Frozen – The Celiathlete

June 18, 2018

The Color Run – Louisville, KY (June 9, 2018)

Paul, Me, Cathy, Debra, Melissa, and Adam at the end of The Color Run – Louisville, Kentucky

Race: The Color Run

Place: Louisville, Kentucky

Date: June 9, 2018

Time: ?? (UNTIMED EVENT – my Garmin had 1:04:18 w/ stops to wait for friends)

It has been 5 looooooong years since I have done The Color Run. The only other time I have done it was in 2013 when my friend Marisa flew in from New Jersey to do it here in Louisville and I went along for the ride, sticking by her side the entire time.

And this time…this time I was taking it all in by walking it with a group of friends. And my roommate, Cathy, even got into it this time. We went to Target on our lunch break to find some cheap white shirts to wear to the race, both hitting the jackpot in the clearance racks…so that was winning. Our friend, Melissa, dropped by our office building on Friday after picking up our packets (which for us just meant race bibs because we weren’t feeling the extra $$ you had to pay to get a shirt we would never wear again). We made plans to all ride together and get good parking spots down near Waterfront Park the following day. This meant a decent bed time for all so we’d be up and ready to go that morning.

The challenge was…the early morning. I made sure that I had breakfast ready after I did all my physical therapy stretches. I even got coffee made for Cathy as that would be vital for her to function. Trust me…coffee was necessary. I made myself a cup as well because I wasn’t running today…simply enjoying the moment and the walk with good people.

The plan was to be at Melissa and Paul’s by 6:30 am. BUT…I always underestimate how long it takes me to physically put on sunscreen and make sure I have it lathered in good so I don’t become a lobster or crispy critter out in the sun. So…when all was said and done that morning…we walked out the door at 6:30 am and I texted to let Melissa and Paul know we were on our way. Luckily, they are only a short drive away and we arrived at their house before our ride, Melissa’s mom (also walking the race), arrived. I kicked off my old running shoes (I call them my rain shoes) that I was wearing and went to settle in and relax on the couch. Melissa and Paul finished getting their things together and we knew her mom was close, so we all headed outside to wait to pile into the car.

I saw a unicorn. You know this was happening!

We managed to get downtown and paid to park at Waterfront Park near Joe’s Crab Shack. We made the walk through the finish area, making haste to get into one of the first waves to get started earlier and, perhaps, to snag some free swag. We were in the 2nd wave to go through, and while standing up there waiting to go…I managed to catch some Color Run shorts (size 2X) and a Color Run t-shirt (size S). I asked Cathy to tuck them into my tutu, but she ended up just carrying them with us the entire way. We were sent off and I walked ahead with Cathy who has been working on her walks for a 5K. We knew that today wasn’t for time, but she wanted to see how her endurance was doing.

We actually walked by a camera as we made the turn to head out onto the road and start our 5K. We waved and smiled and waited for our first chance to get a little messy. We were ahead of our pack, so we’d pause and wait for them to catch up (Melissa’s mom is coming back from hip and knee surgery and doing amazing). We spotted the first color zone…PURPLE…and Cathy and I sprinted through. And the fun was just starting.

Adam, Paul, Debra, Me, Melissa and Cathy at the start line of The Color Run – Louisville, Kentucky

Sure…it was humid and warm, especially with the sun up…but we were getting messy and having a blast with our friends that day. And it was amazing. I talked Cathy into a small sprint around a corner to teach her how to “run the tangents” and she did great. But we were way ahead of our pack because of this, so we found a safe corner to wait and hopped back into the fun with them. We did this throughout the run, pausing before the color stops to let everyone join us to go through. Orange and yellow were next up, and we jogged through that too. This was set up in an ally way of sorts, and Paul joked about watching out for needles. HA! It’s not far from the truth in Louisville. We got properly doused in color and continued on the way.

It was starting to really warm up and we were now on the streets with little to no shade. But, alas, we just kept going. I mean…it’s June. It’s going to be hot and sunny. But now the sweat was mixing with the color and that cakes it on really good. Trust me…I think Cathy was scrubbing blue off her back for a week afterwards. The pink was next. Then blue. And we did the same. Except somewhere in the blue zone, Cathy went up to someone and said, “HIT ME!!” And they really layered her in the color. So, she learned if you tell them to hit you up…they will. She was a delightful rainbow of color at the end of that.

This left the long haul back toward the finish line, which was back at Waterfront Park. The green zone would be last. But along the way, we stopped at Toast on Market to take photos with the wings and then Cathy stopped at Slugger Field to get a shot with the Louisville City FC signage. Apparently on the way to green, the Red Bull girls were out and Cathy saw a 10 year old rush by with a Red Bull screaming “I GOT ONE!” Lord, have mercy! We went through green…hit up the foam zone, and grabbed hands with our teammates and walked through the finish line together.

