From The Kitchen - Fish Tacos!

I'll admit that I'm a little scared to cook fish/seafood myself.  It seems like something that has to be cooked perfectly so I don't give my family food poisoning.  Oddly enough eating raw sushi doesn't phase me in the least.

Maybe I should just serve all seafood raw?!  

I tackled Tilapia fish tacos a few days ago, and it was really good, and better yet...no one got sick!!!

I found the recipe in Every Day with Rachael Ray...love her magazine.  I get more recipes from her magazine than anywhere else!

Fish Tacos with Summer Salsa 

Click the above link for the original recipe!

Ingredients: 

• 1 pound halibut or other meaty white fish fillets (I used tilapia).  

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1 11 ounce can  whole tomatillos, drained

• 4 small zucchini peeled, seeded and cut into small cubes (I didn't use this at all, but added about 1/4 of purple onion instead)

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems (used more like 1 cup or a bit more)

• 2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, plus more to taste

• 8 6 inches corn tortillas (Trader Joe's Corn Tortillas are the best!)

• 2 tablespoons chili powder (I used 1 to keep it Sky friendly)

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste (Used a bit less)

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 Hass avocado, peeled and thinly sliced  

 Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees. 
2. Place the fish in a medium bowl and drizzle with half of the lime juice. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.  
3. Using your hands, squeeze the juice and flesh from the tomatillos, 1 at a time, into a medium bowl; discard the skins. Mash the tomatillos with a fork. Add the zucchini, the remaining lime juice, the cilantro and 2 teaspoons of the salt and toss.
4. Spread the tortillas on 2 baking sheets and warm in the oven for about 10 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Remove the fish from the lime juice, pat dry and cover with the spice rub. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the fish, about 4 minutes on each side. Break the fish into bite-size pieces and season to taste with salt. 
6. Arrange the fish in the tortillas with some of the salsa and avocado slices.

I skipped steps #1 and #4.  We prefer our tortillas browned in a skillet on the stove top.  You can heat a bit of olive oil, coconut oil, or use a non-stick spray (which is what I usually do) and warm the tortillas on both sides until warm and starting to brown a bit.

Super quick and super easy dinner to cook!  Perfect with a bottle of chilled white wine/summer meal on the deck!  So can't wait to eat our meals on the deck!

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Anyone else have a food/meal that scares them?

From The Kitchen - Thai Beef with Basil

I feel like every week we have a new favorite recipe around here!  This one is for sure my favorite from last week, in fact it was a race to see who could eat the leftovers!  Really, yummy and it makes a pretty dish with all the colors!

The original recipe can be found at bonappetit.com or here: Thai Beef with Basil go check it out!

Two tips:
-Trust the directions when it says to let the meat brown and get crispy.  It almost seems like you'll burn it, but just go with it, those crispy parts are what add tons of flavor!

-3 cups of basil leaves = a lot of fresh basil!  I didn't get enough, so make sure you get a lot of basil, more than you think you'll need.  If you end up with too much you can flavor your plain old water with lemon slices and a few basil leaves.

I highly recommend Bon Appetit magazine!  For a long time it intimidated me as a cook, but of all the cooking/food related magazines I get every month Bon Appetit is the one I get the most out of, and find the highest number of recipes I want to try.

My first race of the year is coming up in March and for the first time I'm running in "costume"!  I'm not much of a running costume person/fan.  I think it's great when others do it, but I just don't like hassling with it. However I'm getting into the St. P Day spirit and have the first piece of my outfit figured out!

Shamrock leg warmers that will go over my compression socks!  Found them at Jo-Ann's fabric the other day, and for a way better price than I would pay if I were to buy themed compression socks.  I'm not going to spend $50 on compression socks aimed at one day/a few weeks out of the year, just can't do it.

I found a green sparkle skirt HERE that I'm checking the mail for daily.  Seriously for $20 you can get a cute skirt that goes over your shorts/tights and add's festive fun to themed races!  Great price, and it's not ton's of poof and tulle added to my hips.  Last thing I need to be doing is running in something that makes me look like an overweight ballerina!  Some can pull off the tulle look I can't!  

