Nourish and Flourish

50 Most Beautiful People in FOOD + Blueberry Scones

I set my alarm for 4:30 Friday morning, *hoping* that I'd have it in me to rise before the sun to watch William and Kate tie the knot.

It didn't happen. In fact, I slept through my alarm. :-( Thank goodness for DVR! (Side note: I'd love to hear your thoughts about the fashion, especially Kate's dress , Beatrice's hat and Victoria's Louboutin pumps (while pregnant)!)

Last night I forgot to reset my alarm and nearly jumped out of bed when it began blaring at 4:30 this morning. Of course I wake up early on a day created for sleeping in! :-p

I tossed and turned for a few hours, but couldn't seem to get breakfast off my mind.

Two nights ago, I whipped up a batch of blueberry scones (vegan and gluten free) using this recipe from a bakery in New York City. I made a few changes, substituting almond milk for the soy milk, and adding an extra 1/2 cup of blueberries.

Consider these scones my tribute to British royalty. Nothing screams "English" more than scones and clotted cream, right?!  Even though I ate mine sans cream, they were still quite a treat!

*Blueberry Scones*

3 cups gluten free flour mix or oat flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar 
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 
3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt 
11 tablespoons Earth Balance cut into 1/2-inch cubes 
1 cup oats
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries 
1 3/4 cups chilled almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5 teaspoons raw sugar
 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray. 

2. Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and coarse salt in processor; blend 5 seconds. Add Earth Balance. Using on/off turns, blend until mixture resembles coarse meal. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Add 1 cup oats and blueberries; stir to blend evenly.

3. Stir almond milk and vanilla in small bowl. Gradually add to flour mixture, tossing until doughcomes together (dough will be very moist). 

4. Using 1/4-cup measuring cup for each scone, drop dough in mounds onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart. OR create one large mound and cut into triangles.  Sprinkle tops with sugar.

5. Bake 15 minutes. Reverse sheets and continue baking until scones are golden and tester inserted into center from side comes out clean, about 12 minutes longer. Transfer scones to rack and cool slightly.

5. Serve warm or at room temperature. ENJOY!

I enjoyed a scone around 6:00am, and then climbed back in bed, only to sleep through a running date with a friend. Sorry, Ash! I definitely owe you a scone!

  

*50 Most Beautiful People in Food*

If you've been in a grocery store this week, you know that Jennifer Lopez was crowned one of People Magazine's Most Beautiful People of the year.

What would you think if you found out that this chick was in the running for the title?

Or how about this brawny boy?

The San Francisco Chronicle wants to know who YOU think is the most beautiful "person" in FOOD! There are 50 contestants pining for the crown. Click here to cast your vote! 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Aunt Jemima and Mrs. Butterworth could really use some lovin'. Or maybe the gruff Gorton fisherman is more your style. And who doesn't love Mr.  Quaker Oats?

I just cast my vote for this hunk:

Yes, that's the Senor Paul Newman. I'm not sure I'm digging the mustache, but his salsa sure does taste good!

St. Pauli girl (whose picture I'm not going to show here, for obvious reasons) is currently in first place, followed by Santitas Chip Girl.

We all know that food is pretty, but the people that "make" it aren't typically recognized for their beauty. Go show them your support! Voting closes May 5, so hurry up! :-)

This post has to be cut short because my guilty conscience is getting to me, and I need to start cracking on paper-writing and studying. In just one week I'll be done with my first semester of grad school!  I'm very much looking forward to an entire week off before summer session starts. And guess who's coming to help me celebrate?

She's famous for her oat smashes and love of Hello Kitty. Can't wait!!

Hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

                                    "Taking joy in LIFE is a woman's best cosmetic."

                                                            -Rosalind Russel

Question of the day:

Most attractive GUY in food? Green Giant, Gorton, Orville Redenbacher, Mr. Quaker Oats or other?

 

Is Cupcake Sugar Toxic?

My mom taught me that dessert was never to be eaten before a meal. Sweets served as a reward for eating broccoli and turnips. :-p

Surprisingly, I adopted her philosophy without much fuss. As long I knew there'd be dessert, the veggies went down easily!

There was, however, one exception to this rule.

Occasionally Mom would buy Hostess cream-filled cupcakes and sneak them into my lunch box.

These cupcakes were, in my opinion, the treat of all treats.

(I'd love to tote this lunch box around!)

Come lunch time, my survival of the fittest instinct would kick in, and you better believe that cupcake was devoured before I touched my tuna fish on whole wheat (sans mayo) sandwich!

I'd almost forgotten about those cupcakes. Almost.

Last week, Katie decided to forgo a traditional cake on her birthday and instead indulge in a traditional Hostess cupcake. When I saw the picture documentation--and the look of elation on her face--I knew it was time to bring Hostess back.