We were given our superhero unicorn medals and a color packet for the color throw at the end. We were definitely more interested in getting some water. And then we spotted the line waiting for the Steel City Pops cart…so Paul went to grab wallets from the car and we stood in line. He returned just in time. Popsicles all around. It was just what we needed. Mine was watermelon, for the record.

Cathy the Color Runner takes on Lou City FC!

After sitting around and cooling off as much as possible, we snapped a few photos before letting Paul and Cathy go do the color throw. Melissa, Debra, and I got in line to have the leaf blower blow some of the extra color off. Paul and Cathy joined soon after. And then we were off to KDF headquarters to check out the yard sale before heading home.

The Color Run is always a fun, un-timed event that is just…a blast. I smiled. I laughed. I danced through color zones. I got coated in color (and thankfully the blue came out of my hair this year). And I got to walk it with amazing friends. And I even got a t-shirt in my size at the start (thank you Cathy for carrying those for me), since I refused to pay extra for the actual The Color Run shirt. I think shirts should come standard with your registration fee and bib. But, that’s just the seasoned 5K runner in me.

I bet I’ll end up doing another one of these sometime in the near future. And I’m okay with that. It’s nice to have a no-pressure, fun time with no expectations or goals. Other than to…ENJOY!

And maybe become a rainbow unicorn in the process.

Me and Melissa with our superhero unicorn medals for finishing The Color Run!

March 2, 2018

Product Review: Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Cinnamon Sugar Bagels

Product: Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Cinnamon Sugar Bagels – $11/pack; $3/bagel

Last one. This is the final flavor that Annie May’s Sweet Cafe has put out in bagels. Four very amazing flavors. And the last one down the pipe…was one of my favorites…

Cinnamon Sugar!

First of all…you give me anything cinnamon and I’m going to be in love with it. Pure, real cinnamon is one of God’s little gifts to everyone…sweet and a little spicy. It’s perfect. Add sugar to the mix and throw it on top of something edible…and you’ve won me over for life.

Cinnamon Rolls…Soft Pretzels…Cinnamon Rolls…Snickerdoodles…Cinnamon Rolls…(can you tell my favorite cinnamon treat?)…and now…

BAGELS!!

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So…in the weeks leading up to this…the culmination of all things Allergen Free Bagel-y…I have reviewed Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Everything, Onion, and Plain Bagels. All of which have been amazing. But for the record…the Everything ones are off the chain!!

To kick this blog off…let me say that the Cinnamon Sugar flavor is my second favorite that Annie May’s offers. For real!

For one thing…hello…it has two of my favorite words in the name…CINNAMON and SUGAR! So, while bagels are normally viewed as a savory treat…there are sweet variations on them as well. This is the only sweet option currently offered by Annie May’s…but she hits it out of the ballpark.

I may have mentioned a few times before that I grew up in the great land of New York.

newyork

New Yorkers LOVE their bagels. It’s…like the state’s native food. Or something. It’s close enough to being the state’s native food. Let’s roll with it, okay? So, I grew up on bagels. You can probably call me an expert on bagels. Professor Bagel.

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Alright…enough fun with the gifs…time to get serious about some serious eats.

Annie May’s Cinnamon Sugar Bagel is the epitome of the sweet bagel. Honestly. Back when her soft pretzels first hit on Wednesdays, the Cinnamon Sugar was my jam. I love a good sugar rush as much as the next person. But, the key here is balance and Annie May’s definitely strikes it with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar topping off these new bakery offerings.

LOVE. LOVE is what goes into these. Simple. True. Passionate. Love of all things that the gluten-free community SHOULD have in their life…and not simply from a big corporation in the local freezer section of another big chain store.

I mean…these are kept frozen since no preservatives and all that…but…they are nothing like the big box stuff you can pretty much buy anywhere now. I know for a fact that Annie May puts a lot of hard work into any new product she is thinking about offering. I also know, because I’ve done this a few times, that bagels are a pain the ass to make. So, the fact that she has added these to her bakery menu has me dancing with joy. My freezer will never be without. I will purchase one of each whenever I am running low. Mark my words.

And if that isn’t a good enough testament to how good these are…let me specifically focus on the Cinnamon Sugar flavor so it gets it’s moment to shine.

