So, this past weekend, I did something I have never done before…but, believe it or not…it was on my Summer Bucket List. I went and picked blueberries. Yes…I went out…in nature…to a local blueberry farm and spent 2 hours with my roommate, Cathy, picking over 10 pounds of blueberries.
What does one do with 10 pounds of blueberries, you might ask.
Well…I make a killer blueberry jam. And I did that with 5 pounds of them. And then…before we even picked them, back when only jam was in the plan, she kept saying that I was going to make Lemon Blueberry Scones. This was news to me…but I seriously hate to disappoint. So, after spending an afternoon making gluten-free sugar cookies and then…my famous blueberry jam…I got to work on some scones.
I LOVE scones, but haven’t made them in quite a long time. But…any excuse for scones, right? So…I got to work and this is what I baked up…
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, plus more for hands and work surface (I used 1-2-3 Gluten Free All-Purpose)
6 Tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
zest of 1 large lemon
1/2 cup (115g) vegan butter, cold and grated (I used Earth Balance)
1/2 cup (120ml) coconut cream
1 large egg (or egg replacer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Glaze Ingredients:
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon lemon zest
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Adjust baking rack to the middle-low position.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
Grate the cold butter (I use a box grater; a food processor also works). Toss the grated butter into the flour mixture and combine it with a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk the cream, egg, and vanilla together. Drizzle it over the flour mixture and then toss the mixture together with a rubber spatula until everything appears moistened.
Slowly and gently fold in the blueberries. Try your best to not overwork the dough at any point. Dough will be a little wet.
Work the dough into a ball with floured hands as best you can and transfer to a floured surface. Press into a neat 8″ disc and cut into 8 equal wedges with a very sharp knife. Place scones at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Brush top with extra coconut cream and sprinkle with lemon (or plain) turbinado sugar.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
To make the glaze, simply whisk the confectioners’ sugar and 2 Tablespoons lemon juice together until smooth. Add 1 Tablespoon of lemon zest. Drizzle glaze over scones.
~*~*~
These scones are best enjoyed right away, although leftover scones will keep at room temperature for 2 days. These freeze well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat up to your liking.
Want an amazing way to start your day…you gotta bake up some of these!! ENJOY!
You know…it’s heating up outside. Yes. It is. And I sort of love it. I really, really do! I mean, I don’t want those blazing hot triple digits, but I have been waiting for the warmer weather…and suffered through the chilly, cold, bitter winter. We never really have spring here, so…yeah, I’ve been waiting for this.
Yesterday was beautiful. It was humid, but definitely not as stifling as last week. And I met with my training partner in a new space with new people…the Louisville Landsharks. Most of them were keeping their runs down to an hour or 2-6 miles, as they were all doing the TriLouisville triathlon this morning. As he and I are both running hilly races (and selfishly, we really didn’t want to take on Eastern Parkway), we continued on into Iroqouis Park, and ran all the way to the top and then back. It was one of my best training runs to date. I felt good during and after. Now before…before…not so much. Let’s take a look at some stuff this week.
1. Grandma’s Marathon When I started back to training this past January, after being cleared to run, and getting approval from Katie, my physical therapist, to follow the Norton Training Program as they all prepped for a late April marathon or half marathon (I ran the half), it was all part of going back and forth between the full and half training program as I prepped for the NYC Half Marathon and then…Grandma’s Marathon. I was signed up to run it. It’s my grandpa’s absolute favorite marathon. And this year…it was their 40th Anniversary. Big!! I pepped for this by jumping right into a 20 miler in April because…I needed to see how my body could handle long, long distance. I came out of it feeling great. But I didn’t feel ready. So I transferred my bib and that was that. The race ran yesterday…and that morning, I felt good. I felt really good. Physically, I could have gone out and run this marathon and completed it. But I think, mentally, I need more time before tackling the 26.2 mile distance. So, while giving up my spot in that marathon was the best choice, it wasn’t an easy one. I don’t regret it…but I know I could have done it…now. Even though the race did get black flagged due to extreme heat. Runners were allowed to stay out…but that’s pretty intense. Still…I do sort of wish I had gone…but I know this will just make me better and more prepared (mentally) for my brutal (but beautiful) September race.
2. The Best Water Stop Ever Need a good laugh? Check this out. As I mentioned, Matthew and I were running 14 miles yesterday and we took it to the hills. Along the way, there are a few spots we can stop to refill our water bottles. When the weather gets this humid and hot, hydration is important. So, on our way back to our starting point, we made our final water stop, thinking we were actually embarking on closer to 15 miles (which was fine…) to finish up. We filled up at the water fountain, took some swigs and poured the water over our heads to cool down. And started on our way again. Only to see that our finishing point…was not but 0.15 miles away. Seriously, we rounded the corner from the little alcove the water fountain was in and…BOOM. We could see our start point. We both busted out laughing. But it did get us to our 14 miles we set out to run…so there was that. This is what happens when you do something new. You don’t exactly know how much further you have to go. HA!
3. Mediterranean Food My roommate might be addicted to a meal that I make…although not too often. I say this because last night, I had the bright idea of making some Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) for dinner. I had one last batch of grape leaves in the fridge to use. But…as I went to get dinner prepped, as the rice was cooling…I noticed the grape leaves had gone bad. I told her we’d just have them tomorrow, but she insisted she’d been looking forward to them all day, and actually went out to Meijer to pick up more grape leaves. That was how much she wanted me to make these. So…for dinner, I cooked up the dolmades, served it with tzatziki and a side salad of greens and veggies and a garlic vinaigrette. It was really good. I love making these. Sort of labor intensive…but worth it. Besides, the Mediterranean Diet has been proven to be the healthiest one out there. Consider me…a giver of health. HA!
4. How A Superhero Learns To Fly… So…last Sunday, I had my friend Natalie over for dinner. I cooked up Smokey Zucchini Cakes with a Creamy Lemon Sauce, and some Cauliflower Breadsticks. She brought the fruit. SO GOOD! And then, we all settled in to watch Zootopia, rounding out the Disney Animated Movies In Order (as it is currently the last one) marathon. She had never seen it, so that was fun. But, during the movie, there was a loud BANG that sounded at the door. Instead of cowering and wondering what it was, Cathy, Natalie and I sprung up to go check it out. We ain’t afraid of no ghost…intruder…whatever it was. Turned out it was the wind, but it we all laughed at how we were ready to get our crime fighter mode on. Which started this talk about being Superheroes. Which lead to Cathy in a Jane hat (Firefly), carrying a Captain America shield (Marvel), with a cloak on (Lord of the Rings) and a pipe…for some reason (Sherlock), armed with a plunger (Dr. Who); Natalie in a pirate hat and coat, armed with a pistol and sword; and me in a mermaid dress and a squid hat carrying a Dinglehopper…er…I mean a fork…
We were…the Fandom Fighters…and we went outside in public like this and got caught by one of my neighbors. It was so much fun. I haven’t laughed like that in a long time.
Don’t ask why I have a mermaid dress…
5. Blueberry Picking Cross another thing off the Summer Bucket List. For real. Yesterday…after my humid and hot run, and after refueling with some Allergen Free Biscuits and Jam from Annie May’s Sweet Cafe…Cathy and I headed out to New Salisbury, Indiana, to Bryant’s Blueberries. There, under the screaming hot, mid-day sun…we picked 10 pounds of blueberries. What am I doing with 10 pounds of blueberries. Jam!! I am making jam. And, apparently, scones. Because Cathy keeps mentioning scones. And…I’m sue there will be pancakes. Pancakes are always a good idea. Or…maybe donuts. Hmmm…I’ve been meaning to make some donuts.
Or maybe…blueberry bagels. I need to make bagels. I might make bagels…I should make bagels.
Anyway…I have ALL THE BLUEBERRIES!! Blueberries for days!!!
And I’m known for my jam…so…I can’t wait to give some of these out to people!!
6. Finding Dory Well, the Renaissance Faire is a no-go this weekend. It is, after all, Father’s Day weekend. That being said, Cathy and I needed to fill in some time…so we are off to see Finding Dory this morning. SO excited for this sequal. Finding Nemo is probably my 2nd favorite Pixar movie (the first being Inside Out). So, this is a big huge deal for me. And I’m so excited to go. Other than being a film lover, and someone who used to want to animate for Disney, I just love the Finding Nemo story. And it is INCREDIBLE how far technology has come since the release of the original movie in 2003.