But this time I was determined make Hostess homemade and healthy.

Please excuse the dirty nails!

I'm really glad I snapped the above pictures before I attempted to transport my cupcakes to my friend James's birthday party.

Because after sitting in the car all day (gym + babysitting + class), they looked like this:

Does anyone know if there's such thing as a cupcake transporter? Because traditional tupperware was a major fail. :-p

Fortunately, the birthday boy still enjoyed his cupcake (x3!). And that's all that matters, right?

*Homemade Hostess Cupcakes* <--- click for recipe!

James also enjoyed blowing out the candles on a red velvet cake.

I was glad I'd brought gluten free cupcakes, otherwise I would have suffered from major cake envy!

While posting pictures of James, I began reminiscing about our college days together. He was my go-to date for sorority formals and semi--formals.

sophomore year formal

Junior year semi-formal. Perhaps a little too much concealer under the eyes? ha

James was also my go-to loony face partner in crime. (And still is!)

There are MANY more where these came from!

****

IS SUGAR TOXIC?

The same day my homemade Hostess cupcakes made their messy debut, my good friend, Elaina (the gorgeous gal in the above picture) sent me a New York Times article titled, Is Sugar Toxic? (You can read the article here).

Toxic is a strong word with strong implications, even though it seems to be thrown around pretty lightly lately. For the purposes of physical health, a toxin is a poisonous substance that has an ill effect on the body. We all know that sugar is a source of empty calories and is said to promote cavities, but is it toxic?

In excess, maybe. But isn't every substance potentially toxic if too much is consumed? 

Humans have been consuming sugar for eternity. It's found naturally in fruits and vegetables! It's found in breast milk! Is a substance that's naturally created by our own bodies to nourish growing babies really bad for us? Is a substance that humans have been consuming since creation harming our bodies? If sugar was created to taste good, how could it be a poison?

One could argue that artificial sweeteners taste "good" too...And we all know about the negative connotations surrounding those. But artificial sweeteners were created by humans. They are not natural.

Sugar is a natural substance meant to be consumed. Most living creatures rely on it in some form, as it serves as a source of energy for our bodies.

Honestly, I think the author's allegations and assertations are unfounded. Human problems associated with sugar don't lie in the chemical equation of the substance itself, but in the excessive amount consumed.

This article frightens me. Not because it has changed my opinion about sugar, but because I believe it will cause many readers to run to the store for Sweet n' Low (or other artificial sweeteners). Those who buy into the belief that sugar is evil, will banish it from their cupboards, feel deprived, and end up binging on it later.

I am going to repeat the cliche mantra that we all know so well: Anything (natural) in moderation. Including sugar. Especially that which is found in homemade cupcakes. ;-)

***QUESTIONS FOR TODAY***

What is your opinion about sugar? Do you try to avoid it? What's your sweetener of choice?

AND

In keeping wth the reminiscing theme...

What was your favorite childhood lunch box treat?

You already know my answer, but in addition to Hostess cupcakes, I loved the following treats:

Fruit By The Foot fruit roll-ups

Gushers

Ritz Bitz sandwich crackers ( both cheese and peanut butter flavors)

 

 

 

 

 

Coconut Curry, 'Cakes and Quotes

I like to think I'm an efficient multi-tasker.

I study while I ellipticize (how is it that I focus better when I'm moving?)

I'll do calf raises while I'm writing papers (again, movement = more productivity!)

I eat while I blog (yes, sometimes I spill on the keyboard)

And (confession!) sometimes I text while I drive. Sometimes. (and only at stop lights) 

 But my favorite way to multi-task is by reading juicy gossip cooking magazines in the bath tub. :-)

A few nights ago I was flipping through the pages of Everyday with Rachael Ray while I was soaking in the suds. I became pretty excited when I spotted a recipe for 15-minute curry. So excited, in fact, that I knocked the entire magazine into the tub.

I did not snap a picture (I never said I was that good at multi-tasking! Who takes their camera into the bathroom?!), but I did manage to salvage enough of the magazine, to guide me in the art of making a delicious (super-fast) curry.

Coconut Curry with Tofu

I'm convinced this is the easiest homemade curry recipe on the planet.

You'll be slurping those noodles like crazy.

 

1-2 oz. rice noodles (or any noodle of choice)

3/4 cup light coconut milk (or So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage...see below)

1 t. soy sauce

1 t. red curry paste

1/4 block extra firm tofu, (or 3 oz. shrimp or chicken)

handful spinach

cilantro (optional)

 

 1. Cook noodles, set aside

2. Combine coconut milk, soy sauce and curry paste; bring to a boil

3. Add tofu; cook one minute

4. Add spinach to hot soup, pour into bowls and garnish with cilantro

Enjoy feeling like you're in Thailand :-)

As I mentioned above, I used a new-to-me product, So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage instead of regular light coconut milk in the curry.

