve finished a huge serving!  The boy vs girl part is that I use to control my cravings by simply not buying junk food to keep around the house.  Now it is there staring at me, calling my name, pleading with me “EAT ME” and I have to say NO or ok just this one time.  Hence the weight gain in the last year and a half we’ve been together.  I don’t believe I should ask him to please stop buying these things because it’s his choice, I have asked for the enticements to stop.  So now it’s up to me to put my mental toughness training to use!  Lugging around an extra 10 pounds sure can make a difference on your triathlon times!

In the end we make it work now doing the dishes is a whole nother story….  How do you and your special someone compromise?  Does your active lifestyle take a part in that?

Coming soon to a blogger near you:  What it means to be a vegetarian, skiing , triathlete who was just told by her doctor to face the facts (that after 30 your metabolism will never be the same and buy a new wardrobe) who refuses to give up! 



Just for fun the token doggy pic:  Sleepy dog!



Too Much Yumminess & Not enough Running!

Help!  I've indulged the last few days which normally isn't a problem if it wasn't also accompanied with a rest day that I didn't need!  So Saturday was awesome I started with a 7:30am Endurance Spin Class, 15 miles, followed by a 8:45 am Yoga class, which really helped my foot and hips and made me break a sweat.  Then I went for 3 miles with the puppy.  I was also very productive on the home front doing some major spring cleaning!!  I followed all that by a girls night out. 

Then come Sunday I decided I wouldn't get as early of a start I watched a chick flick then read an entire book, ok it was an easy read Jenny McCarthy's Love, Lust and Faking it isn't exactly like reading a college text book.  But I needed to just let my mind and body rest.  The problem is I never got around to my run that day and replaced it with making Vegan Coconut lime cupcakes.  Delicious, I ate two, and was in a sugar coma after that!  The only thing keeping me from eating the rest of the dozen is the fact that I've been told when the bf gets back from his current military school he will apparently be 20 lbs lighter and needing lots of food!

Monday I was able to get a great swim in 2400 meters of alternating breast and free style and a sensible dinner.  Tuesday I had every intention of doing my usual weight lifting session followed by a 3-4 mile run.  When a friend of mine sent me an e-mail saying I know this is a long shot because of your triathlon coming up and last minute but would you be willing to go to Ladies Night Out at Melting Pot with me tonight?  The thing is I had wanted to go there for my birthday in January and due to some extenuating circumstances that I won't mention here it was cancelled.  So I had been dying to go for months and couldn't say no!!!!  But in order to make my reservation I only had enough time to go home play with the doggy and leave.  So did you know that my serving of the four course meal was about 1,400 calories and 60 grams of fat!!!!  Again with no workout!!!  It was so yummy but all this is going to start adding up.  I need to come back to reality and get back on track!  How do you make sure you don't get distracted by yummy treats and dinners?

Way to go! How do you motivate others?

Some  people in my life assume it is easy for me to exercise and maintain my goal weight.  No, I work hard to be an “average athlete” and to just be able to finish some events.  Our company recently had sign up sessions for a Spring Into Motion program that is supposed to help motivate people  to become more active.  I was bombarded with questions like “Why are you doing this?”  “I wish I could look like you.”  Well, guess what I’ve gained 12 lbs over the last year and I haven't had a PR in longer than I care to admit.  I could always use motivation and everyone can improve no matter what their fitness level is.  Also try hanging out with a bunch of triathletes and runners, I am at the bottom of the fitness level there J.  It’s all relative right. 

Some of my favorite questions and comments I’ve been subject to and what I wish I could say back:

“Why do you want to torture yourself with all that running?”    Guess what some of us enjoy running!

“I could never do a marathon.  It would take me a month to finish that.”  How do you know if you’ve never tried.  I use to think the same thing until I got off my butt and did it.

“I could never be vegetarian I would pass out from not getting enough protein especially when I workout.”  Well, let’s see lentils, garbanzo beans, nuts, soy beans all have enough protein to make sure you meet your daily requirements.  I did  Ironman training on my vegetarian diet with no negative consequences.

“I lift weights, I do 12 oz curls.”  And you are bragging about it?

“You people are crazy!”  If that’s what you want to call it, then sure I’m crazy!

“All that exercise can’t be good for your body.”  Ok I decided to delete my response to this one I don’t even want to think thoughts that mean….

“I never have time to exercise.”  I don’t either but I make time and I schedule it, make it a priority!

“Why are you vegetarian?”  Why not?  I don’t go around asking people why they are meat eaters and they would probably take offense to it if I did. 

“You always have the back seats of your car down, is that where you hide your cases of power bars?”  Yes, because I live solely on PowerBars and water.  Really!

“Exercise is done against one’s wishes and maintained only because the alternative is worse”  George Sheehan

So even though part of this post may seem to have some negative connotations, the point I wish I could make to some is that we could all use support, motivation, and understanding.  Don’t assume that something is easy for anyone.  I love to exercise it makes me feel good but I wish I was better and I will never stop trying to improve.  I struggle daily with food choices just like everyone else and guess what sometimes you will see me with a slice of pizza in my hand or a bowl of icecream!  My favorite feeling is when I’m in a race and we all yell out words of support as we pass each other, “keep it up, good job!”  The best is when the leader of the pack actually has the breath and time to say it back or when I started walking in the middle of a really steep race and a girl that came up behind me didn’t give up until she convinced me to keep running even if it meant I was just shuffling.  So get out there and motivate each other!  I love my sports and hope I can share that enthusiasm with the next person I run into.  I’m sure those of you out there that exercise even more than me have some outrageous stories.  What are some of your favorite questions?  What are some of your favorite ways to motivate others?