7. Earth to Echo Okay…I realize that the film, Earth to Echo, came out over 2 years ago, but I’ve been in this 2 year loop of ALL THE DISNEY ANIMATED MOVIES for the past 2 years. So, now I’m watching movies I wanted to see, but couldn’t since Disney was taking over my life, time, and movie watching time slot. I had my eyes on Earth to Echo for a long while…as it was made as an homage to Spielberg. I mean, the plot is pretty much lifted from E.T., but also borrows heavily from The Goonies and other 80s movies about kids hanging out and doing things. But it is filmed in that old-school Spielberg technique which just makes you feel like you are right there in the movie itself. I didn’t expect too much, but this film was adorable and I loved every moment of it. Seriously. If you overlooked this one…it’s on Netflix…go watch it…NOW.
8. Father’s Day
And…last, but not least…HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!! My dad has been such a steadfast, supportive, and integral part of my life. I may live in a totally different state, but he has always cheered for me, guided me, and helped me to understand the value of making it in the world…on my own. He’s why I am a strong, independent woman. My dad is one of the nicest men in the world, still opening doors for my mom, my sister and me when we are with him, still waits at the security check until I am completely through at the airport, and still wants to take me out to eat when I come visit. He’s my (super) hero…and I am lucky to have such an amazing man to call my dad!!
Did you do anything special in honor of Father’s Day? Seen any good movies lately? Ever pick blueberries?
Like it or not…summer is here. This…this is the weather of my people!! Yes…I understand that I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota…but let’s ignore that for a moment and focus on the fact that…THIS is the weather of my people.
I love summer. Even the hot temperatures that slow me down when I’m out running. Goal this summer…to not be injured and out all summer. The past two years…that’s exactly what has happened.
NOT. THIS. YEAR. (I hope). So…with that in mind…
1. My fist humid, hot, sunny run… (IN SUMMER!!)
So, it only seems fitting that my first hot run back this year was done with two of my favorite people to run with…Tammy and Matt. We headed out early on Saturday, trying to beat as much of the heat as possible to get in our 15 miles. It was brutal (humidity-wise), but it kept me on pace and I had good conversations and we pushed through our miles that morning, finishing up just after 9 am.
This picture represents your brain on 15 hot, humid miles on hills. Whew.
2. Morning Running, Soccer and Dinner with my Sole Sister…(IN SUMMER!!)
I was THRILLED to have company on my Thursday morning run this past week. I am usually doing my (early) morning runs solo, but Natalie had this past week off for vacation and we managed to work it out so that we could run together one morning. The best option was Thursday…I had 5 miles on tap so she came over around 4 a.m. and we headed out, running together down to the YMCA and then back to the apartment. We had great discussions and enjoyed the last morning of cooler temps.
And then last night we put our season tickets to work by taking in the Louisville City FC (that would be Louisville’s professional soccer team…they play at Slugger Field and if you haven’t gone to a match, you’re missing out!) match. It was hot, but what a game. We were up in the 2nd half…until a late goal by Wilmington Hammerheads FC tied it up in stoppage time. And, while we put though a valiant effort to come back, we just didn’t have time. So we drew…2-2. MEH. But I’ll take a draw over a loss. Tonight, Natalie is coming over for dinner. I’m cooking up some Cauliflower Breadsticks and Smokey Zucchini Cakes. There will probably be peach wine too.
3. Cotton Candy Gapes…(IN SUMMER!!)
Nothing makes me happier than the return of Cotton Candy Gapes!!
If you haven’t tried these yet…you are SO missing out. These plump, juicy, all-natural green grapes (non-GMO too) is a new variety of grape that is brought to you by Grapey. These grapes actually do taste like that pink spun-sugar treat that you get at festivals and fairs. And I mean exactly like cotton candy. Cathy spotted these at the Whole Foods in Louisville yesterday, so this is my afternoon snack this week!! So excited. I do know that Kroger eventually started carrying them last year. Anyway, if you love cotton candy, but could do without all the stickiness and ALL THE GRANULATED SUGAR that comes in that fluffy treat…these grapes…will blow your mind. They will blow your mind anyway. Try them. Trust me.
4. Zootopia on Blu-ray…(IN SUMMER!!)
Well, I wrapped up the Disney Animated Movies In Order marathon viewing last weekend, but one more was just released. And it is one of my favorites. ZOOTOPIA! And you better believe I went out to Target on Tuesday and snagged a copy of it.
Seriously…I am Officer Judy Hopps. She’s totally just like me. I relate to this. You will too. If you missed seeing this one…or wasn’t sure what to make of it…trust me…you’ll love it. Redbox it, Netflix it, Buy it. But WATCH IT!
5. Louisville Says Goodbye To The Champ…(IN SUMMER!!)
Okay, I almost didn’t take on the “in summer” part there…but it’s the theme. Regardless, on Friday, Louisville, Kentucky put on a beautiful, memorable goodbye to The Greatest. Muhammad Ali’s procession, burial, and memorial was held in Louisville this past week and it was a memorable and beautiful event.
All week since he passed away, the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville became a memorial to the late boxer. Now, I didn’t grow up watching boxing or knowing much about the sport. That being said, I do know a lot about Muhammad Ali. You can’t live in this city and not know much about The Greatest. I was able to watch the last couple hours of the memorial service after work on Friday and the speeches were amazing. Billy Crystal was fantastic when he spoke. I was tearing up during different speeches and admired how stoic the family members were. He was laid to rest in Cave Hill Cemetery. This city mourned, celebrated, and came together to celebrate the life of this hometown hero. RIP, CHAMP. RIP!
My trip to the Ren Faire this weekend has been pushed to next weekend, which is good…because I think I would have melted out there today. I want to get out and about at some point because I don’t do well just sitting around the apartment on a Sunday, but it will be in air conditioning.
Anyone else happy to have the warmer temps? What is your favorite part of summer?
It was about…Wednesday afternoon…and I’m sitting at work…working (because, what else are you doing at work?)…and all of a sudden I just start to feel…meh. Welcome to the Ohio River Valley. The area of the country where air quality is horrible in the spring and allergies have me all…
Yeah…SUCK!
So, from Thursday on…the struggle has been real. I’ve gone from feeling really good to…meh…back to good all in a matter of an hour. But, this too shall pass, and yes…I will survive.
1. Bondi Band Compression Socks
On Tuesday, my Bondi Band Compression Socks arrived in the mail. All of the #BondiBandAmbassadors got a pair to test drive. I decided to wear mine out to hill repeats. Yep…hill repeats are back in my life…and they still suck. Why am I doing hill repeats? Have you seen the elevation chart to the marathon I’m running in September. They say to train according to your race. My race has HILLS FOR DAYS. I’m struggling with these. It seems I just can’t get the power on the uphills that I used to get. I hope, in time, this will change. But, it’s aggravating and frustrating when you’re one of the first people to head up a hill and get passed up by every one on the way to the top. Stupid hip.
Anyway…the point of this tale was to say, the Bondi Band Compression Socks (and they do sleeves) are comfortable and nice. And they come in fun patterns. I was secretly hoping for argyle, but I was sent the pirate ones. As I was born on National Talk Like A Pirate Day…this will do. Head over to Bondi Band‘s Web site and check them out. If you place an order, please feel free to use my discount code to get 10% off your purchase. When you checkout, use CELIATHLETE.
2. Meal Prep
Yesterday, I felt like a total rockstar. I got up…and muddled through a 14 mile solo run around my town because the usual suspects I run with were all doing the Barn Yard Dash up at Hubers. They were also winning ALL THE AWARDS! That being said…I had planned to do 16 miles in Frankfort with two amazing runners that my coach, Linda Word, also coaches. I had to cancel due to feeling like death in a pollen-infused bubble. MEH. So, I went out on my own, early, and got it done…before 8 am. Afterwards, I went to get coffee, breakfast, hit up the Farmers Market, do the rest of the grocery shopping, and then…I got into my kitchen and made ALL THE MEALS for this week. ALL THE MEALS. They are done and in the fridge…ready to go. Seriously. And this was all accomplished before 4:30 p.m. I think all the cooking and prep only took 2.5 hours at most. I’m getting the hang of this meal prep thing, I think! This also means that I have my entire Sunday to do whatever I want, instead of stressing out over making all the meals for the week, which is my usual Sunday panic/freak-out. YAY!
