Dessert

Cape Cod and Cupcakes

February 25, 2011
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In just three days I will run my first race of the season, the Hyannis Half-Marathon.  I will be joined by some amazing ladies as I run along the coast of Cape Cod.

(source)

This race is technically a training run for the National Marathon.  I plan to run conservatively, but I know the race day adrenaline will give me a rush.  I’m not sure what to expect, but I’m excited!

I didn’t build a true taper into my training plan, but I did opt for some easier miles this week.  It’s that whole conservation thing!  This morning I set out for my final run before race day.

Happy runner!  I ran 5K (3.1 miles) through my neighborhood.  It was hilly, challenging, and wonderful.  The sun felt warm on my face and the air felt crisp in my lungs.  I get by on the treadmill, but I thrive on the roads.  Running outdoors always feels a little more gratifying to me.  This run gave me confidence for the race.

For the next couple of days, I’m sticking to light cardio, yoga…and cupcakes!

I got my hands on the HealthontheRun carrot cake recipe and ran with it.  How punny. Anyway, you should beg her to post this one because it’s amazing!

A small piece of heaven made with my own two hands – cake and frosting from scratch. That’s a BOTR first!

Freshly grated carrots and crushed pineapple added moisture to the dense cake.  Plump raisins, sweet coconut, and chopped walnuts added delicious texture.  A dollop of sweet cream cheese frosting filled every bite with creamy goodness.

Carrot cake takes my #1 spot for flavor.  Cupcakes win for cuteness.

Someone thinks it’s funny to snap photos of me loving my cupcake.  I think it’s funny to post said photos on the blog.  That probably makes me the weird one.  Oh well!

I love having extra time to bake.  It was the way to end the day.

Do have any fun events coming up? I feel like Hyannis is the kick-off to another fun race season.  Can’t wait!

Made With Love

February 23, 2011
By

Lately, I’ve been slacking in the kitchen.  I haven’t tried many exciting recipes or had much fun with my meals.  Instead, I’ve been falling back on old, easy recipes.  While the food is nutritious and tastes fine, it often leaves me unsatisfied.  It isn’t made with love.

This week I’m on school vacation, so I have no excuse to be lazy.  I have plenty of time to prepare healthy, delicious meals for my family.  Nothing complicated, just satisfying!

Tonight we enjoyed homemade pizza.

I used Whole Foods whole wheat pizza dough, a simple red sauce, and plenty of fun toppings.  We had pies for everyone!

A basic cheese pizza,

A sweet ‘n salty Hawaiian,

And spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for the veggie lovers in the house.

As the chef, I had to be sure each pizza was cooked to perfection.

Mmmm…mmm…good!  I started with a slice of cheese and worked my around to the spinach and sun-dried tomato.  Each slice was better than the one before.  The sauce was slightly sweet with great flavor from garlic, basil, and oregano and the toppings were just right.  They didn’t overwhelm the perfectly crisp crust.

Three homemade pizzas for the price of one delivery pie.  How can you wrong?  You can’t.  And while the oven is hot…

Peanut butter – chocolate chip cookies for dessert.  I used this recipe with a few minor tweaks and astounded the family with my baking skills!  The cookies are disappearing.  They can’t get enough.  Salty, creamy peanut butter, sweet chocolate chips…crisp, chewy all at the same time.  If there’s anything I like more than pizza, it’s cookies.  Yum!

It’s been a delicious night at the BOTR household.  And it’s going to be an early night.  I made plans to meet my buds at the gym at 6:30 AM…on vacation!  It’ll be worth it.

Any great recipe I should try this week? I already have my sights set on an amazing carrot cake recipe, but I’m going to need some real food, too.

What’s your favorite home-cooked meal? I love homemade pizza, but nothing beats good old-fashioned comfort food – roast chicken, veggies, and mashed potatoes.  Maybe I’ll add that to this week’s menu!

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