I just need a top now.  I have zero green running shirts, so am thinking I'll just wear the event shirt race day. It's usually long sleeve and obviously fits the theme.  I read a blog post the other day about the sin of wearing the race shirt the day of the race, and how "not real runner" it is.  Don't even get me started on how stupid and judgmental that post was.

I don't wear race/event shirts to the race simple because I have tech shirts that I run in and I know work for me.  But to assume someone is a newbie who doesn't know better, or is somehow wearing a shirt they haven't earned because they haven't crossed the finish line yet it petty.  If I paid for my registration and the shirt that goes along with it then I will wear that shirt whenever and wherever I want to!  Ok off my soap box.

Do you wear race shirts to the race, or do you wait until you finish?  
After, if at all.  I have so many race shirts now that unless they fit perfect and are a tech material they go in a pile that has become my yard work/camping clothes pile.  I actually just registered for a race that gave me the option of a shirt or a mug and went with the mug.

Anyone else running a St. P Day race?
Cool thing...the Tacoma St. P Day race is mentioned in the March issue of Runner's World magazine!





        

  

Unplanned Rest Day and Chocolate Chili From the Kitchen

Thank Goodness It's Friday Rest-day!  I totally planned on running today, but after my pilates session yesterday my legs have been cramping and twitching non-stop.  I must have done something right because I feel it today for sure!  I'm putting my ProCompression to good use and thankfully the twitching has calmed down.  But, given the hilly 5 miles I have planned tomorrow I thought a rest day along with stretching and trigger pointing would be a good idea.  Maybe some wine too, yeah that makes everything better!  

It's probably for the best anyway.  Sky has the beginnings of a cold and is cranky, cranky, cranky!  She is asking for cuddles and hugs non-stop, which I don't mind, and the rest of the time she is upset, whining and crying at the drop of a hat. 

In less than .01 of a second she went from happy to sad all because I used the wrong color to draw a circle for her.  It's really hard being almost 3.  Can I just point out how cute her new headband is!  She pointed it out at the store and asked for it and I couldn't resist getting it for her.  

I haven't shared a recipe in a long time...I'm still cooking away, just trying so many yummy new recipes I get stuck figuring out which one to share.  This Chocolate Chili was a huge hit with all three of us.  I was a little skeptical of chocolate and chili together but it was pleasantly surprising and not spicy. 

Gluten free cornbread and avocado were the perfecting way to top it off.  Another great recipe from Well Fed...you can find the link to the recipe HERE.  It's quick, easy, yummy and totally worth giving a try.

How many rest day's a week do you take?
More than I should!

Are rest days truly a rest day for you, or do you still do something low impact like walking or yoga?
Football Sunday is a true, sit on my a$$ all day, rest day. 

Have a great weekend everyone!  I don't know how much I will post since the weather is supposed to be really decent, so Sky and I will be making the most of it while Mark works on finishing the master bathroom.  Doing a happy dance about that!!!

  

From The Kitchen - Moroccan Meatballs

Before I get to the yummy recipe I must share this picture of Sky.  I can't put my finger on it, but it may be my most favorite picture of her, and that's saying something given how many pictures of her there are. 

Maybe because it's totally candid, she had no idea I was taking the picture, or that I had left the room to grab my phone even.  For the most part she is a rough and tumble girl, so maybe it's the total girlishness of this picture that I love? 

All I know is that she was so excited about her dress, tights, and shoes.  She kept prancing around and twirling and showing off her dress to anyone who would give her 2 seconds of attention.  Thankfully she walked right up to Santa, asked him to look at her dress, and then climbed up and posed pretty as can be.  Not like last years crying episode at all. 

The crying came when it was time to be done with Santa and let someone else have a turn.  She took off at a full sprint through Nordstrom, crying and screaming her head off.  Sadly I was not in running shoes, so it took a bit to catch her.  Thankfully someone hip checked her and she went sprawling which allowed me to catch up with her.  Fun times...but at least the Santa picture is perfect!