3. Future Sister Time
Karla & Landon at the Birmingham Color Run on May 28
Nothing will brighten my day more than a text or call from my sister. Especially when said contact means she is planning a trip up this way. This time, she’s aiming at bringing Landon up with her. Now, Landon is a bit of a soccer star there in Alabama, so I thought, if it worked with the schedule, doing a Louisville City FC match with them. I would, because I am an awesome auntie, spoil Landon rotten and get him a scarf or shirt or whatever he wanted. And food. And the match. I love seeing my sister and spending time with her and her kiddliewinks. I am SO excited. Now she just needs to dial in on a weekend. I can’t wait to spend some time with her. It’s never long enough, but it is better than nothing.
4. Runner Girl
Dean, one of the numerous friendships that I have made in the local running community here in Louisville, is quite the craftsman. He has gifted many a female runner with these amazing wooden Runner Girl’s that he makes himself. I was on the receiving end of one today at the Breakfast Club run (where I did 2 more miles than I thought I was going to do…quicker than I intended). She is hanging proudly off the rearview mirror of my car. Super special. This little gift meant a lot to me, for real. It’s the little things in life that mean the most to me. This was one of them. So, thank you, Dean, for this little token. It lifted my spirits after a hard week…and totally just makes my car look complete! I display her proudly!
5. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly of Warm Weather
I won’t lie. I would much rather sweat it out and fight through hot weather than step outside and run in cold weather. Warm weather is my friend and I love being out in it. But humidity…humidity and I don’t even talk. I can gut anything out in the heat, but add that sweltering, stifling humidity to it and I’m all…
Couple that with the allergy issues I mentioned above, and every run has just felt…so much harder. You know, it’s summer. And the past 2 summers I’ve pretty much sat out thanks to injury after injury after injury…and I have been wanting to gut out another summer of running. I’m weird…the heat doesn’t bother me much. I can go out in any dry (not humid) heat and rock a run that when I finish I’m all…
…but this week has just been humid. And my 14 mile solo run was not what I had expected nor wanted on Saturday. But I got it done…pain-free. So…if I have to conquer allergies and humidity all over again for the first time since 2013…I will. I can do this. And I’ll smile, even after a disappointing run…
Any day I am able to run without pain is a good day. Even when the run is anything but good. I’m thankful and blessed for each day I am able to do what I haven’t been able to do for far too long.
So, remember, bad runs happen. Keep smiling.
6. Stress Relief
This past Wednesday was National Running Day! YAY, RUNNERS!! And running has been quite the stress reliever for me. However, given the amount of time I had been forced to take off due to all the injuries…sometimes where activity was very limited, I lost a lot of my good habits I started to embrace back in 2013. And I have been really starting to get mad at myself for stress eating and just eating out of boredom. That being said, instead of doing the organized 4 mile group run for National Running Day (it’s okay…I dedicated 6 miles that morning to 2 friends who currently are injured and can’t run) on Wednesday, I was meeting with my sports nutritionist and she and I are focusing on a plan to break me of bad habits and what I do when I do get stressed out. I am already feeling a bit better about things and am working to do a few other things, nutrition-wise, that will help me in the long run (ha…punny). Stress is no joke…and it affects everyone differently. It puts me in a dark, unhappy place and I’m not happy there. Time to get out of it. I’m sure there will be days I fail…because I’m human…but I’m being proactive before this becomes more difficult and harder to fix.
What struggles have you been dealing with lately? How do you break yourself of bad habits? Did you do something for National Running Day?
It’s National Donut Day. No really…it is national donut day! Mmmm…donuts…
I have a soft spot in my life (and stomach…poke, poke)…for donuts. And they aren’t something that I get to have very often. Sure, my local bakery, Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, offers them (and sometimes donut holes) in a variety of flavors, every Saturday (and they go FAST. Like…FAST!), I don’t always treat myself to one. I am tomorrow…because…they have my favorite flavor…BLUEBERRY!
But I am digressing…as always. The point is…it is a rare thing for me to get a donut. Because, let’s face it, there aren’t a lot of places where you can easily get a gluten-free donut. Fresh. Hot out of the oven or fryer or whatever.
Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts with Vanilla Icing
That being said, not too long ago, a rep for Kinnikinnick Foods contacted me about sending me a couple of their products to try. As I am a food blogger, I never, ever turn this down. When the box arrived, I was beyond elated to find a box of Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers and Kinnikinnick Foods NEW Gluten Free Soft Donuts with Vanilla Icing. I put the cookies in my pantry and the donuts in my freezer, waiting for the perfect opportunity to break them out.
Hello!! I’m lucky I was working my way through gluten-free bagels, because that meant I had these in my freezer when National Donut Day rolled around. So, whereas prior to finding out it was National Donut Day, I was planning on opening the one pint of Ben & Jerry’s Vegan Ice Cream that I can safely eat (Chunky Monkey)…that soon became “Let’s have donuts for dessert.”
Hey, everyone at work got donuts provided by the boss from a local bakery. I got a banana. Yes…she brought me a banana. I love bananas and all…but…IT. IS. NATIONAL. DONUT. DAY. Sometimes you just take matters into your own hands…and freezer. (For the record, Annie May’s had donuts today…I just didn’t have time to drive over there).
So, after devouring dinner tonight (because I knew donuts were happening), I pulled the box out of the freezer and tore into it. I was so excited. DONUTS. ON NATIONAL DONUT DAY! Don’t mock me. When you’re a Celiac, it’s the little things in life.
My hand showing the true (and small) size of the Kinnikinnick Gluten Free Soft Donut
But, my excitement waned slightly (very slightly) when I pulled out the sealed package of six (6) donuts. Because, in my head I expected this giant box to contain six amazing, Dunkin’ Donuts or Krispy Kreme-sized donuts. But…these donuts were small. Like…three bites…amuse-bouche small. I was a little let down. I just expected…DONUTS…not donuts. But…you know…it was a minor thing. I removed a donut for my roommate and myself and tore off a packet of the vanilla icing that was included in the box. These are super easy to prepare…microwave from frozen for about 20-30 seconds (my microwave in older than God, so I had to do 30 seconds), then drizzle with the icing pack. Then…cram into mouth and devour. I handed my roommate hers and she wasted no time, going on about how soft it was, how it wasn’t dense or heavy…and she licked the icing off her plate. No joke. Licked it.
So, the Kinnickinnik Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts are…just as advertised. Soft. They aren’t quite as light as a yeast donut would be, but they don’t have the heft and density of a cake donut. They are a perfect medium between the two popular types of donuts. The icing…is soft of like the icing that you’d drizzle over a warm toaster strudel…and added a nice sweet glaze to the donut as well. I lifted the little donut and took a bite…
Usually when I settle in to try a new gluten-free product…I’m like…
…and sometimes I’m surprised…and sometimes I’m disappointed. As for these…
Oh…these were definitely good. They sort of have the flavor of a funnel cake. No joke. Lighter than that fried dough treat, these donuts are a sweet treat that I would have savored more, had it not disappeared within three bites. I’ll stop ragging on the size to say…YES…these are amazing. They have a fantastic flavor, texture, and sweetness to it. I felt like I was eating a donut…and you can’t even tell they are frozen. It’s donut voodoo, I’m sure. No disgusted face. I ate this faster than I probably should have. I was tempted to go fix up the remaining four, but restrained myself. It wasn’t easy…because these easily left me wanting MORE.
So, let’s take a look at what ingredients go into Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts, shall we? These donuts are made from water, white rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, fuctose, non-hydrogenated palm oil shortening (palm oil, modified palm oil), egg whites, cellulose powder, tapioca syrup, psyllium fiber, cellulose, yeast, glycerin, salt, pure vanilla extract, enzymes, Icing (icing sugar (sugar, corn starch), water, glucose, xantham gum, sodium citrate, natural flavor, salt, locust bean gum, natural color (titanium dioxide), citric acid)). These Soft Donuts are gluten free, dairy free, nut free, soy free, and cholesterol free. And…they are soft, light, and fluffy donuts…with a glaze!!
