Lately I've been swapping my basic breakfast (eggs and toast) with healthier replacements. This swap is simple, organic for one, this includes cage free eggs and the freshest fruit in the aisle. It's as simple as moving over one shelf in the grocery store. Another easy swap is switching to sourdough bread, especially if you can't get yourself to buy whole wheat. Sourdough bread is surprisingly healthy, it is nutrient rich and aids well in digestion (much better than your white bread). It's an easy switch and personally is much better than bland whole-wheat. When it comes to buttering up the toast I use a vegan vegetable spread called Earth Balance. Once you swap butter for this spread you will never go back. When it comes to cooking your eggs, fry them in a pan with organic coconut oil. They will cook to perfection, my desired over-easy turn out every time. Finally, treat your body with a side of organic fruit whether it be a tart kiwi, handful of blueberries or sliced banana. You definitely don't have to sacrifice tastiness in order to make these healthy and easy swaps in your simple breakfast routine.
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Lately I've gotten into the health craze and have been drinking my food more than eating it. Thanks to yoga sculpt, I've learned about the importance of protein after a good workout. I started making a protein smoothie that is filling and a sweet-craving conqueror. It's super simple to make, you just need a blender and the following ingredients.
Two ripe bananas Milk or chocolate milk Whole grain oats Semi-sweet chocolate chips 100% cacao powder Protein powder of your choice I start by slicing up the bananas into chunks, then add a tablespoon of protein powder as well as cacao powder. I then add a splash of milk or chocolate milk then a couple tablespoons of the semi-sweet chocolate chips and oats. This smoothie is sure to curb your craving, and leave you feeling full. I've been meaning to post about an easy meal I learned how to make from taking a cooking class here at U. It was called Cooking on a Student Budget and it was one of the most useful and relevant classes I've ever taken! Each week we would cook something new however, an easy meal I took away from the class was how to make Stir Fry. Vegetarian or not, I chose to make mine with vegetables and pasta due to time constraints although I will add strips of chicken breast on occasion. All you need is vegetables frozen or fresh, I picked up a package of frozen broccoli and carrots (so they would last longer) as well as a package of thin sprouts and carrots (can be found in the salad aisle). Nonetheless, the only other ingredient you need are the pasta or Asian noodle of your choice and a stir fry sauce (I chose sesame oil and soy sauce).
You simply start by coating a pan with the stir fry oil as well as vegetable oil. You then start by adding your larger vegetables first, (the broccoli and carrots). You can steam your vegetables by putting a little water in the pan. Once your vegetables appear to be cooked, (green greens, and vibrant oranges) add your sprouts mix, (these cook faster and add texture to the dish). Have your noodles precooked and strained, add them last. Finish by stirring all together throughly make sure they soak in with the mixture and oils, add pepper to taste. Finally, enjoy your simple homemade stir fry! Yet again another Sunday rolls around and you’re craving a home-style meal with all comfort you need to keep you from thinking about that fact that Monday is tomorrow. You deserve to go out and order brunch, the crispy hash browns, the sourdough toast, and the cups and cups of coffee. Uptown, just minutes away from campus offers many options for Sunday Brunch. This Sunday I visited the Uptown Diner, bustling and busy the diner was filled with fellow brunch goers like myself. Looking to veer from my usual order, I decided to go with the Caprese Benedict- poached eggs on an English muffin with tomato and pesto hollandaise sauce (to die for). I was also served a large helping of hash browns that I couldn’t have finished even if I tried. I even contemplated ordering a blueberry shake, nevertheless I still went full out and left stuffed. Besides the Caprese Benedict there was an abundance of options, I’m talking, omelets, waffles, pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, meat lover’s skillet, anything your heart could desire.
If you happen to find yourself down by the Walker Art Center go and venture a few blocks up to find this little hidden gem. With an interior that screams authentic diner and a five-page menu there are endless opportunities to indulge. Having the taste for a milkshake, I eagerly turned to the back page to discover an entire menu dedicated to milkshakes and malts. The options were plentiful, from one flavor, to popular combinations, to specialty milkshakes such as Lady Godiva: raspberry, white chocolate, and cheesecake (OMG). I can honestly say I had never before had an internal conflict when deciding on a milkshake. I decided on one of the “Popular Combinations,” Hot Fudge and Banana. I decided to get a half order, which to my surprise ended up seeming bottomless. You also can’t go wrong splitting a half order of fries for just over $2.00 to combine the best of flavors. If you go and you love whip cream as much as I do, your waiter is sure to give you a stack so high that it leans but lucky for you it tastes better that way. I’ll be sure to return on a day when I’m not just craving a milkshake because the large portions for an affordable price is something we all can look forward to.