On to Moroccan Meatballs!  Yet another recipe/reason why I must run my a$$ off!  I have to say everything I have made from Well Fed has been a keeper, and in most cases I make it again the next night because we love it that much!

You can find the original recipe on the Well Fed Blog, click HERE to check it out!  I served ours with Quinoa and it was really good!  Trader Joes has roasted, salted pistachios that put this recipe right over the top for yum factor!  Plus, they add the perfect amount of salt to the dish.  

Since it's snowing here it's going to be a non-running day for me.  Without a treadmill at home and no gym membership my only option is running outside.  With my knee feeling a little weak (running through Nordstrom in dress shoes didn't help!) I'm not risking slipping and sliding around in the snow and twisting something.  More core work today, and hopefully I'll get a run or two in over the weekend.  It's supposed to turn to rain at some point and I really want at least one more solid run before taking off to visit family next week.  

I am excited to get Sky out in the snow and see what she thinks about it!  

Anyone else playing in the snow today? 

 

 

 

TGIF and From the Kitchen...Sort Of

I love Fridays, mostly because Mark works from home, and even though he's busy working Sky and I are both so happy to have him in the house, and take breaks with him. 

Sometimes it even works out that I get Sky free grocery shopping done!  You know you're a stay at home mom when grocery shopping alone is the best "me" time ever!  I even do my make-up and put on real clothes for kiddo free shopping!

While I did get the non-perishable items I need for GF and Dairy free stuffing, that has even the non-food issue people asking for it every year, I'm not really all about the food on Turkey Day.  Mostly I'm about the football, and this year the Steelers are playing Thanksgiving Night, on network TV, so I get to watch them! 

So, while all the other bloggers are asking what food everyone is looking forward to, I'm over here all Go Steelers!!! 

Speaking of food I'm always amazed at what yummy meals can be created from such simple ingredients.  Our dinners swing from super simple, 3 or 4 ingredients tops, to super complex, 10 to 25 or 30 ingredients (mostly herbs and spices).  The best part is we enjoy simple just as much, sometimes more, than complicated. 

So....Instead of posting the recipe that this turned into I'm giving you a chopped challenge!  BTW - Chopped is my favorite non-sports related show on TV! 

Your ingredients are:
Tomato Paste
Garbanzo Beans
Chicken Broth
Shallots
Pasta
Mexican Chorizo
Flat Leaf Parsley
Red Pepper Flakes

Not pictured because I didn't have any, but the recipe calls for it: Fresh Parmesan and Lemon zest.  Although I wouldn't have used the Parmesan anyway because Mark can't eat it.  Since I adjust recipes for Mark's allergies all the time if you have food issues and need to leave something out then (unlike chopped) feel free to omit the item. 

OK get cooking and let me know what you come up with!  

I will share the recipe in the next few days, or if you really must know you can go back through past food posts and find it, because I have shared it in the past.  

Recipes Like This are Why I Have to Run!!!

This is too good not to share ASAP!  So good in fact that I made it last Wednesday and again this Tuesday.  Mostly because there were some adjustments I wanted to try, and lamb was still on sale and wanted to take advantage of the great price.   

Rogan Josh is a recipe from Well Fed and is from the Kashmir region of India...so exotic!  Check out Melissa Joulwan's (cook book author) Blog: The Clothes Make The Girl HERE for the original recipe.

My version, with my changes noted, below. 

Rogan Josh
serves 6 to 8
prep 30 minutes
cooking time 1-2 hours

Start with this....

Ingredients:
Spice Blend
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cloves
3/4 tsp powdered ginger
2 Tbs sweet paprika
1 tsp chili powder (original recipe calls for 2 tsp)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 tsp ground cumin
4 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp salt
1/4 Tbs cayenne pepper (original recipe calls for 1/2 Tbs)

It was way too spicy (and we like spice!) the first time I made it, this time was much better but would still cut the pepper a bit more if I was making this for those that don't handle spice well.  Maybe 1/2 tsp chili powder and a pinch of cayenne if people really don't like spice. 