I went a bit off the script with these bagels today. Usually, plain cream cheese with my own smattering of cinnamon sugar on top would have happened. But…I didn’t want to pay for really good vegan cream cheese (that stuff is expensive)…but I did have a little bit of my Boar’s Head Dark Chocolate Hummus left in the container…so I chose that for my topping this time. My roommate’s version was topped with Earth Balance Soy Free Buttery Spread and then some Crofters Organic Strawberry Spread. Both options worked beautifully with the bagel at hand.

This bagel is everything. Toasty on the outside. Chewy on the inside. Sweet to the taste. Yet still gives that whole bagel vibe…so it’s not just a confused doughnut. It’s basically cinnamon toast taken to the next level. Because…cinnamon toast is one of the best things to eat in the history of ever. And these…these are just like biting into that. Topped off however you like, these make a delicious addition to any breakfast table. Mine toasted up beautifully and I LOVED the dessert hummus smothered on top. It brought an extra added kick of goodness to an already perfect bite. Cinnamon…sugar…chocolate. I see nothing wrong with this picture.

Have you been intrigued yet following these blogs on these bagels? Have I mentioned that all four varieties are FREE of the TOP 9 FOOD ALLERGIES??!! How about that? Don’t you want to try them for yourself?

Trust me. You really need to.

Remember, if you aren’t lucky enough to live in Louisville, Kentucky (like I am…because this bakery has been with me for ALL of my Celiac journey…we’ve grown together), have no fear…Annie May’s Sweet Cafe does ship…and yes…they are shipping the bagels.

Follow this link!! And be sure to check out all the other stuff they offer as well!

But, I highly encourage you…get the bagels!

As I stated before, they do offer them at the bakery as well…and if you don’t want to buy a pack of four…you can buy them individually there and get them topped with Earth Balance, jam (raspberry or strawberry), or plain cream cheese. I think they are currently offering them in-house on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So, you may want to call ahead and make sure they have them. But…you can just go and hope for the best. If nothing else, you’ll walk out of there with something tasty.

Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Cinnamon Sugar Bagel topped with Boar’s Head Dark Chocolate Hummus

February 23, 2018March 2, 2018

Product Review: Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Plain Bagels

Product: Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Plain Bagels – $11/pack; $3/bagel

The ultimate test of anything…is to test the standard. In the case of bagels…PLAIN. It doesn’t get any easier or normal than the every day, run-of-the-mill plain bagel. And, as one of the four flavors that Annie May’s Sweet Cafe now offers…Plain is, as it should be, one of them.

I have previously blogged about the Everything Bagels and the Onion Bagels. So, if you missed those…check them out.

Bagels, to this former New Yorker…are the ultimate food. Breakfast…lunch…dinner. I could eat them all day. First of all…MMMM…CARBS. Second of all, for the most part, they are pretty versatile. You can eat them with Earth Balance, or Cream Cheese, make them into a sandwich…or a pizza…

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That’s the great thing about bagels. ESPECIALLY…Plain Bagels. It’s like staring down a blank canvas. You can go sweet or savory with it…and that’s why they are magical. And wonderful.

And, when you get one of the NEW Plain Bagels at Annie May’s Sweet Cafe…you are also getting one that is Top 9 Allergen Free. How about that?! So before any further discussion…let me reiterate one little thing…

Annie May’s bagels are not pre-cut. Never fear…this is nothing that a good serrated knife can’t fix. Slicing a bagel isn’t hard. Make sure, if you’re starting from frozen, thaw the bagels out and then slice through them. As a pro bagel slicer…start where the bagel is a little bit thinner and slice through that end first. It makes for a much cleaner and even cut. Pro tip!

Now…let’s dig in…

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The plain bagel is the simplest of pleasures when it comes to the bagel. You can’t go wrong with it. But it has to be made well. That’s the one caveat I have. Call me a bagel snob if you must…but a bagel must not just look like a bagel…but taste like a bagel. And if you can’t do a simple plain bagel…well…just stop trying to make them.

Annie May is fantastic when it comes to the products she serves because if she doesn’t like it or if she isn’t happy with it…it’s not going in the bakery case or freezer or up on the Web site for order. Talk about good quality control. As a consumer, I appreciate that as it means I am guaranteed a tried and true product. YAY!

I eat breakfast at work…because it keeps me from snacking so much if I have a later breakfast. Seriously, I used to have 3 snacks a day…so shifting meals worked for me. I have to take a few precautionary measures to ensure I still eat safely…but I’ve manged so far. My office has a toaster oven in the kitchen and I bring my own aluminum foil to use since I avoid the communal toaster completely, because…well…cross-contamination.

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As was true with the Everything Bagel and the Onion Bagel…the Plain Bagel toasted up to a golden perfection. I could tell as I pulled the foil that cradled these little babies from the toaster oven that they weren’t going to disappoint. The outside toasted up to get a little crispy…and the surface got that gorgeous golden color and crispy…but it still had the fluffy, chewy middle, which is definitely what makes a bagel so…incredible. It’s not just bread…it’s so much more than bread.