As far as nutrition goes, the small Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Soft Donuts with Vanilla Icing aren’t bad…I don’t think…for the size of these donuts. A serving size is one (1) donut (45 grams), and there are six (6) servings per box. One donut will provide you with 130 calories, 4 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 150 mg sodium, 23 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 8 grams sugars, and 1 gram protein. Not filling, but also not too high in sugar either. I was impressed, before opening the box, with the 130 calorie count, but, these donuts are about 3-4 bites…so the 130 calories is sort of right in line with the higher calorie count a regular (and normal-size) donut would hand you. Yeah…pastries are calorie bombs, I get that. But…NATIONAL DONUT DAY. It was totally on. And I am not ashamed and I regret nothing.
I haven’t had a lot of Kinnikinnick Foods products, but I’m definitely open to trying more. These donuts are just the tip of the iceberg, I’m sure. And, don’t let my disappointment in the size fool you…these were actually really good. I’ve seen other versions of Kinnikinnick Foods Gluten Free Donuts (and other snacks) in regular grocery stores, so I may investigate a few more.
National Donut Day or not…these are definitely worth a taste. So stock your freezer and be prepared to be wowed by the flavor. Not the size…but the flavor. And I guess, when it comes to gluten-free treats, that’s all that really matters. Treat yourself. And enjoy.
Product: Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels – $7.25
Breakfast. Breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day…but the most versatile and best meal…in the history of ever.
Anything can be breakfast, honestly. There was a time when a cold slap of pizza would carry me through my morning classes to lunch time. That was a very long time ago. Back when a container of spaghetti was fair game for brekkies.
That being said, I have always been a fan of “real” breakfast food. Seriously. Breakfast has always been the most magical and wonderful meal of the day. My mom made it a point to cook a hot breakfast for myself and my two siblings every morning before sending is off to school. It was always something different…nothing fancy…but just what we needed.
We were also that family that would eat pancakes for dinner. Or scrambled eggs. Maybe waffles or French toast. Yep…breakfast has always been one of my favorite things in the history of ever.
So, you can only imagine how my mind was blown when the Crazy Bagelers at Sweet Note Bakery put together the ultimate fusion of ultimate breakfast favorites. Bagels (because…New Yorker here!)…and French toast.
YES…introducing the ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Gluten Free French Toast Bagel.
FRENCH. TOAST. BAGEL.
Let those three words sink in for just one moment…
…one epic moment.
Because this, my friends, is epic breakfast food. Bagel fusion at its finest, for real! Imagine, if you will, the most perfect, dense, chewy, amazing New York-style bagel. Now…imagine if it tasted like maple syrup and dreams. Can you imagine it? If not, you’re in luck…because this heavenly breakfast food is available through Sweet Note Bakery’s online store.
It’s Friday…and I was out of the vegan and gluten-free pumpkin pancakes I made earlier in the week. I asked my roommate if bagels were okay in the morning. She agreed. So, as is my typical Friday morning…I did my core work, my physical therapy exercises, and all that before heading to my 5:30 am spin class. Upon my return, I turned on the oven, greeted the roomie who was on the couch, ready for the freshly brewed coffee. She got a nice warm cup of coffee and I pulled the last package of Sweet Note Bakery bagels out of my freezer (don’t worry…four new packages that I ordered came in today). It was the (amazing sounding) Gluten Free French Toast Bagels. I set out to my usual perfect thawing method…heat for 30 seconds on side, flip over, heat for another 30 seconds. Let sit for about 30 seconds…slice…toast in oven. It’s simple…and this has been the best way to not get harder parts on the bagel when you thaw them in the microwave. My microwave is ancient…but it came with the apartment…so maybe that just happens with my caveman microwave…but this helps even out the heat and allows the bagel to get to that right level of softness to make the knife slip right through. I placed them on a baking sheet, stuffed them in the oven, and went to take a shower. 15 minutes later, I was out of the shower, dressed, and pulling these amazing smelling bagels out of the oven. Seriously…it smelled like…like warm maple syrup and pancakes. But like toasty bagels too.
Before leaving for spin, I pulled the Daiya Vegan Cream Cheese out of the fridge and measured out two servings. Then, I sifted in a bit of confectioners sugar and drizzled in a bit of maple syrup. I whipped it all together and put it back in the fridge to chill. This is what got spread over each half of the Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels. To finish it off in true chefy fashion, each half got a small additional drizzle of pure maple syrup. I walked out a bagel to my roommate, schmeared with my special cream cheese and set her to feasting. I went back to prepare my own…ready to dive in because I was H-U-N-G-R-Y. And these smelled A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
As I was preparing to grab my own cup of coffee and settle in on the couch to watch some of the news before heading to work, I asked her what she thought. She was chewing…and didn’t actually answer me. I asked her later on and she said, “I don’t know where the French Toast part came from, but they were tasty.” I explained that the French Toast part of the name probably comes from the cinnamon and maple flavor that infuse the bagel and rests atop it too. Finger-licking-good!
Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels with a schmear of Vegan Sweet Maple Cream Cheese and Coffee!!
So, here is my more thorough take on the Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels. Do you love a breakfast that you can pour maple syrup over and devour? Do you like French Toast? Do you like bagels? Texture-wise…the Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels taste like…a bagel. But the sugar-y, maple-infused top and bagel itself, with that little brush of cinnamon flavor…definitely makes you think of French Toast. Without that weird egg-y flavor/texture that you can sometimes get. It’s, honestly, the perfect fusion of two of the most amazing breakfast foods. I loved the little hint of spice that the cinnamon adds, and the sugary sprinkle on top was a very nice touch. That maple flavor is key, though, making it taste like pancakes and bagels and French toast and breakfast. All the breakfast. I think the sweetness that the confectioners sugar added to the cream cheese made for the perfect topping for this breakfast treat. I mean, powdered sugar and French Toast go together like…pancakes and syrup. The maple syrup that was stirred in added to that French Toast appeal. And yeah…I had to remind myself to slow down and savor my breakfast instead of just gobbling it down mindlessly because it tasted so amazing. That perfect golden toasted crust and that soft and chewy dense center…ah…so good. So very good…and reminiscent of the bagels I could eat back before the Celiac diagnosis. Seriously, no one would guess these were gluten-free if they were just given one to eat.
So, what exactly goes into this breakfast nosh of dueling breakfast treats? Well, I can tell you! The Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels are made from love (yep…that’s an actual ingredient), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flour, sugar, cane syrup, molasses, maple syrup, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. As with all other Sweet Note Bakery bagels, the French Toast variety is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. And breakfast heaven.
As far as nutritional information goes, these bagels have all the basics covered. A serving of the Sweet Note Gluten Free French Toast Bagels is 4.5 ounces (128 grams), or one (1) bagel. This bagel will serve you up 310 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 65 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 14 grams sugar, and 4 grams protein. Due to the higher fiber and protein, these will leave you feeling full all the way through lunch. I know the sugars seem a bit high, but it’s a French Toast bagel. There’s going to be sugar. Worth it.
Okay…so if you still haven’t tried Sweet Note Gluten Free Bagels…what are you waiting for? I have reviewed every single one of them…so look up the tag “Bagels” on my site and look them over. Seriously…you need these in your life. Whether you have to eat gluten-free or not, these taste amazing and are the most authentic gluten free bagels I have ever eaten. The first time I ate one, I had to double-check the package to make sure they were seriously gluten free. Small, dense, and NY-style all the way…you’ll love every bite of the French Toast bagels…or any of the other varieties.
Hop over to their Web site and check them out. Just…trust me!
Restaurant: Hops & Fire: Craft Tap House, Greenwood, Indiana
Normally, whenever I venture up to Indianapolis for an event, race, or whatnot, my one requirement is a stop at Cheeseburger in Paradise…because I can get a gluten-free veggie burger with gluten-free fries (or sweet potato fries)…and the burger custom made (no cheese; no sour cream) to fit my dietary needs. This is awesome, as any frozen burger patty, or even homemade burger, tend to be a bit mushy and end up slipping out of any sort of gluten-free bread used as a bun (be it an actual gluten-free bun or just some gluten-free bread). Cheeseburger in Paradise doesn’t have that problem…and it’s nice to be able to safely eat a veggie burger (so many use breadcrumbs as binder) out at a restaurant AND not have to eat it with a fork and knife (meaning…they have a gluten-free bun and I can pick it up).
Needless to say, I ran two half marathons, two weeks apart up in Indianapolis. After the first one (OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon), I did hit up Cheeseburger in Paradise. But two weeks later, I wasn’t ready to revisit Paradise. I just had it. My craving had been satisfied.