Curry
-2 lbs lamb (stew meat, shoulder, or leg), cut into 1 inch cubes (I used lamb chops that I cut the bone out of and cubed myself).  If you don't care for lamb you can use beef, although I haven't tried this with beef, so can't speak to taste. 
-salt and black pepper to taste
-1 Tbs coconut oil
-2 medium onions, diced (2 cups)
-1 cup coconut milk
-1 1/4 cups water

...and end with this!  (I really need not so dark dishes for food pictures!)

Directions:

-In a small bowl, combine all the Rogan Josh spices and mix with a fork.  In a large bowl, sprinkle the meat generously with salt and pepper, tossing with your hands to coat.

-In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat, then add the lamb in batches and sear on all sides.  Put the meat in there and let it be for at least 5 minutes, so it gets a nice brown crust...do not stir it!

-When the meat is brown, add the chopped onions and cook until the onions begin to soften and show brown spots. 

-Add the Rogan Josh spice blend to the pan and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  The spices really come to life in the fat. 

-Pour the coconut milk and water into the pot.  Mix well, turn the heat to high, and bring to a boil.  Cover and reduce heat to a simmer, allowing the meat to braise in the coconut milk for 1-2 hours.  (I usually make it 1.5 hours and then am so hungry we go ahead and eat)!

-When time's up, remove the lid and let the sauce thicken a bit, about 2-3 minutes.  

Since it's from a paleo cookbook there are several paleo sides to serve this with, but we are not sticking to a paleo diet (just picking what we like from it) so I do whatever I want.  The first time I made it I served it over quinoa, and this last time I roasted baby potatoes and served it over the potatoes, along with naan on the side for Sky and I.  

It reheats really well, without overcooking the meat in the least!  

Now time to get ready to go run off the double serving I had last night!!!  

Anyone else dabble in the Paleo Diet world/follow it to the letter?  

 

 

Happy Friday!!!

Today was a good day, and it's not even over yet!!! 

I don't get to run with Mark very often.  Mostly because he runs during his lunch break, and because I have a crazy training schedule all summer.  But, today was one of those days that we got 3 miles in together!  I love hearing Sky say, "run, run Daddy" or "good running Daddy."  She is such a good run supporter.

We even let her out during the cool down so she could run with us.  More like so she could outsprint us the length of the soccer field while yelling "run, run, run, run".

Tomorrow morning Michelle and I take on 5 mile drive for a 6 mile run.  The next 1/2 is full of hills so we are doing all our long runs on hills.   

 Mid-run stretch.

 

Love the view!

 

I don't run with my phone very often, so made sure to take some pics today since I had it with me.  I ran here way too much last year when I was training, so have been sort of avoiding Chambers.  After taking a break from Chambers it's nice to be able to enjoy it again!  I have added to my list of running routes and make sure to rotate more so I don't get bored or irritated. 

 

From the kitchen...my favorite treat and salad as of late...

 

White Chocolate PB with White Chocolate Chips...yummy!

 

 



Lettuce, strawberries, Trader Joe's croutons, peppers, and balsamic dressing.

 

Sky's not favorite thing to eat...

 



 

...sand.  She had a snack, but decided to go over to the sandbox and take a big old mouthful of sand.  She was TICKED OFF!!!  Best part is, she did it to herself, silly girl.  This pic was after she drank some water and splashed it on her face.  Her whole face was covered and it was in her teeth and just nasty. 

 

Bishop's favorite thing to eat...

 

 

...whatever Sky will give him.  She loves to share all her food with him.  She will let him eat the whole bowl and then come ask me for more.  Those two are so cute together. 

 

I have been cooking a lot of new stuff, but always forget to take pictures.  So when they come back around for the 2nd time I will have better "from the kitchen" stuff to share. 

 

Have a great weekend, and if your running training/racing or otherwise get out there and have some fun!