Foodie Friday

Hey Friends! I can’t remember the last time I posted – WHOOPS! But I have a tasty recipe that I can’t wait to share! It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, I love crab cakes – they are amazing!

I whipped these suckers up as a little something special before Phil took off for Vegas. ‘Oh, your husband has business over the weekend’?? NOO! He and a few buddies are going to Vegas just for the hell of it & since I am SUCH a good wife, I decided to send him off with a homemade dinner that happens to be the first thing Phil ever made for me. My recipe is obviously better than his and I’m sharing it below.

 

Crab Cake IMG_2721

  • 1 lb lump crab
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup panko
  • 1/4 cup green onion
  • 1/4 cup parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Worschestershire
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 lemon zested
  • 1/4 cup light mayo
  • 1 teaspoon old bay
  • salt & pepper

Remoulade

  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1/2 lemon juiced / zested
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • 1 teaspoon minced capers
  • 1 minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
  • salt & pepper

Sear the cakes for a few minutes on each side & top with some remoulade to enjoy!

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 😉

 

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Foodie Friday

Happy  New Year Friends!

I hope everyone’s holiday was enjoyable & you haven’t given up on your resolutions. I tried to keep mine really simple, be kind: to myself, to others, etc… so I will keep you posted on that throughout the year. I have been keeping myself busy trying to find a new yoga home here in Walnut Creek & planning all the travel coming up – Palm Springs next week, Philadelphia & Charleston in March, Mexico in April, Virginia Beach in May, Spain in June, and Italy in July…oh boy!! With all the travel on the horizon I have been focusing on easy, comforting, and healthy recipes while I am home. This week I have been enjoying a hearty vegetarian soup & it couldn’t have been more simple to make.img_2587

Tuscan Bean Soup

  • 1 container vegetable stock 
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes 
  • 2 cans tuscan beans
  • 1 big bunch of kale 
  • 1 large white onion 
  • 6 cloves garlic 
  • 3 zucchini 
  • 1 bag carrots 
  • 1 bag celery 
  • 1 bag small potatoes 
  • 1 bunch tyme 
  • 1 sm. bunch sage 
  • salt/pepper
  • EVOO
  • Parmesan

Peel & small dice carrots, small dice celery, garlic, & onion, quarter and dice zucchini, tear kale from stems, quarter potatoes, & prep herbs while 1/4cup EVOO heats up in a large dutch oven on the stove top. Start with onion, carrot, celery, garlic, & potatoes in the pot and cook down for 10 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, beans (drained), herbs, salt & pepper – cook until it simmers. Mix in kale & zucchini and allow soup to cook together for another 10 minutes. Ladle into a bowl, sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan (optional), and enjoy!

With this recipe I have enough soup for lunches all week & 5 more portions frozen in mason jars for the next time I have a hankering for this delicious comfort dish.

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

OH BOY, it’s back! I don’t know how long it’s been since my last Foodie Friday but it is way overdue. I’m keeping it simple and sharing my favorite avocado toast! This tasty, trendy, and expensive plate has been popping up on menus all over the place; so naturally I had to put my own spin on it.

avacadosFirst, why is everyone so obsessed with avocado?? Deliciousness aside, this creamy green fruit has 20 vitamins & minerals with only 80 calories. In 1/3 an avocado you get a nutrient dense treat that can be used to make brownies, ice cream, pesto, etc… and this awesome toast!IMG_1089I love herbs & think they’re a great way to add a lot of flavor. When playing around with this recipe I tried a few different combos but consistently came back to dill, cilantro, & parsley. If you prefer something else – go for that!

Avocado Toast (4 servings)

  • 4 slices of multigrain bread
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 avocado
  • 1/2 lime
  • 1-3 sprigs of parsley, cilantro and dill (stemmed and rough chopped)
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar

The hard part of this recipe is picking a good avocado, and the harder part is poaching the eggs. If you’re not into that sort of thing you can soft boil, fry, or even scramble your eggs but I find it really simple. Add water and vinegar to a pan and set your stovetop to medium heat. Let the water come to a soft simmer (no hard bubbles) & crack in the eggs. Allow eggs to cook for 3-4 minutes (white fully cooked) and turn off the heat. The vinegar should keep the egg from sticking to the pan & you just remove the eggs with a slotted spoon. While all that exciting stuff is happening you can pop your toast in the oven, slice open your avocado, & combine it with the remaining ingredients listed. Spread your avocado mixture on the toast, top with your perfectly poached egg, & enjoy!

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

 

Foodie Friday

Did you guys think I was going to leave you hanging again?!?!