These little to-go boxes are perfect for throwing into your bag on a busy day! The nutrition stats are pretty fantastic too.

They contain a small amount of stevia, so the milk is slightly sweet (just how I like it). :-)

Usually eating a food satisfies your craving for that particular food . However, in the case of coconut curry, it just made me want more coconut.

Good thing I recently loaded up on coconut-based goods!

Want to know what else I've been craving? A few days ago I learned that Ihop sells cheesecake pancakes. Chunks of cheesecake stirred into the batter? Mmmhhhmmm.

I've been thinking about them ever since. But clocking in at 1,100 calories, I think they fall into the "occasional indulgence" category. :-)

When you combine a craving for coconut + a craving for (healthy) cheesecake pancakes, you inevitably end up with something like this:

Cream Cheese and Strawberry Stuffed Coconut Pancakes

Click here for the recipe!

*****************************

I think that's enough food for today, but I'd like to share one more thing with you.

Meet my quote book.

Before I go to bed each night, I like to relax by reading blogs, sipping hot chocolate and journaling. Occasionally I'll open up my quote book for a little inspiration to get me prepped for the new day ahead.

Last week, Lindsay suggested that I share some of my favorite quotes with you. I love Lindsay, and I loved her idea, so here goes. :-)

Today's topic is BEAUTY. It's EVERYWHERE, but we don't always slow down and take the time to see it in ourselves and others.

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.

-Audrey Hepburn

 

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

-1 Samuel 16:7

Have a BEAUTIFUL day!! <3

SHARE: What is your favorite quote? I'd love to add it to my quote book!

 

 

 

Food Fit for a Queen

Happy Hump Day!

Okay, I think it's time to clear some things up:

I realize that sweet eats have taken over this blog over the past month. I've posted about ice cream, brownies, cookies, cake, chocolate...Clearly I've been living up to my childhood nickname: DESSERT QUEEN. ;-)

Fun fact: When I was young, I liked to pretend I lived in Candyland. I was obsessed with Queen Frostine.

So obsessed, in fact, that I ate the Queen Frostine card.

If that incdent taught me anything, it's that chewing dyed paper does not turn you into a queen. ;-) Nor does it satisfy sugar cravings.

If you want sugar, eat sugar. But balance it out with nutritious and delicious meals. Today's post, part of What I Ate Wednesday, will prove that my body doesn't dervie 100% of it's energy from sweets! ;-)

Breakfast:

Coconut Banana Pumpkin Pancakes

It's been awhile since I've enjoyed coconut flour!

2 T. coconut flour

1/2 cup egg whites or 2 eggs

2 T. pumpkin puree

1/4 mashed banana

vanilla extract

Coconut butter

1. Mix all ingredients except coconut flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in coconut flour. Cook on a griddle until done. Top with extra banana slices and a tablespoon of coconut butter.

+ Sauteed Kale with Mushrooms

Post workout snack:

Chobani Lemon

My new favorite Chobani flavor. I inhaled this in the gym locker room.

**Side note: Prevention just named this yogurt one of it's Healthiest Packaged Foods of 2011. There are some tasty-looking (and truly healthy) finds on this list. Definitely check it out!**

Lunch:

Black Bean Soup, Puppodum with Guacamole and Salsa, Iceberg Wedge Salad with Creamy Roasted Pepper Dressing

I melted a Laughing Cow wedge in the soup (promise it's in there...it's those tiny white "flecks"), and popped a pappadum in the microwave.

I dunked the iceberg wedge in this dressiing:

The "cream" is actually tofu!

Have you ever tried a puppodum?

They're like a giant (gluten-free) pita chip! I'm hooked! And the best part about puppodums is that you "pop" them in the microwave.

They're made with chickpea flour, and are therefore relatively high in protein.

All popped!

You can find puppodums at Whole Foods!

On my way to class, I made a very necessary stop.

Snack: Cheesecake, Strawberry and Tart Frozen Yogurt

I was running late, but sometimes satisfying cravings is more important than being on-time. ;-)

Dinner:

"Appetizer": Banana dunked in peanut butter

I was so hungry waiting for my food to cook, I just had to ;-)

Finally, this was ready:

Salmon Burger, Quinoa Pilaf, Sauteed Spinach and Onions

The salmon burger was from Whole Foods--SO SO good! I'll try to post the quinoa recipe to my recipe page soon. (I'm also going to add my grandma's recipes from a previous post...some of you requested them! I'll try to get on that soon!)

Dessert: Lindt Sea Salt Chocolate

I always eat whipped cottage cheese + peanut butter before bed! Love it, and I look forward to it! (No pic).