As a traditionalist, I schmeared this bagel with the new Kite Hill Jalapeno Cream Cheese. I love Kite Hill because it has a whipped texture, but packs amazing traditional flavor. It is almond milk based, so if nuts, specifically almonds, are a problem…try other options on the market. Thankfully, we live in a time where the market is inundated with dairy-free products so there are numerous options to fit your dietary needs. And…if dairy isn’t an issue for you or if you aren’t vegan…well…grab yourself some of that Philadelphia Cream Cheese and go to town. But…it’s Kite Hill in my home. Because YUMMY!

So now that we’re properly dressed…let’s take a bite, shall we?

Sometimes bagels can just feel heavy. These are perfect. Just the right amount of bread to get you to that right level of fullness. These toasted up beautifully. If you have had the chance to taste and partake of Annie May’s dinner rolls, sandwich buns or soft pretzels…these are very reminiscent of those. And Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, to this day, has my heart when it comes to gluten free (and vegan) breads! The same is holding true with their new bagels. Plain bagels…they are simple…but delightful and perfect to fit whatever you’re feeling when it comes to breakfast. OR…make it a sandwich. If you’re not a vegan, put an egg in between it with some greens. Or…top it with marinara and vegan mozzarella cheese shreds. Bagel pizzas really are life.

Plain bagels can satisfy any desire or crave…and these are no exception. I probably ate mine way too fast…but I was enamored with it. I was dreaming up other ways to eat them…rather than the standard way. Why not? I do my best thinking when I’m eating delicious food! If you haven’t gotten yourself around to purchasing these bagels…get on it. Now.

And, remember, if you aren’t lucky enough to live in Louisville, Kentucky (like I am…because this bakery has been with me for ALL of my Celiac journey…we’ve grown together), have no fear…Annie May’s Sweet Cafe does ship…and yes…they are shipping the bagels.

Follow this link!! And be sure to check out all the other stuff they offer as well!

But, I highly encourage you…get the bagels!

Stay tuned…because next week…I will delve into their sweeter version of their bagels…the Cinnamon Sugar. But…today…it’s all about plain. But there is nothing ordinary about these. They are definitely extraordinary.

Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Plain Bagels schmeared with Kite Hill Jalapeno Cream Cheese

February 16, 2018

Product Review: Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Onion Bagels

Product: Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Onion Bagels – $11/pack; $3/bagel

Remember last week when I shared that Annie May’s Sweet Cafe is now making bagels? You know…bagels that are Top 9 Allergen Free? Remember? You should, because I did an extensive review of one of the four flavors that they offer – the Everything Bagel.

I’ve mentioned numerous times that I grew up in New York, so the bagel was a breakfast staple in my home. And when I was diagnosed with Celiac…it took forever to find a bagel that actually felt like a bagel to me. It’s been a long journey. And while some have exceeded the bar, others have fallen short.

Well, those didn’t last long in my freezer, so today I prepped the Onion Bagel for a try.

For those of you who haven’t tried one yet or didn’t make note…Annie May’s bagels are not pre-cut. Never fear…this is nothing that a good serrated knife can’t fix. Slicing a bagel isn’t hard. Make sure, if you’re starting from frozen, thaw the bagels out and then slice through them. As a pro bagel slicer…start where the bagel is a little bit thinner and slice through that end first. It makes for a much cleaner and even cut. Pro tip!

Now…let’s dig in…

bagel02
I used to hate onion. Hate it. Until I was a teenager and I realized that the bite actually brought great flavor to thing. Guess my pallet turned on around the age of 13. But after that, my life was filled with onion. Onions aren’t for everyone…but I am a believer in the power of the onion.

And the power of the bagel.

Especially an onion bagel!

So, per the usual routine…this morning I sliced the bagel I thawed in half and brought it to work with me. I bring my own aluminum foil and use the toaster oven (not the toaster) to avoid cross-contamination. So…these toast in the toaster oven in the kitchen. It also makes the office smell really good anytime I toast up bagels in there. Especially flavored bagels. Mmmm. (No joke…I just had three people walk into the kitchen while I was waiting for them to finish and commented on how good they smelled and warned me not to turn my back!)

Once toasted…cream cheese had to happen. A proper bagel has a healthy schmear of cream cheese or Earth Balance (or butter if you aren’t dairy-free).