Happy Friday! This week’s Foodie Friday is dedicated to one of Phil’s lunchtime favorites – chicken stir fry! Now I am fully aware that there isn’t anything fancy about stir fry but there are little things you can do so your veggies aren’t soggy & the sauce packs a punch without  the calories. IMG_0962One of the first things I do is season the chicken (little bit of EVOO and seasonings of your choice). Get your skillet really hot and sear the chicken on both sides to seal in the flavor…once you sear things on both sides turn the heat down to med/low and cook the chicken almost all the way through. While the chicken cooks, slice the veggies & onions, and mince the garlic. Once the chicken is done remove it from the skillet and let it rest, throw the onion into the skillet with a little bit of EVOO. Allow the onions to cook down, add garlic, and toss in the veggies…seasoning with salt/pepper, the dry spices you like. Chunk the chicken and add it back to your skillet, tossing together with the veggies. Turn the heat off before the veggies are finished cooking and let everything cool. Make a pot of brown rice w/veggie stock & a bay leaf in the pot to add a more robust flavor.

I make this on the weekend for Phil to enjoy during the week for lunch. Stir fry is one of those awesome things that can be made from anything you have lying around in your refrigerator, so get creative!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Motivation Monday #15

Happy Monday Friends!

IMG_1269I’m in shock we’re 15 weeks into this year and one week out from the completion of our 2016 motivation challenge. I feel strongly that if you’re trying to make a serious lifestyle change, it takes about 16 weeks for it to become part of your routine…the proof is in the pudding, as they say, because not only do Phil & I make healthier choices but our bodies crave healthier behaviors. As mentioned before, we’re keeping things going even after next week and kicking it up with a leaner diet & lots of greens powder to boost our  vitamin & mineral intake. The body is an incredible machine and I really enjoy playing around with my diet/exercise to see what happens.IMG_1348I’ve found a new pool of inspiration and a resignation of my passion after this weekend’s event. Teaching for Zenrez & Moxie Yoga Fitness @ Sunday Streets SF on Valencia St. this past Sunday was one of the cooler things I have gotten to do in my yoga career to date. While the set up did present some challenges, it was so much fun so see the reactions from the neighborhood & have people walking by pop off their shoes and join in the flow – my cup isn’t full, it’s overflowing! The weather may not be perfect this week but the April home is full of sunshine! We’re in week 15 and riding on the wave of this weekend’s yoga high & there is nothing that can stand in our way!

Week 15

“Stop saying I wish & start saying I will”

Exercise:

  • Phil: 55min cardio/weight lifting 3x/wk, 55min yoga 2x/wk
  • Colleen: 55min cycling 3x/wk, 55min yoga 6x/wk
  • Both: 20min morning/evening stretching & 30min myofasical release 7x/wk

Diet:

  • Breakfast –Greek Yogurt w/berries & granola or Sprouted Bagel w/ghee & OJ
  • Lunch – Tofu Stir Fry w/veggies & rice or Vegetarian Chili
  • Dinner – Quinoa Casserole or Tilapia Curry Soup
  • Snacks – Hummus w/veggies or Apple w/peanut butter

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

What a beautiful week. I can not believe this week is ending in such a rainy weekend but it gives Phil and I a perfect excuse to get things done around the house. The rain better clear up by Sunday though because I am teaching at an outdoor neighborhood festival. Sunday Streets SF kicks off this weekend on Valencia St. and I am teaching a class to represent Moxie & bring yoga to the neighborhood. Come out to 1252 Valencia (where we’re set up) at 11:30 if you’re in San Francisco. FullSizeRender-2.jpgAs promised previously, Phil and I kicked things up a notch this week and I even added some juice to really hydrate and boost my energy. In honor of making things even healthier, this week’s Foodie Friday is an oldie but goodie…almond joy chia pudding. I absolutely love this stuff, so does Phil (he actually requested it), and the best part, it takes next to nothing to make.

FullSizeRender

Almond Joy Chia Pudding

  • 1 cup Almond Milk
  • 1/2 cup Chia Seeds
  • 1/3 cup Cacao Powder
  • 4 tbsp honey
  • 1/3 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
  • Pinch Salt

 

 

 

Mix milk, honey, and cacao powder. Add chia, coconut, and a pinch of salt. Allow to set in the fridge overnight or for 6hrs. You can enjoy this all by itself of you can add it to fresh bananas, nuts, whatever you like..for a healthy snack or dessert!

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Motivation Monday #14

IMG_1279.JPGWe’re officially into the month of April and I can’t believe how fast this year is flying by! Almost as fast as Phil and I barreling down the slopes in Tahoe this weekend, haha! The weather was perfect and it was a lot of fun to spend the weekend working out and taking in the most beautiful views around. I also had the chance to share some yoga with my housemates which was fun – I relish any opportunity to spread the yogi love.IMG_1299.PNGThis week I’m working on myofasical techniques nightly to release muscular tension as well as adding some fresh juice for added hydration & nutrients. Phil is kicking up his cat/cow and spinal strength work & trying to cut back on snacks. We’re gearing up to make April the best month of the year, whose with us!

