Monthly Archives: November 2011

A Holiday Snack

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It’s not the holidays in my house until there’s a perpetual tin of Chex Mix. I make so many batches a year I’ve not only memorized the recipe, I’ve perfected the technique.

I follow the classic recipe on the back of the box. If you’ve never made the Chex Party Mix before, whip up a batch! I don’t enjoy normal Chex Mix varieties but the combination of their seasonings in this recipe makes a great snack to munch on while watching Home Alone, Love Actually, or another classic Christmas film. It also gives me an excuse to buy Chex for another delicious treat (puppy chow!!!).

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Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cherry Tomatoes

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Chicken dishes have a tendency to run a little boring. I rarely order a chicken dish in a restaurant because when presented with steak or fish, chicken often falls by the wayside. It just doesn’t seem worth it when I can create a perfectly flavorful chicken dish at home, for a lot cheaper.

I love this chicken dish because it has roasted tomatoes (cooked right alongside), a delicious cheesy, basil filling AND a crunchy garlic topping. The chicken and tomatoes also look good, which is always a plus when serving food.

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Style Inspiration

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I’ve been doing a lot of online browsing this weekend. I love the holidays because it gives me a chance to do what I do best: shop. I’ve been compiling my own wishlist and attempting to locate the perfect gifts for loved ones. In the process, I’ve accumulated some style inspiration.

Maje is one of the newer brands to enter the US market. Two free-standing stores opened this fall in New York. I haven’t had the chance to stop in yet, but I’m loving their collection photos online. Their clothes are feminine, edgy, and simple.

Unfortunately, the clothing is pretty expensive, which is why I’ve titled it “inspiration”. Another photo I love is this one from Garance’s blog:

It’s so chic but yet seems effortlessly thrown together. I really want to pair a flared skirt with a soft sweater, heels, and a feminine bag.

I love J. Crew‘s use of monochromatic, buttoned-up looks this season. Every outfit immediately appears more put-together– something I desperately need when dressing myself at 7am.

I also trolled the iPad App Store and downloaded the latest New York Times app “The Collection.” I love it. It’s a gorgeous and user-friendly way to read their style articles. I highly recommend downloading it.

What’s on your wishlist? I’ll share mine soon!

Marathon Update and Running Gear

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40 days until I’m waking up at 3am to run 26.2 miles with 30,000 other crazy people. Training has been going pretty well. I’ve been doing shorter runs around my house and longer ones in more scenic locations. It has definitely helped make the 12+ mile-runs more exciting. I’m injury-free so far (knock on wood!) and have only swallowed two bugs. I’ve never heard other runners talk about this problem, but it happens!

For those who aren’t familiar with race training, there are programs available that detail mileage plans meant to train you in the safest, most efficient way possible. I prefer Hal Higdon one‘s, but like my half training, I can’t bring myself to run more than 3-4 days a week (rarely 4). I follow the long runs religiously but the weekly runs are more variable to how I’m feeling. I ran 18 miles on Sunday and have 20 scheduled for the following week.

A very important part of running over 3 hours is the gear you have with you. Since it’s the holidays, running goods make great gifts for you or a running friend.

Clothing (tried and true):

lululemon | Run Free Tank $52

Nike | Fast Pace Women’s Running Tank Top $25

Nike | Element Half-Zip Women’s Running Top $55

Under Armour | HeatGear Capri Tights $34.99

Brooks | Women’s HVAC Synergy Short $44

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A Thanksgiving Staple

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I went on a bit of a tirade over Halloween, but no such words will be used against Thanksgiving. This is the best holiday because it revolves around my two favorite things: food and family.

Every Thanksgiving, I’m responsible for making the Applesauce Bread. It’s a family recipe, scribbled on a piece of paper with enough fading and smudges to know it’s a tradition. Several years ago, I famously made a teeny, tiny error that I will never live down. I’m going to blame the shorthand in the recipe (and less than stellar handwriting). In the heat of the moment, I mistook the “t”, meaning teaspoon, for a “T”, meaning tablespoon. The ingredient? …Salt. It was like eating a slice of the ocean.

I baked two loaves last night and I can’t wait to pass a basketful around the table. Our menu will be:

Turkey & Gravy (it’s 22lbs!)

Mom’s Dressing

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Yukon Gold and Sweet Potato Casserole with Three Cheeses

Slow-cooked Green Beans

And, of course, the Applesauce Bread. It’s a family favorite. The applesauce helps to make it moist with the perfect hint of apple and cinnamon.

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Asparagus to Rival Balthazar

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Continuing with my pre-Thanksgiving veggie loading, I decided to try and one-up Balthazar. The asparagus in my puff pastry and eggs last week was simply to die for. It was soft throughout, like it had been blanched or steamed, yet flavorful. I spent the past few days at work thinking about how to create asparagus just as delicious. I think I did it.

Blanched and Pan-fried Asparagus

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1 lb. asparagus, ends cut off

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

salt and pepper

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Fill a medium pot with water and bring to boil. Once boiling, add asparagus and cook until asparagus is tender and easy to poke with a fork, 1 to 2 minutes (depending on asparagus thickness).

Drain asparagus and rinse with cold water. In a large skillet, heat oil until shimmering. Add asparagus and cook until it reaches your desired level of fry. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Tonight begins the baking for tomorrow’s feast. I’m so excited. What are you looking forward to most this Thanksgiving?

Easy Minestrone Soup

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Before an endurance race, athletes are supposed to carb load to maximize the storage of glycogen in their muscles. Before a big holiday, I like to vegetable load.

Somehow or another my house is filled with Sara Lee Pumpkin Cheesecake (AMAZING), Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Brownies (AMAZING), Dove Peppermint Bark (AMAZING), and Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream (AMAZING). Yes, the holidays have arrived, which is why I decided to make minestrone soup.

This simple soup is filled with vegetables. It’s my favorite version of minestrone because it cooks up quickly and doesn’t have herbs. Sometimes, you just don’t need them. Garlic, onion, and tomato are enough to make the Italian soup flavorful.

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