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Actually, Scully, it was VEGAN cream cheese. I really like Kite Hill because it has SUCh good flavor and is almost whipped in texture. Love a light (get it) and airy texture to my cream cheese. Not traditional, I know…but when you can’t do dairy…you do vegan cream cheese. Kite Hill is by far the best, but it is made from almond milk…so if you can’t do almonds…you must find a different path. But there are lots of options out there these days!

I happen to have (and love) the new Kite Hill Jalapeno Cream Cheese. It’s delightful.

Okay now. Settle in. Take a deep breath. Savor the aroma….and then take a bite.

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LOTS of flavor! The onion is there, but it won’t overpower the bagel itself. It’s got just enough punch to let you know that it’s there, but not enough to make you reach for the breath mint afterwards. I loved how well these bagels toasted up…browning up on the outside and on the sliced part…but remaining soft and chewy in the center. It made it the perfect vehicle for the cream cheese. Sometime bagels fall apart when you go to schmear them. Not these. Let me tell you, I also love the way the onion is incorporated, because it didn’t burn in the toaster oven and become bitter. It toasted and became sweet and savory all at once. Simply delicious. Down to the last bite.

Follow this link!! And be sure to check out all the other stuff they offer as well!

But, I highly encourage you…get the bagels!

Onion bagels…you’re my jam. Or my cream cheese. Or my breakfast.

Annie May’s Sweet Cafe continues to make my gluten-free world a happier and more local place!

Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Onion Bagels schmeared with Kite Hill Jalapeno Cream Cheese

February 9, 2018February 9, 2018

Product Review: Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Everything Bagels

Product: Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Everything Bagels – $11/pack; $3/bagel

Today…February 9, 2018…is National Bagel Day. I didn’t know this until JUST NOW (thanks Instagram)!

Grab your serrated knives, lovelies!! And your toasters. And your topping to schmear on liberally because…NEWS FLASH:

*ANNIE MAY’S SWEET CAFE IS NOW OFFERING BAGELS!*

That makes this displaced New York girl want to do a happy dance! Like…do a good old fashioned subway terminal happy dance. As any New Yorker is wont to do every now and again. Especially on a good day.

nychappydance Just like that. OH YEAH!

Annie May’s Sweet Cafe announced this last Saturday on their Instagram, noting that bagels will be offered at the bakery on Tuesdays and Thursdays…or for preorder. And since I knew I’d be there Wednesday, I put in an order for a pack of each flavor! Because…as I am a New York girl through-and-through…if bagels were happening at my local Gluten Free Bakery…then they were just going to happen to end up in my fridge…in my toaster oven…and in my belly!

foodislife On Wednesday, the winter weather was a no-show, so I happily skipped into the bakery to pick up my Soft Pretzel Wednesday order (this is a real thing, friends!)…grab some macarons (because…reasons)…and pick up my bagel order. I was handed the bagels first off…and I may or may not have bounced them in my arms like a newborn baby.

These things happen.

I’m not ashamed.

SOMEHOW…I managed to hold off breaking into the bagels until Friday. So I went TWO days without touching them. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. But this morning…

gameon GAME ON!!

I thawed out two of the Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Everything Bagels (because I’m nice and share with my roomie…and she may have bought them for me too…so there is that…)

cash Anyway…I thawed out the bagels and then got out my serrated knife to easily slice them in half. I could tell how good these were going to be simply by slicing into them. I mean, undo the plastic and get a whiff of that garlic from the everything spices and it’s heaven. And that’s before things even get toasty!

I tossed mine in the oven (I don’t actually own a toaster) for about 12 minutes and they came out PERFECT. Lightly toasted so that the outside got just enough crisp on it and then the middle was still soft and chewy and perfect.

Yep…these are perfect.

Also…the kitchen smelled AMAZING as these were toasting. Hello delicious, flavorful, aromatic topping! I was more than ready to dive right in…but being a proper bagel lover…no bagel is complete without a schmear of something good. Traditionally…cream cheese. I have a stash of different varieties in my fridge. Today…I used the last of the Daiya Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese and my roomie got the last of the Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese. The toasty bagels came out looking all golden and amazing and each half got a healthy schmear of the vegan cream cheese goodness.

Time to dig in!

Sometimes bagels can be dense and immense and heavy. Especially gluten free ones. Either that or they are packed with fillers that make them…not even a bagel anymore, in my opinion (most store-bought ones are this way). Annie May is a perfectionist and she doesn’t add something to her bakery menu unless it meets her quality standards.