That being said, when I returned to the Indianapolis to run the Geist Half Marathon, I wanted to try something different. Step out of the comfort zone…try something new.
I had been hearing some buzz around a place located in Greenwood, Indiana, by a bunch of my friends up in that area. It was a craft beer tap house called Hops & Fire. And what was pointed out more than once was that when you step inside to be seated, the hostess will ask if you require any special menus. In addition to their regular menu, they have extensive vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus. I told her I was a gluten-free vegetarian and she grabbed both of those menus and a regular one for Cathy and told me that the menus don’t often cross over each other, but anything on either menu can be made gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. She took us to our table and we were seated.
Our waiter was totally adorable and came over to introduce himself. His name was Kyle and he asked how we were doing. Cathy pointed at me and said, “Well, she just ran a half marathon…” He raised his eyebrows and said, “So I’m guessing you want water.” HA! He was so right. Cathy had thought about trying one of their craft selections, but in the end started with the water.
Two menus and having so many options was a bit overwhelming to me. The only thing I knew I wanted to try was Gluten Free 3-Cheese Garlic Bread. I bought Lactaid specifically for this meal. No joke. We went ahead and mentioned that we wanted that as an appetizer and Kyle said he’d put that in while we finished making our decisions on what to eat, as it was the appetizer that took the longest to prepare. While he was gone, I started to narrow down my choices, getting it down to three options. After a little back and forth and pros and cons, I went for the one that didn’t contain cheese…as I was certain I was about to consume more cheese than my body was going to like momentarily.
Kyle returned to take our order, and as usual, as I’m the complicated one, I ordered first. I went with the Gluten Free California Wrap…keeping the House Chips as a side. Cathy went with the Stout Pork Belly BLT, which was served with a side of their Parmesan House Chips. Orders were in…after Kyle had to go and figure out how to combine two menus to make a dish. Poor guy!
Hops & Fire Gluten Free 3-Cheese Garlic Bread
Only a few moments late, a large plate was being carried to our table and put in front of us. Clearly, when I saw the fact that I could get Gluten Free 3-Cheese Garlic Bread…I didn’t read the description. This plate and appetizer was HUGE. Definitely enough for 4-8 people. Hops & Fire Gluten Free 3-Cheese Garlic Bread ($9.00), is a full gluten-free baguette, which is drenched in roasted garlic and salted butter, served with a gooey, melted blanket of shallots and chives, which are smothered in Provolone, Mozzarella, and Romano cheeses. This is then baked so that the top of the cheese gets golden and everything is melty and ooey-gooey. It comes with a side of marinara. I took my Lactaid and hoped for the best (sometimes it helps; other times, it doesn’t). I grabbed the slice on the end and pulled it away, the cheese stretching and making me…so happy. I cut it up, dipped a piece into the marinara…and immediately lost my mind. If you go to Hops & Fire, this is their signature appetizer and it is not to be missed. The gluten-free baguette was crispy on the outside and that perfect toasty, but still soft on the inside. The cheese was melted to perfection. The garlic was superb. Yeah…this made me SO happy. And, for the record, the Lactaid worked…this time. Thank goodness! This was A LOT of food, so Cathy and I said we’d eat half of it and get a box and take the rest of it home. That’s what we did as our food arrived. We boxed it up…and it was lunch the next day.
Hops & Fire Stout Pork Belly BLT with a side of Parmesan House Chips
So, let’s start with Cathy’s lunch, shall we? My om-nom-nomnivore (haha) friend loves to eat pig in any form she can. This is no joke. She loves her pork products. So it was no surprise to me that she chose the Hops & Fire Stout Pork Belly BLT ($12.00) off of their Brewed Baskets selections on the regular menu. It came with a decent serving of their Parmesan House Chips on the side. This sandwich is not your typical BLT. Hops & Fire serves up a stout beer and kosher salt-brined local pork belly, which is seared, roasted, sliced thin, and pan fried, then topped with baby bibb lettuce, beefsteak tomatoes, and homemade apricot onion jam…served on their grilled garlic shallot bread. Here’s the thing…they do NOT skimp on the pork belly bacon in this BLT. Not one bit. You’ll see by the photo I’m putting up here for those of you who are not a gluten-free vegetarian like me. I mean…it was BACON. FOR. DAYS. She had more bacon than Parmesan House Chips. And that’s not a bad thing, as the protein is, honestly, what you are shelling out money for. She said the garlic shallot bread was amazing (we Celiacs will never know…). She said it could have used a slight bit more mayo…but it was awesome. And yes…she devoured it all and the chips. Carnivores. Oy!
Hops & Fire Gluten Free California Wrap with a side of House Chips
As for me…I went ahead and combined an offering on the Vegetarian Menu and asked that it be made gluten-free. I opted for the Gluten Free California Wrap ($12.00)…mostly because it didn’t have cheese and avocado always wins. The California Wrap is a gluten-free tortilla that is stuffed and rolled up around fresh sliced avocado, beefsteak tomato, bibb lettuce, pickled onions, and a roasted garlic aioli. OH MY GLUTEN FREE GODS!! This was a simple, basic, wrap, but it tasted amazing to me. Maybe it was because I had just pounded out 13.1 miles and was living off of watermelon and water at that point, but this wrap was great. Gluten-free tortillas are nothing to write home about, and I’m pretty certain this was the standard gluten-free teff tortilla. But it just serves as a way for me to pick up and devour the veggie-licious produce that was stuffed and rolled up inside. The aioli, by the way, was delicious. The avocado was ripe and sweet. The tomatoes…so good. I loved every bite of this wrap. It came with a mountain…no…a landslide of their House Chips, which I couldn’t even finish. Where Cathy had a decent side of hers, the chips serving was bigger than my wrap…so…I ate what I wanted and left the rest.
Hops & Fire Gluten Free and Vegan Ice Cream Sundae
We were full, but we couldn’t end our experience there. Kyle tempted us with a dessert menu, pointing out that those marked with a gf were gluten free and also the codes for vegan and vegetarian as well. We were very tempted to get one of the Desserts For Two (yeah…we so wanted the Gluten Free and Vegan S’mores Cast Iron Cake), but in the end, decided we were too full for that and went with splitting a single serving of the Vegan Ice Cream Sundae ($5.00). This was a small bowl (thank goodness) that had a scoop of vegan ice cream, drizzled lightly with hot fudge. It was perfect and a great way to end the meal. It was amazing. The ice cream was not as creamy as regular ice cream, but it was cold and melty and amazing. And the hot fudge…that’s always a welcome addition to anything ice cream-ish.
Kyle brought us our check once we had polished it off and we paid in cash and got our things together to go. We talked about the food for a bit of the drive home…and how amazing and good it was. I was beyond happy with the service and the attention paid to each dish that was ordered, making sure that it fit my dietary needs…nothing that made me take pause and question whether it was safe for me to eat or not.
I’m already planning my return to Hops & Fire. So, if you happen to be in the Indianapolis area, or traveling through, do make the trip to Greenwood and check out this amazing and delicious place. You have a specialty diet…they have you covered. And I love it.
Next time…gluten-free onion rings. It’s happening!
Sometimes the hardest things in life to do is to branch out of the norm and try something new. However, the only way to grow, to experience, and to become…is to step outside of your comfort zone. I certainly did that a couple of times this week…and it’s not easy…it’s quite scary…but it’s helping me more than I can even see at the moment.
As the holiday weekend is shifting into gear, and I have an extra day off from work, I’m trying not to focus on everything I’ll have to attempt to do to stay caught up at work the four days I’ll be there, and instead focusing on a few things that I get to enjoy while not working on Monday.
YAY!
So…with that sort of attitude in mind…here are a few things that have made this week amazing.
1. Clipping Into A Road Bike
Me on my 2nd attempt at riding – 5 miles – before I took my first (of many) falls.