Week 14

“If you stumble, make it a part of The Dance”

Exercise:

  • Phil: 55min cardio/weight lifting 3x/wk, 55min yoga 2x/wk
  • Colleen: 55min cycling 3x/wk, 55min yoga 6x/wk
  • Both: 20min morning/evening stretching & 30min myofasical release 7x/wk

Diet:

  • Breakfast – Green Juice, Protein Shake, or Oatmeal
  • Lunch – Chicken Curry w/brown rice & veggies or Tofu Bowl
  • Dinner – Tofu Nuggets w/carrot sticks, Grilled Portobello Sandwich, Super Salad
  • Snacks – fresh fruit

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

Happy Friday Friends!

Phil and I are excited for our special guests this weekend…Joe & Ashley April are in town! We have the pleasure of sharing Joe’s 31st birthday with them, showing the ‘other Aprils’ around San Francisco. I love when anyone comes to visit because its an excuse for us to explore and check out this incredible city. We have a few reservations so I’m not sure how much cooking I’ll be doing but if you’re cooking this weekend & want to keep it light, try today’s Foodie Friday pick, zucchini ribbon pasta & veggies w/basil & parmesan.

Zucchini Ribbon Pasta & VeggiesIMG_1013

  • 1/2 sm. carton of cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 bunch of asparagus – trimmed
  • 1/2 pint mushrooms – sliced
  • 1 sm. yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 medium zucchini – sliced into thin ribbons
  • 1-2 tbsp parmesan cheese – grated
  •  basil for garnish
  • EVOO
  • Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes

Preheat Oven 425. Dice onion & mince garlic. Prep cherry tomatoes, trimmed asparagus, and mushrooms to roast in the oven by tossing in a tablespoon of EVOO, salt & pepper. Spread veggies out on roasting pan and pop into the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes blister, the asparagus starts to brown, & the the mushrooms edges darken. While they cook, place a large sautĂŠ pan on medium heat w/EVOO & add red pepper flakes. Once oil is hot add the onions & garlic – cook until translucent & season with salt & pepper. Add zucchini to the pan and toss in with the onions, garlic, pepper flakes, & oil in the pan. Allow the zucchini to cook for a few minutes but not until translucent…toss with roasted veggies, finish with grated cheese, basil and a drizzle of truffle oil or EVOO.

I’m not going to lie and say it tastes like pasta because it doesn’t, hahaha, but it does taste delicious and is a fabulous way to get a lot of extra nutrients & hydration in your diet. You can get creative and change up the veggies, herbs, add lemon, etc.. and still have a wonderfully nutritious meal.

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

 

Foodie Friday

Happy Friday!

This weekend is going to be a doozy and we’re prepared with awesome food and bundles of warm clothing to keep us from freezing our faces off on the mountain!

Today’s Foodie Friday post is dedicated to a   Tahoe inspired pizza/flatbread! We’ve been snagging lunch at this restaurant mid-mountain and they have really awesome daily flatbreads….this was one from about a month ago that I had to recreate/put my own spin on. image

Goat Cheese, Sweet Potato, Fennel, Pear, & Arugula Flatbread

  1. Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
  2. 1 Pear
  3. 1  Fennel Bulb
  4. 1 block herbed goat cheese
  5. 1/2 Sweet Potato (sliced thin)
  6. 3-4 tbsp EVOO
  7. Sm. Bunch Arugula

Preheat the oven to 475 and prep your toppings. Slice pears, sweet potatoes, and fennel with a mandolin set at thin as possible. Soften goat cheese with EVOO. Roll out pizza dough and spray pizza stone with EVOO. Spread goat cheese over pizza dough, add toppings (except arugula) and place pizza in the oven for 15min or until the toppings start to brown and the crust curls slightly at the edges.

I think pizzas/flatbreads are the perfect, easy, weeknight meal that tastes deliciously comforting but doesn’t break the calorie bank. In fact, I might whip up my own version of the fig and carmelized onion pizza (from Plated) tonight!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

Happy First Friday Friends!

image.jpgPhil and I are skipping the mountains this weekend for a little alone time and some R&R. Phil is returning from his business trip this evening so its the perfect excuse for the two of us to curl up with a nice bottle of wine and chill. I am taking on more classes starting next week so I’m really trying to mentally & physically prepare for the shift. It’s a good thing I know just what to do.image For me, there is no better way to prepare than to take the best possible care of myself…which includes fueling up for success! Thanks to Plated, that’s no problem, and since its the beginning of the month, 3 more delicious meals are about to arrive on my doorstep. I don’t know if I am going to make a change to try another delivery service anytime soon, just because I don’t think the meals are quite as healthy but I am still doing my research!imageFor now, I am diving in fork first to these delicious dishes and I encourage you to give Plated a try! This box includes whole wheat flatbread w/mission figs, caramelized onions, & teleggio, red lentil daal, smokey eggplant & garlic naan, and salmon ginger cakes w/soba noodles & winter vegetables. Include your email in the comments below and I will send you a free box to try!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