These surpassed standards. I loved that these bagels were filling without being too much. I love that these bagels are made with real ingredients. I love that these bagels are light and have that perfect crust and that chewy inside (even after slicing and toasting). And the real stand-out for the Everything flavor of the bagels…is that Everything Topping. THAT…was a flavor powerhouse. To me…no other gluten free (or regular back when I could eat them) Everything Bagel has come close to this level of flavor. And I was dancing in my chair out of pure joy with every bite. I savored it, rather than inhale it. I wanted to take my time…chew…savor…enjoy. They were a standard bagel size…they were everything I want in a bagel…but without the blandness that you can find in bagels. Bread is amazing. Bagels are better.

And these bagels…are my new favorite things in life.

And if you aren’t lucky enough to live in Louisville, Kentucky (like I am…because this bakery has been with me for ALL of my Celiac journey…we’ve grown together), have no fear…Annie May’s Sweet Cafe does ship…and yes…they are shipping the bagels.

Follow this link!! And be sure to check out all the other stuff they offer as well!

But definitely go for the bagels!

As I stated above, they do offer them at the bakery as well…and if you don’t want to buy a pack of four (I understand you the least)…you can buy them individually there and get them topped with Earth Balance, jam (raspberry or strawberry), or plain cream cheese.

And your life will come full circle and be complete. And you will live happily ever after.

If you get nothing else from this post…understand that YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!! Local peeps…get on over there. These bagels are free of the top 9 allergens, they are vegan, they are super yummy…they are round with a hole in the middle.

I’m already planning on restocking my freezer and I haven’t even polished off one pack yet!

27628806_10100363612596341_1115282760586637241_o — Annie May’s Sweet Cafe Everything Bagels topped with Daiya Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese are like a warm hug!

June 28, 2017

Recipe: Blue(berry)-Green Protein Smoothie

AH…it’s so nice to be able to put up recipes and just blog about anything and everything. I’m really, really, REALLY trying to make this one of my priorities these days. I never realized how much I missed doing product reviews, typing up recipes, or just laying out my thoughts/feelings/emotions….for you guys!

So, it seems that Wednesday is turning into a Smoothie-For-Breakfast kind of day. Which is awesome. And, that being said, I attempt to make these as nutritious as I can…which means I’m incorporating both vegetables and fruit. Working off the base of the smoothie I made last week, I upped the game a little today and made a brand new smoothie concoction.

Below, find the recipe for the Blue(berry)-Green Protein Smoothie.

**FOR THE RECORD: I am using PlantFusion protein powder for these smoothies**

Recipe: Blue(berry)-Green Protein Smoothie (Gluten Free; Dairy Free)

bluegreensmoothie Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 avocado
2 cup spinach, fresh
1 package vegan protein powder (I used Plant Fusion Chocolate-Raspberry Flavor)
1 cup coconut milk, unsweetened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp chocolate powdered peanut butter (PB2, Simple Truth, etc)
2 cups frozen blueberries
1 cup ice
Optional (but HIGHLY recommended): cacao nibs, low-sugar granola, chocolate spread (such as Smudge, Nutella, NuttZo)

Directions:

Place avocado, spinach, protein powder and milk in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the vanilla, powdered peanut butter, blueberries, and ice, and blend until thick. This is where having a good blender comes in and I love my Vitamix! Pour into glass or bowl and top with preferred toppings.

~*~*~

For the record, I topped mine off with 18 Rabbits Chocolate Banana Jr Granola Cereal (which I picked up at Kroger) and 1 tablespoon of NuttZo Organic Chocolate Power Fuel (which I got at Whole Foods, but is also available on Amazon). I also tossed more blueberries on top because they are freshly picked, local, and delicious. And why not? More antioxidants!

This basically tasted like a sweet tart, but with less of the tart so it wasn’t overwhelming. And I do highly recommend the toppings…especially if you make it into a smoothie bowl, like I do. I froze the bowl overnight to keep it chill on the way to the office.

ENJOY!

Do you have a favorite fruit to throw into a smoothie? Tell me about it!!

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June 22, 2017June 28, 2017

Recipe: Minty Green Protein Smoothie

I own a Vitamix. I have for a couple of years now. And yet…I really haven’t ever jumped on the smoothie bandwagon. Mostly because I’d rather eat my breakfast, rather than drink it.

And I don’t always think smoothies are that filling. So often (and maybe it’s just for show), a lot of Insta-Story smoothie makers show their polished off smoothie with the caption (or voice over) saying: “And still hungry.” And that’s been my problem with smoothies. When not balanced with the nutrients, I find myself hungry soon after polishing one off.

But that was not the case yesterday when, for breakfast after my 6 mile speed work run, followed by a 1 hour spin class, I whipped up a GREEN smoothie (of all things, I went for the green smoothie) to have for breakfast.

I have done green smoothies in the past and disliked most of them. They tasted too much like…grass.