I made huge progress this week with riding my road bike. BB-8 has been sitting against the wall of my room in the apartment…but I wasn’t able to ride him until I had him properly fitted. And I had that done last week…and was eager to get on the bike and ride. It’s scary, using clipless pedals on a bike outside. But, my first attempt was twice around the parking lot without any issues. I was feeling confident on Friday night. And then on Saturday afternoon, I headed back out…deciding I’d still keep to the parking lot, but aim for mileage. So I did 5 miles. In my last mile…I was making a turn, and a car came out…and I panicked. I attempted to brake and forgot that I was clipped in, so I tried to put my foot down, was stuck, tried to unclip, but was now off-balance and BOOM…down I went. Totally crashed down on my right hip and side. The right hip is the injured hip, but, I thankfully have some nice padding there and just came out of it with a bit of road rash on my elbow and lower arm, a scraped up right knee, and a bit of a bruised ankle. I was fine…more embarassed than anything. The driver, a young 20-something, stopped and hopped out of his car, asking me if I needed help, but I was already unclipped and pulling myself back up. I told him I was fine and I took a few deep breaths, clipped back in, and finished my ride. After that, I had enough for the night.
2. Finishing up the Disney Animated Movies In Order Movie Marathon It took two (2) years, but last night, Cathy and I finished up our attempt to watch every single Disney Animated Movie (available on DVD or Blu-Ray, or for purchase to view on Netflix/Hulu/Amazon) in order from their theater release date. We started with Snow White over two years ago and last night wrapped it up with The Good Dinosaur. Zootopia comes out in a couple of weeks, and we will watch that after I purchase it, but as of last night…we completed our bucket list goal of watching every single Disney (and later Pixar) animated feature, including a few hybrids like Mary Poppins, Tron, and Tron: Legacy. It was a lot of fun revisiting some films…and realizing they were either better than I remembered (Oliver & Company)…or worse than I remembered (The Sword & The Stone)…and some I hadn’t seen yet and was surprised I liked (Planes and Planes: Fire & Rescue). Next up, after we view a few movies we have been meaning to watch, but had Disney taking over our lives…Spielberg movies. YAY!
3. Strawberries…Strawberries For Days…
Jars of my homemade strawberry jam…processed and ready for giving away!
On Sunday morning, I ran in the Run For The Berries 5K up in Starlight, Indiana. I love this race, and hadn’t run it since 2013 due to other commitments (2014 Buffalo Marathon) and injury (all of 2015). One of my favorite things about this race is the big bowl of strawberries I purchase after running. This year, I turned in an amazing time (not a PR), clocked a new fastest mile (6:48) and conquered some hills. I came in first in my age division as well…which was exciting. But one of my favorite things to do after the 5K and scoping out the festival is to drive over to Huber’s Family Farm and buy a LOT of strawberries. I got enough to use with my yogurt bowls, my PB&J Breakfast Bowls, and to make some homemade strawberry jam. YUMMY!! I do love my berries!!
When you are a Celiac, simple pleasures like soft pretzels don’t happen every day. In fact, they happen very infrequently. Unless, you live near my local allergen-free bakery here in Louisville, Kentucky. Every Wednesday, Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, on Frankfort Avenue, host Soft Pretzel Wednesday, offering three varieties of pretzels each week: Salt, Cinnamon-Sugar, and Everything. And, every week they are amazing. But there was something so delicious about this past week’s pretzels. They were the perfect size. They had that perfect crust on the outside and chewy center in each bite. Serious pretzel perfection. I was one happy lady!
5. The Monkees So, it’s Memorial Day. And after my morning run and a little bit of final grocery shopping for stuff I realized I needed but forgot to put on the list, didn’t realize needed to be on the list, or just didn’t buy enough of something. So, while working in the kitchen and around the apartment, Cathy and I threw on the DVDs of The Monkees. I can still recite the episodes from memory…that’s how much I watched these. HAHA!! Seriously, you don’t get nicknamed Monkeegirl in school without having The Monkees to thank for it. It’s been amusing to revisit these episodes and just…relax and enjoy the holiday off of work. Their latest album was released on Friday…I haven’t gotten out to FYE to purchase it.
On Sunday morning, Cathy & I met up with Amanda & Richie (that’s Cathy’s sister and brother-in-law) at the Outlets of the Bluegrass in Simpsonville, Kentucky for some shopping and hanging out and just escaping real life for a moment. Amanda said she needed help finding shoes for her maxi dress and I found her a cute, strappy pair. I finally replaced the Sketchers that I use as my airport shoes/spin class shoes (they slip on and off), I purchased a new sports bra, Amanda found some shorts, Richie got some shoes and shirts…it was a successful day. And then…we went to one of my favorite places to eat…Tazikis Mediterranean Grill in Louisville, on Shelbyville Road. LOVE their food. And they do a good job with food allergies…when they remember to prepare the dish properly. The past two times, they have had to remake my dish…but it gets fixed. They are normally much better than that. If you haven’t eaten there yet…you need to. Check to see if there is one in your area! Healthy, amazing food. I love their Dolmades Plate (the vegetarian stuffed grape leaves done gluten-free) and Cathy, Amanda and Richie got their favorites…the Lamb Gyro. I love good times and good eats with good friends!
7. Sweet ‘N Savory Food Truck & Steel City Pops
Gluten Free The Eccentric Crepe from Sweet ‘N Savory and a Strawberry Lemonade Popsicle & Pineapple Popsicle from Steel City Pops
On Saturday, after the Strawberry Festival and before heading to Annie May’s for treats for that evening and the following morning, Cathy and I stopped by the Fleur de Flea at Waterfront Park. The main reason…Sweet ‘N Savory Food Truck. It’s under new ownership, but the crepes are still being done 100% gluten-free. And they are using all of Richard & Ashley’s recipes. The new owner, Brandon, knows the importance of keeping things gluten free as his wife is a Celiac. So the truck and recipes are in good hands. Brandon was on his own when we arrived, only one of his crepe stones functioning, and his help not having shown up yet. Service was slow, but as always, worth the wait. He was doing the best he could with what he had, for sure. I got one of my favorites…The Eccentric. OM NOM NOM!! And afterwards, while we normally would get the gelato, I had heard so much about Steel City Pops, we decided to try them out. Cathy got the Strawberry Lemonade popsicle and I went with the Pineapple. OMG…I’m stopping by the store on Bardstown Road and buying a bunch of flavors…these were phenomenal. All natural…gluten-free…vegan…and amazing. LOVE helping out local businesses!
I hope everyone has been enjoying their long weekend, spending time with people that mean the world to them, and eating amazing things!! And I hope everyone took some time to remember those who fought and died for this country that we live in and the freedoms we enjoy!
Me crossing the finish line of the Run For The Berries 5K – Starlight, Indiana
Race: Run for the Berries 5K
Place: Starlight, Indiana
Date: May 28, 2016
Time: 22:24
There are a lot of things people run for. For some…beer. For some…donuts. For some…pizza. For others…wine. For me…FRUIT!! I love fruit. There is nothing quite as amazing as a giant bowl of cold, wet watermelon after a hot summer run. In fact, this is my favorite thing to eat in the summer after I run…whether it’s a short weekday run or that long slow distance on the weekend!
So, trust me, whenever the Run For The Berries 5K rolls around every year…I’m always eager to take part. Why? Because strawberries…EVERYWHERE. Yes…I will run for berries. Hell, I’ll run for any type of fruit, honestly. YUMMY!! And while you don’t get any for free, there is nothing better than rewarding yourself after a hard run with a big bowl of strawberries and a cold frozen strawberry drink.
I wasn’t actually signed up this year for the Run For The Berries 5K in Starlight, Indiana this year. Like I said, every race has sort of been a last-minute decision thing due to the hip issues and how I never know exactly how I’m going to feel from one day to another. I haven’t actually participated in the Run For The Berries 5K since 2013 (when I was in my best racing shape…and at my fastest). In 2014, I was in Buffalo, New York for the Buffalo Marathon, and last year I wasn’t running anything…at all. I was a miserable pile of non-running self-pity and hurty hip things. So, it was nice to come back to this one. This is my fourth time running this local 5K and I will always do it whenever I am able.
Today…despite some slight twinging in the hip first thing in the morning…I was going to do it. I filled out the registration form at work on Friday and had it all set to go in the morning. Cathy offered to pay my $25 registration fee because…bills…bills have been plaguing me recently and I am slightly broke at the moment. So that was awesome. So I got up early (4:00 am) to get my PT stretches, dynamic warmup, and some plyometrics in prior to the race. I did my core work as well. And then made a dash (in the car) up to Kroger because I needed a pre-race banana. This is not a want…this is a NEED. I went ahead and grabbed a few other necessary groceries while I was out. Got home just before 6:00 am. Cathy and I had some cereal for breakfast with some coffee (for the kid and adult in each of us) and proceeded to keep saying we needed to get off the couch and get moving, but neither of us really making an effort. Ah well. The good thing was, any tenderness or soreness in the hip had worked itself out…so I was feeling good.