My favorite homemade spaghetti sauce

I remember the 1st time I cooked this for my now bf this is what I made and I didn't tell him it was vegetarian until after we ate, now he requests it along with the vegetarian lasagna you can use this sauce for!

In food processor:
6-8 tomatoes (soft & ripe not green)
4 cloves garlic (at least the more the better is this household's motto)
1/2 bell pepper
1 onion
2-4 stalks celery
2 carrots
1-2 scallions
Splash of water

Blend until smooth no chunks...

In a large saucepan:
Sautee ground "meat" substitue (optional) in 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Add mix from food processor, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, bay leaves, parsley

Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer, let cook 20-30 minutes you will see it turn a dark red...

For the lasagna I alternate layers of this sauce and a vegan white sauce that I make in between the lasagna noodles...

So much on my mind

Days filled with holiday parties and special events keep me busy and tired but still happy!  Have the local Roadrunners Christmas party tonight which is always fun and the chance to win running related gifts is an added bonus (last time the runners bracelet I won was awesome).  So thankful that my new workplace is considerate of vegetarians, twice they made accommodations without me having to ask, yesterday vegetarian red chile and squash enchiladas and today veggie delight sandwiches from Subway!  WooHoo…  we won’t mention the cheesecake I had afterwards…  Had a nutcracker “experience” and we’ll just leave it at that, then helped the bro pick up some wood flooring and tonight the party, when is a girl to work out!!!!  Tomorrow is a rest week in my marathon training, 8 mile run.  We were going to do some hill running but it has since snowed so think we’ll stick to the city.

Recertified again with NASM as personal trainer, I keep doing it “just in case”.  I did let my USAT triathlon coaching cert. lapse though.  I’m thinking of maybe picking up a few clients on the side, make some extra cash.  Personal training was the funnest, most enjoyable ,and rewarding job I have ever had.  I just couldn’t quite make ends meet with it at the time cause I tried going back to school again at the same time.  But I figured this way I get the best of both worlds.  So with my new job I get 1 week and 1 day off for Christmas wow!  I didn’t plan a trip anywhere b/c the bf would have been jealous.  So instead I’m going to do a boot camp for myself with at least 2 cardio workouts and some weight training each day!  I will also take that time to register myself as a business so I can start the personal training.  The catch is I don’t quite feel like a trainer.  I mean I am still in shape but about 15 lbs heavier than when I was a trainer before.  Maybe it’s just the motivation I need to stop shoving those extra calories down my throat, he he he....  Losing that weight would sure make my running easier too!  Gotta pull out the “Racing Weight” book again and start reading.  But I get so tired of keeping a food log L  No one ever said it was easy right, ok I will practice the speeches I use to give to clients on myself.  I will also start a mirror of motivation like I had done when training for my Ironman (I’ll post a picture once I’m done with it).  So I never like to do New Year’s resolutions but I do like to set midyear and annual goals for myself, do here it goes:

1)      Get to my “race weight” or as I prefer to call it my “fighting weight”

2)      Register for at least 8 triathlons in the local challenge series

3)      Register myself as a business and acquire a few clients

4)      Not injure myself this year with skiing, running, soccer, etc

Goal date: March 2010  Will keep you posted!

Thanksgiving Shenanigans

Super duper excited for a long weekend in the mountains with friends, family and my bf.   Keeping my fingers crossed that my new job lets me out early.  We have a 3.5 hr drive to the mountains in the middle of what is supposed to be a nasty storm.  I'm going to offer to drive because the bf has been sick, I know I'm great you don't have to say it :-)   

So the last 3 or 4 years my brother and I had convinced my parents to have a completely vegetarian thanksgiving and they've loved it.  This year however we are having extra guests including the bf (1st holiday season together) so the parents have decided to do both a turkey and tofurky...  But maybe I can convince a few extra ppl it is just as delicious, nutritious and filling.  I am making vegetarian gravy from scratch (the main ingrediant is turnips) very yummy.  We have of course the mashed potatoes and stuffing and a vegan green bean casserole that has been requested.  We are doing the tofurky, for some reason my brother loves this stuff, personally I would prefer stuffed squash or grilled portabellas but I can compromise....

Along with that I will be going to the gym today during lunch in preparation for driving after work. Thurs. will be hill sprints (bf's idea but now that he's sick don't know if he'll participate).  Friday will be a hike with the dog (as long as there isn't snow on the trails) and Sat. will be a 15 mile long run with hills at 9,000 feet.  I brought lots of layers!  The average person gains 5-20 lbs over the holidays, yikes!  I'm going to indulge but not overindulge....

I am thankful for my friends, family, boyfriend, being able to run, having a car that will get me there, having a job still that is allowing for me to do all this and my health!