But not this one. And this has the added benefit of being free of added sugars and containing amazing healthy fats, as well as being full of protein and fiber that will, in fact, leave you feeling fuller longer. And the flavor…it’s like eating a bowl of Mint Chip Ice cream (well…if you do the add-ons, as I do).

Sharing the recipe with you below, adapted from one I found online at Sweetleaf.com!

Recipe: Minty Green Protein Smoothie (Gluten Free; Dairy Free)

mintygreensmoothie Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 avocado
2 cup spinach, fresh
1 package vegan protein powder (I used Plant Fusion Natural Flavor)
1 cup coconut milk, unsweetened
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2 cup ice
Optional (but HIGHLY recommended): cacao nibs, low-sugar granola, chocolate spread (such as Smudge, Nutella, etc)

Directions:

Place avocado, spinach, protein powder and milk in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, and ice, and blend until thick. Pour into glass or bowl and top with preferred toppings.

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For the record, I topped mine off with Love Grown Foods Cocoa Goodness Oat Clusters and 1 tablespoon of Freedom Foods Smudge, both of which are available at Kroger.

So, I think I’ll take back what I’ve been saying about smoothies not being filling or tasting good (especially when green). Can’t wait to make this one again.

Do you have any filling, healthy smoothie recipes? Share with me!! Comment below.

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February 27, 2017

The Greater Knead Gluten-Free Bagel Giveaway

celiathlete Hello, my friends!!

I am so excited to announce a brand new giveaway from my friends, the crazy bagelers, at The Greater Knead (formerly Sweet Note Bakery)!!

Seriously…I thought I was eating delicious gluten-free bagels…and then I tried the bagels made by The Greater Knead…and I never went back to the others. As someone who grew up in New York, bagels are a way of life…and yes…bagels from New York are made differently than any other. They are smaller, denser, chewier in the middle, crunchier on the outside. And The Greater Knead…got it right.

So, I’m thrilled to offer you the chance to win 2 packs of their amazing bagels. All of their bagels are made in their dedicated gluten-free and free from facility…which means that their products contain NO wheat, egg, dairy, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish or shellfish (because that would just taste weird).

You can’t get much cleaner in the ingredients that go into each variety of their bagels. I order at least once a week. That’s not a joke! They are that good. While these are available in some stores…I had no idea these existed until I started blogging about other brands of gluten-free bagels, and one of their reps kindly pointed me in their direction. I never should have hesitated…because I won’t even look at other gluten-free bagels anymore.

I eat these things at least three times a week and have tried every flavor. The Greater Knead and I are pleased to give you the opportunity to win a pack of their PLAIN bagels and their TOMATO BASIL bagels.

Trust me…you do NOT want to miss out!! Enter below for your chance to win this amazing prize! You have through March 6th to enter! And spread the love!

Just click here your chance to win this amazing bagel prize pack: a Rafflecopter giveaway

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January 26, 2017January 26, 2017

Recipe: Cauliflower Fried “Rice”

I won’t lie…I’m a carb-a-holic. Is that really a thing? Is that a word? Doesn’t matter. Carbs make me happy. Gluten-free bread, pasta, donuts, muffins, potatoes, rice…you name it…I love to eat it.

That being said, I’m doing a slight bit of overhauling to my diet this year…aiming to cut back on all those processed carbs (like…bread, pasta, donuts, muffins, etc) and try to replace them with real food…healthier choices…and something that will nourish my body more.

Before I was diagnosed with Celiac…I may have lived at the Chinese buffet at least 2 times a month. I love Chinese food. I always have. But, most of it is not even an option for me these days, unless I make it. I’m Irish…not Chinese. My Chinese food is never as amazing as when…you know…someone who is Chinese makes it.

That being said, I’ve been craving as of late…and I finally decided to cave and give into it. And I got out my skillet on Sunday afternoon and whipped up a healthier version of fried rice, replacing the rice with riced cauliflower. The recipe is below:

Cauliflower Fried “Rice”

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets (or one bag of cauliflower rice)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
½ cup frozen peas
½ cup carrots, cubed
2 eggs, beaten (if making vegan, sub in tofu or just leave out)
¼ cup low sodium tamari
1 Tbsp light brown sugar
⅛ tsp. ground ginger
Pinch red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions:

**Chop head of cauliflower into florets and place in food processor. Pulse until it starts to resemble rice; set aside.

**NOTE: If you want a less-mess, no maintenance way of doing this, go to Trader Joes, Kroger, Target, or pretty much ANY grocery store these days and they have bags of already riced cauliflower in their produce section and even in the freezer section. I do this…because food processors are a pain to clean! So, skip the first step if you cheat and get the already riced cauliflower. At the end when you add it in with the sauce, cook it until it has softened.