Teeth were brushed and I put my hair up in pigtails and got out my Bondi Band of choice. I went ahead and put some water in my Kara Goucher water bottle and popped a NUUN tablet in it for some electrolytes before Cathy grabbed the sign, the race bag, and we headed out for the race.
We left early, because Cathy wanted to make sure we had plenty of time for her to get lost on the way there. We don’t go up that way often, but, there are signs that point the right way. The drive there was gorgeous with the sunrise and the beautiful houses out in the country. It’s always a nice ride up to Starlight. We followed the signs to the little field we always park in at the race and got situated into a spot.
Pinned up and ready to run the Run For The Berries 5K – Starlight, Indiana
From there, it was into the main hall of the Strawberry Festival grounds to get officially registered for the race. I went up to the table with cash and the form already filled out…got my race bib (#180) and was given a t-shirt in the size I requested. The shirts were gray this year. And back to being in tech material. YAY!! I got pinned up, went to use the bathroom, and then we meandered around the grounds for a little while to kill some time. On the way out, I saw Renee from my spin class heading in. She wasn’t feeling good, but was running with a friend of hers who is training for her first triathlon. So, that’s really fun. We chatted for a moment and then she went to register and I went to meander, waiting for my good friend, Michelle, and her little boy, Liam, to arrive.
And then I ran into my friend Amber, whose husband Tim was running (and was 2nd male overall) in the race. Amber and I both have been dealing with hip labrum tears. She had surgery on hers…I didn’t. We’ve bonded over this. I’ve met a lot of good friends through having to sit out of running…and it has made me better for it. Amber and I are going to start riding bikes together once I get more comfortable on mine. YAY! Her kids were anxious for her to come and join them…so we parted ways and she said she’d cheer for me at the finish.
I love my friends.
We saw a lot of the fast runner people doing their strides and warming up prior to the race. So we headed that way so I could stretch. I think I did a quad stretch on each leg and called it a day, HA!! I’m so awful about stretching. We were all starting to move up to the orange cones that marked the start of the race. It was at this point that Michelle and Liam showed up, just in time, which made me SO happy!! We waved and they went to stand with Cathy just beyond the start point. Our race organizer got on the bullhorn and started to give some information about the race. Like male runners at the finish will have white cards to fill out; female runners will have pink; walkers will have yellow. OH…and if you are registered as a walker…and you run down a hill…you are now a runner. It made me laugh. And everyone else. Then…we had to wait for HIS Garmin to find satellites. He did…and the count was given. On your marks…runners set…and then the horn.
Total game face on at the start of the Run For The Berries 5K – Starlight, Indiana
I took off…giving a nod to my cheering section. It was total game face though. Which is not like me, LOL!! Seriously. I’m so laid back but…game face. The first mile is a series of rolling hills…nothing too major. I was running comfortably, but speedy. I could tell I was speedy. In fact, at one point, I was thinking…”Wow…I’m ahead of Lynn.” And the moment I thought it, she passed me quite easily, not even breathing hard. HA!! That will teach me. Anyway…I was having a nice run…no pain…feeling good…not worrying over anything but holding steady and preparing for the hills ahead. Mile 1…perfectly measured…my watch beeped right at the marker. Turns out…it was a new fastest mile for me… I just wasn’t aware of it at the time.
Zen racer. I never look at my watch or obsess over pace. I run better when I don’t know.
I made the turn onto Engle Road and started into the second mile. I loved this part of the run because, soon after making the turn, I scooted past a cute little girl running with her dad. She was saying something about how what she loved about today’s run was she was running with older people. I turned my head and said, “You’re doing an amazing job!” She thanked me and said, “How old are you?!” She was aiming for first in her age division. HA!! I told her I was 35 and she was relieved. She was in the 14 and under group…and definitely under 14. That was an ego boost. This mile also brings in more rolling hills, but a few more downhills than uphills. We ran past Hubers Family Farm and continued down Engle Road. And then I made the turn into Mile 2. This is where the water stop is, but I just kept on running.
Because right there…RIGHT THERE…on Hill Road…is THE HILL. It’s like my friend, Amber, said later on Facebook…it’s not just the hill but WHERE the hill is in that race. At this point, your legs are tired and this hill is HUGE. I mean…it’s a steep, steep climb. So, I did my best to run up it, still lacking the power and strength that I used to have. I’m working on that…kinda. I’ll be working on that more. Hills might slow me down…my legs might not be able to maintain a fast pace for a long period of time…but maybe soon they will. It all takes time. And I’m sometimes impatient, LOL! After the hill, it’s just a few rollers and a couple of smaller climbs to the finish. You actually finish this race going uphill.
I could see it in the distance and I attempted to pick up the pace, but my legs were shot for the day. The best I could do was just focus. I had runners pass me up as I got a bit closer…which always pisses me off…they were all men…
I don’t always drink a frozen strawberry drink after a 5K…but when I do, I’m at the Strawberry Festival!
I heard Cathy and Michelle and Liam all shouting and cheering. And as I ran by, I hear Amber yelling, “GO KAREN!” I really do have awesome friends. So, I pushed…and I saw I was in the 22 minutes…but it ticked past my 22:02 PR…and just ticked past the 2013 finish time of 22:19. But only by six minutes. I was tired, and hot, and a sweaty mess when I stopped…but I was so happy with that run. It was challenging and it was amazing and I came out of it without any pain. Not even a twinge.
I was handed a pink card at the finish showing I was the 8th woman to finish. Cathy said I definitely placed in my age division. We thought that in 2013 too, and I ran it faster, and didn’t…so I wasn’t going to hold my breath. We took some pictures and then meandered over to the festival to get a nice, cooling frozen strawberry drink. And our big bowl of strawberries (Cathy & Michelle got strawberry shortcakes). We went and took a seat at a table. Liam went to play on the slides and we sort of hung out, enjoyed our strawberry treats, and found a lot to laugh and talk about.
You can’t do the Run For The Berries 5K and not eat a big bowl of strawberries! FOR REAL!
It was taking a lot longer than I remember to get to awards, so we decided to go hit up the booths at the festival. Cathy bought me this amazing crocheted Wonder Woman doll. This woman knits there fantastic dolls from Disney movies and other things. There was only one Wonder Woman doll. It was meant to be mine. There was also only one Captain America doll. Cathy went back and purchased that while I got her a purple star crown with blue and purple ribbons to wear. Seriously…we really are adults. Liam got his face painted for the first time and did a fantastic job sitting there while it was done. Then we went to watch Liam play some games and I purchased a thing of strawberries with a salted caramel dipping sauce. THIS. WAS. LIFE. CHANGING. I love salted caramel and was the first person to get this dip that day. I am so glad I did. It isn’t a combination that I ever considered. There were the usual suspects…chocolate and white chocolate. But you wave salted caramel ANYTHING at me…and I am buying it. THIS WAS AMAZING. I’m in love.
I posed with a lot of stuff today. Someone needs to make me a spokesperson. LOL! This is the knitted Wonder Woman doll!
As Liam finished up his games, the announcement that the awards were going to be given out was announced. We made our way over there and saw all the male awards handed out first. My friend Amber’s hubby, Tim, won 2nd overall male, because he’s stupid fast…and amazing. And then the female awards were given out. And I was announced as the first female in my age division. WOOT WOOT!! Considering I didn’t place the previous time I ran..and ran it faster, this was a nice surprise. Exciting stuff. Cathy, Michelle and Liam all cheered loudly as I went to receive my award, this cute little pint glass thing.
And that was a wrap for the day. Liam wanted to go check out the bouncy houses and Cathy and I needed to go grocery shopping and hit up a few spots in Louisville. So, we parted ways and I went home to shower and change.
As it stands, the official results of the Run For The Berries 5K are that I finished in 22:24. Not a PR…but I clocked my first mile in 6:48, which is awesome. Now if only I could maintain that sort of pace. But these legs just aren’t there and aren’t ready. Maybe one day. Maybe not! Either way…super proud. I was the 8th female to cross the line and came in 1st in my division. If the official results ever get posted…I’ll update this accordingly.