Disclaimer: This is definitely not my entire days' worth of eats! I am a snacker, and grab handfuls of nuts, veggies etc. all day long. :-)

I hope you enjoyed this food-filled post!

**Giveaway Winner**

The winner of the $25 Safeway gift card is....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 #10 GINA from The Crave to Save!

 Congrats!! Please send me your address, and I'll mail your prize! :-)

LOVE YOU ALL!!

Did you play Candyland as a kid? Who was your favorite character?

Candyland was my favorite game! Besides Queen Frostine, I loved Mr. Mint and Gramma Nutt.

 Have you ever tried a puppodum?

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sundae + Giveaway!

Happy Birthday, Sundae!

Today, SUNDAY, April 3rd, is the 119th Anniversary of the Ice Cream Sundae!

How is that for random? :-p

Late last night, I was googling an Indian word for this post (which I'll explain in my next post, as the Sundae clearly deserves our undivided attention today), and this image popped up:

Thank you Google, for informing me of this ever-so-important holiday! ;-p

Apparrently, the ice cream sundae was invented on Long Island in 1892! Read more about this delectable dessert's history at the official website.

"A sundae is not just any dish, but a dessert that is original, enduring, and authentically American.  For well over a century, the ice cream sundae has been a symbol of our abundance and appetite, our ingenuity, and our never-lost youth.  In their assembly, sundaes provide an unrestrained opportunity to express our essential character.  They acquire personality not only through their combination of ingredients, but through the history that they witness."

My recommendations for the very best sundae bases (aka the ice cream!):

Traditional: Haagen Dazs Five Vanilla Bean

Fancy: Ben and Jerry's Creme Brulee

Salty/Sweet: Ben and Jerry's Late Night Snack <---(contains fudge-covered potato chip clusters!)

Vegan: Almond Dream Vanilla <--- (Loove!)

Decadent Vegan: Coconut Bliss Chocolate Peanut Butter

Light: Breyer's Smooth and Dreamy Vanilla

Will YOU be celebrating today?

****GIVEAWAY****

A few weeks ago, Safeway contacted me about reviewing their new Simple Nutrition program. Basically, Simple Nutrition highlights particular health components of foods by tagging shelf products with terms like, "gluten free," "natural," "calorie smart" "low cholesterol," "organic" etc.

Yoohoo: low in saturated fat and cholesterol...but does that mean it's healthy?

From the press release:

“Consumers are inundated with conflicting nutrition information and are often skeptical of the nutrition claims on packaging,” said Safeway’s Barbara Walker, group vice president, consumer communications and brand marketing. “SimpleNutrition is an ‘at the shelf’ program that simplifies and personalizes the grocery shopping experience so that shoppers can feel confident about making more informed food choices. While SimpleNutrition is not a replacement for the nutrition panel found on food and beverage packages, it provides shoppers with a quick snapshot of the nutrition and ingredient benefits that best match their nutritional needs.”

If you read this blog regularly, you know that I have become well-acquainted with Social Safeway in Georgetown. I shop at Safeway for many "staple" items, and was therefore very excited to review this program.

After perusing the newly-labeled aisles for about an hour, I came to this conclusion:

I think SimpleNutrition is most beneficial for consumers who are adopting a new diet that requires them to add or avoid specfic foods/ingredients/allergens. Because these shoppers may be unfamiliar with which products are "safe," the tags will help them quickly identify safe foods without reading nutrition labels. The average shopper, however, may look past the labels, and grab whatever is familar to them, regardless of what the tag says.

I hope that Safeway will expand the program, and begin tagging items in the store that aren't processed or packaged. Fresh fruits and veggies are "gluten free," "low in cholesterol," "calorie smart, "organic" (some), and "natural," yet they carry none of the SimpleNutrition labels.

Overall, though, I commend Safeway for helping consumers identify products that best fit their dietary needs!

And now for the fun part!

Safeway has so kindly offered to give one lucky reader a $25 gift card, redeemable at any of the following stores:

• Vons
• Dominick's
• Genuardi's
• Randall's
• Tom Thumb
• Pavillions
• Carrs
• Safeway

I'd like everyone to be able to participate in this giveaway, so if you don't live near any of the listed stores and you win the giveaway, I will personally go to Safeway, redeem $25 worth of goodies for you, and send them your way (all I'd ask is that you not select super heavy items, like bags of flour or sugar! ha). ;-)

To enter: Please tell me your favorite ice cream (brand/flavor) and what you top your sundaes with!

Addtional entry: Tweet about this gveaway on Twitter and leave a comment telling me. :-)

GOOD LUCK!!

I'll be back Wednesday with a food-filled post!

Quote for today:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

the courage to change the things I can;

and the wisdom to know the difference.

<3 <3 <3