Heat a large wok (or skillet) over medium heat and add 1/4 cup water. Add onion, peas and carrots and saute until tender, about 2 minutes. (Add more water as needed to prevent veggies from sticking).Meanwhile in a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and red pepper flakes; set aside.

Slide veggie mixture to one side of the wok and add in the beaten eggs (or tofu…or skip this step if you opted to go without the protein), scrambling until cooked through and then incorporate with the veggies.

Stir in cauliflower “rice” and pour the sauce over top, mixing well. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until cauliflower is soft and tender.

Top with green onions, serve and enjoy!

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Simple, easy…and yes…super delicious!! Oh…and only 220 calories per serving! You can’t beat that, right? Highly recommended to your Chinese food lovers if you’re looking for a healthier alternative!! Or maybe you just want to try something new!

Either way, it’s an easy recipe with little to do but stir away!! So…no excuses, friends. Get rockin’ that wok!

January 26, 2017

Recipe: Cauliflower Rice Pad Thai

So, my roommate and I are making a few more dietary changes this year and so far it’s not been too hard to stick to. I mean, there are days that are completely off the plan (Hello, Soft Pretzel Wednesday!)…but that’s okay. This isn’t about perfection, it’s just about progress!

We are working on cutting down on added sugars and processed carbs. This is not to say that we are never going to eat gluten-free pasta or use rice in dishes ever again. And this is not to say that dessert is off the table. I did, however, very proudly, get rid of the stash of chocolate in my office drawer. I reached for those M&Ms one too many times while stressed out…so they are gone…and not coming back in.

Normally I have a pretty set meal plan going into the weekend, but for some reason, this past week got away from me and I just…didn’t get to it. Not going to sugar-coat it. SO…I decided to prep some different things and just attempt to make something a little bit healthier.

One of my favorite types of food (second to Indian) is Thai. I love Thai food, and Thai food is so easy to make gluten free. That being said…I didn’t have pad thai noodles on hand and I’m on a tight budget after my trip to California (like…it’s non-existent, to be honest)…so I only wanted to have to grocery shop for the essentials. I needed filling, healthy meals on the fly…so I bought Trader Joes and Kroger out of their bags of riced cauliflower.

That is not an exaggeration.

And from it emerged 3 dishes made with riced cauliflower (not counting the ones I did earlier in the week, which I should put up in the blog…so if I get time, I will. I promise. They’re delicious). But this week…I was most excited about my take on pad thai…using…riced cauliflower instead of noodles. This dish is SUPER easy to make…so I encourage you to do so!

Recipe: Cauliflower Rice Pad Thai

16143672_10100196817525001_694318356173316810_o — Cauliflower Rice Pad Thai

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 large head of cauliflower (or one bag of cauliflower rice)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 yellow onion, chopped
12 oz bag frozen stir-fry vegetables
1/4 cup lightly salted peanuts

Ingredients of the Peanut Sauce:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or low-sodium Tamari
3 tablespoon seasoned white vinegar
1/2 tablespoon lime juice

Directions:

**Rice your head of cauliflower by chopping the florets roughly and adding them to your food processor. Pulse the cauliflower until it resembles rice. Then heat it up in the microwave for 7 minutes, stopping to stir it once halfway through.

**NOTE: If you want a less-mess, no maintenance way of doing this, go to Trader Joes, Kroger, Target, or pretty much ANY grocery store these days and they have bags of already riced cauliflower in their produce section and even in the freezer section. I do this…because food processors are a pain to clean! So, skip the first step if you cheat and get the already riced cauliflower. At the end when you add it in with the sauce, cook it until it has softened.

Line a large skillet with a thin layer of water.

Add the garlic and onions tot he pan. Cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Add additional water, if necessary.

Add the frozen vegetables to the pan. Cover the vegetables and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until everything is heated through. Once again, add additional water to keep things from sticking.

***While the vegetables are cooking, whisk the sauce together in a medium bowl.

***NOTE: If you aren’t feeling frisky, both San-J and Annie Chun make FANTASTIC peanut/pad thai sauces that are gluten free. So…if making the sauce seems like too much work, just use the bottled stuff.

Once the vegetables are cooked through, add the cauliflower “rice” and peanut sauce to the pan. Stir until well-combined. If using bagged cauliflower rice, cook until cauliflower has softened, about 5 minutes.

Dish servings into bowls and garnish with peanuts.

ENJOY!

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I wasn’t sure how I’d appreciate the change from actual pad thai noodles to using riced cauliflower, but it worked. This dish was amazing. And it’s dinner again tonight. And that’s always something to look forward to!