You didn’t think they existed…but they do. You thought they were a myth…but they are not. Yes…the infamous Rainbow Bagel gets a gluten-free makeover thanks to the crazy bagelers at Sweet Note Bakery.
God, I love them!
Just before…and I mean…right before…as in DAYS before I went to New York City back in March, the big article about the Rainbow Bagel that The Bagel Store in NYC was offering hit the mass media…and it was…insane. I felt a little pang of judgement (okay…okay…resentment) because I, myself, could not have one. And they looked so, so pretty! And delicious. Pretty delicious too!
So, my bagel experience in NYC was left up to the gluten free offerings at Tompkins Square Bagels…which was fine…but it wasn’t a true NY-style bagel…and it just didn’t seem perfect to me. And…the Rainbow Bagel was out there. Sometimes schmeared with birthday cake cream cheese.
Life wasn’t fair.
But then the rain lifted and the sun came out, and the amazing ladies over at Sweet Note Bakery said, “You know what? Celiacs shouldn’t have to miss out on tasting the rainbow. Skittles got nothing on us.” And so, a little while after my return from NYC…I saw a prototype of their own rainbow bagel on their Instagram feed.
And I coveted it. I said if they put it out on the market, I’d buy it. I needed it. No, I wanted it! They had asked if people would be interested in buying it…and that they were going to look into more natural food dyes as well (although their first attempt was with natural food dye and it baked out)…before offering it on the Web site. I immediately chimed in with my calm, cool and collected, “I would buy them”…which…the more times the Rainbow Bagel appeared on their feed…the more this became…”OMG I NEED THESE IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW!”
Well, last week…it happened. They aren’t using natural food dies yet…but those crazy baglers have made their version of the Rainbow Bagel…called the Unicorn Bagel (don’t you love it??!) available as an Online Exclusive purchase in their store. So…yes…for now, you can only order these online.
So…I threw more money at these wonderful people and put in my order.
Here’s the thing…I have been a collector of unicorn things since I was a child. No joke. Then, when I became a runner and qualified for the Boston Marathon…unicorns returned to the forefront of my obsessions. So…you give me a swirly breakfast bread of wonderment in fun colors and call it a “Unicorn Bagel”…my money is coming at you and these are finding a way into my life. No doubt about it. And that, my friends, is how I wound up with the new Unicorn Bagel in my freezer…which lasted all but 15 hours before they were out and being thawed in the microwave and toasted in my oven.
It’s important. Because…NEW GLUTEN FREE BAGEL. Because…COLORS! Because…UNICORN. And because it’s a RACE WEEKEND. So the unicorn theme should be good luck, yes? Good omen, yes? Oh…I hope so.
I think I’ve told you enough about Sweet Note Bakery…their origins and the like in all the past blogs I’ve done about them. If you are just now tuning in…you can read about their history here. If you want to know why size always matters, especially in certain important matters like…bagel size…read all about it here. Seriously…if you want authentic New York-style bagels…that are both vegan and gluten-free…NOTHING beats Sweet Note Bakery! Their bagels are phenomenal. Feel free to go back to all the past entries (and I still have 1 more of their new flavors to review!) and see what every flavor is like. Trust me…I grew up in New York. Bagels and I are BFFs.
Just really quickly though, I will revisit the proper way (or at least the best way) to evenly thaw out the frozen bagels. DO NOT thaw these on the counter. It’s easy. It only takes 60 seconds out of your daily routine. Simply place a bagel on a plate and place in the microwave. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. Then, flip the bagel completely over and turn it about 180°. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Let it sit for a few seconds and then slice in half. Place each half in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet and in the oven and let it toast up for about 15-20 minutes. This is normally about the time I leave the kitchen to shower and let my roommate make sure that if she smells smoke to shut off the oven. But I’m always done before anything gets burned.
Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagel with a schmear of Kite Hill vegan cream cheese and rainbow sprinkles
I can’t even begin to tell you how giddy these bagels made me. Seriously. They were swirly and rainbow-y and just plain fun! I pulled them out of the oven when they reached that perfect level of toasty. I mean…perfect crispy outer crust with the dense and chewy dough in the middle. Bagel perfection. I gave each half a schmear of vegan cream cheese from Kite Hill. And then, because, I’m eating the rainbow here…I gave the cream cheese a smattering of rainbow sprinkles.
DUH! You can’t eat a Unicorn Bagel without rainbow sprinkles. And with that…breakfast was served.
Who doesn’t love fun food, right? The more fun, the more exciting breakfast is. I loved eating a colorful breakfast. They say to eat the rainbow…well…they may not have had a Unicorn Bagel in mind when they said that…but…I successfully ate the rainbow today. HAHA! And it was tasty. I get it…it’s a plain bagel with all the dressings of a sparkly soul, but it somehow makes it fabulous, you know? It tasted sweet, but I don’t know how much of that was the bagel and how much of that was the little sprinkles of rainbow goodness I topped the cream cheese with. Nevertheless…this bagel is made of complete awesomeness. You can top it off without whatever floats your boat. Frosting would have been pretty epic. I mean, you’re devouring a breakfast bread that is dyed to every amazing color in the color spectrum…have frosting and sprinkless…or whatever…whatever makes you feel like a kid at heart. Or a Boston Marathoner. Or a lover of unicorns. Or just…a lover of bagels. Or rainbows. Or all of the above.
So, let’s discuss what goes into each of the Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels. Each bagel is made from love (because all rainbow-type food is made with love…and unicorn tears), water, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet white rice flour, sorghum flower, sugar, cane syrup, olive oil, molasses, yeast, xanthan gum, psyllium husk, salt, food coloring (red 40, red 3, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1, blue 1, titanium dioxide, modified corn starch, vegetable gum, citric acid, and less than 1/10 of 1% sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate). They are still experimenting with natural food dyes that won’t fade…and I have every faith that they will find something that works. But…for now…if food dyes don’t bother you, these are totally epic and worth a try. As always when it comes to Sweet Note’s bagels, these bagels are gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, egg-free, peanut & tree nut-free, and cholesterol free. Made with love, indeed!!
As far as nutrition goes for the Sweet Note Gluten Free Unicorn Bagels…well…here are the magical facts. A serving size is one (1) bagel, which is about 4.5 oz (128 grams). There are 4 servings per package. Each bagel will deliver 280 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 320 mg sodium, 60 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams sugars, and 4 grams protein. The mythical morning hunger pangs remained at bay…this was delicious and filling. Loving the rainbow.
Breakfast should be fun. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. You might as well color it up, top it off, and eat it with a smile. That’s the magic that is inside the Unicorn Bagels. They are simple…but simply wonderful. Just because you have to eat gluten-free doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun bagels for breakfast. Sweet Note Bakery is taking the standard bagel and making it for the gluten-free and vegan bagel lovers. No limits. No boundaries. Anything goes. Like rainbow unicorn bagels. The Unicorn Bagel will totally win you over.
Maybe it will make me run faster.
Maybe.
I’ll go for my run…and you go ahead and run over to the Sweet Note Bakery online store and purchase a pack or five of the Gluten Free Unicorn Bagel!
When I started back to training this past January, after being cleared to run, and getting approval from Katie, my physical therapist, to follow the Norton Training Program as they all prepped for a late April marathon or half marathon (I ran the half), it was all part of going back and forth between the full and half training program as I prepped for the NYC Half Marathon and then…Grandma’s Marathon. I was signed up to run it. It’s my grandpa’s absolute favorite marathon. And this year…it was their 40th Anniversary. Big!! I pepped for this by jumping right into a 20 miler in April because…I needed to see how my body could handle long, long distance. I came out of it feeling great. But I didn’t feel ready. So I transferred my bib and that was that. The race ran yesterday…and that morning, I felt good. I felt really good. Physically, I could have gone out and run this marathon and completed it. But I think, mentally, I need more time before tackling the 26.2 mile distance. So, while giving up my spot in that marathon was the best choice, it wasn’t an easy one. I don’t regret it…but I know I could have done it…now. Even though the race did get black flagged due to extreme heat. Runners were allowed to stay out…but that’s pretty intense. Still…I do sort of wish I had gone…but I know this will just make me better and more prepared (mentally) for my brutal (but beautiful) September race.
The Celiathlete 