By Melissa MortensonFellow Foodies, unfortunately we must part ways for now. It was truly a pleasure writing for you all these past few months. I’m sure your holidays will be filled with lots and lots of food! Enjoy your time off, relax, kickback and EAT, as I will too. Until next time! - Mel By Melissa MortensonIt’s Friday night you and your friends are tired of the party scene. You’re all just laying around in sweats and fuzzy socks, with no intentions of leaving the apartment. However, if you’re motivated to do anything it is eat. This is when you pick up the phone or open your laptops and navigate your way to Fortune Wok. Whether it’s plain Wontons with cream cheese filling, Spring Rolls, Egg Rolls, Chicken Fried Rice, Sesame Chicken, or Kung Pao Chicken, you’re sure to have left overs for days. You’re sure to enter the realms of a food coma after getting half way through your meal. But who could resist splurging on a three-course meal with such affordable prices? Fortune Wok offers dinner combinations that include your choice of meat or vegetable, choice of fried rice, and egg roll or crabmeat Rangoon all for $8. Not to mention, their delivery fee is a mere $1.50 according to their site. So look no further your next night in, cozy up with a Chinese take-out box and a pair of chopsticks. By Melissa MortensonIt’s getting close to that time of year where we all gather together and eat! Whether you’re gathering with family members, roommates, or friends, be sure to bring a treat that will clean the plate! French Macarons are a light and delicious dessert that can be made into any flavor you could possibly imagine. Today I will be sharing a recipe with you on how to make Pumpkin Spice Macaroons, just in time for the holiday weekend!
Ingredients: Macaron Shells- 1 cup powdered sugar 3/4 cup almond flour 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground all-spice 2 egg whites 1/4 cup granulated sugar a drop of orange food coloring Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup fresh or canned pumpkin puree Preparation: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Put a master template under the parchment paper or draw about 12 1 1/2-inch circles in rows on the paper, about 1 inch apart. Process powdered sugar, almond flour and all the spices in a food processor until finely ground. Sift the mixture through a sieve. If there are more than 2 tablespoons of large chunks left in the sieve, grind them and sift again. Set the mixture aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat egg whites at medium speed until frothy. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Sift the almond flour mixture over the egg whites. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites until the ingredients are just combined. Add food coloring to tint the batter. Continue to fold the mixture until it has loosened and falls in a ribbon from the spatula. Fit a pastry bag with a 1/2-inch round tip and fill the bag with the batter. Using the template as a guide, pipe circles onto the parchment papers. Tap the bottom of each sheet on the work surface to release trapped air bubbles. Let the cookies stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the cookies to develop their crusts. Preheat oven to 300F. Bake the macarons for 10 to 12 minutes, until set but not browned. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let the macarons to cool completely on the pans. Once cooled, gently lift half of the cookies from the parchment paper and turn them upside down. To prepare filling, combine cream cheese and pumpkin puree, and mix thoroughly. Spoon or pipe a teaspoon of filling onto each of the upside-down cookies. Top with the remaining cookies. Source: http://ohsweetday.com/2014/08/pumpkin-spice-macaron.html?crlt.pid=camp.XtVUHZfVRFp3 By Melissa MortensonThis past weekend I had the incredible opportunity to visit a close friend in Boulder, CO. All I can say is THE FOOD, so good. Naturally being a foodie, I was extremely overwhelmed with all of the options Boulder had to offer. However, because my dear friend Ellie worked as a barista at a near by café, I decided to focus my post there. Alpine Modern Café is quaint and settled near the mountains in Boulder. I visited the location on Historic Hill near the CU campus. Visiting the café multiple times throughout my weekend stay I enjoyed multiple espresso drinks (cortada, and a maple pecan latte) as well as their quiet meadows herbal tea (chamomile, lavender, lemongrass, lemon verbena, rose petal, mint and sage). I also enjoyed green tea mochi Friday night by the fire on the outdoor patio, as well as a breakfast Panini with tomato, Gouda, egg, and avocado tartine early Sunday morning. It was a sensory stimulating environment with clean lines, white interiors, and modern artwork lining the walls. During the night the café was still, during the day it was bright and bustling, emanating a feeling of warmth. If you ever find yourself in Boulder, stop in at either of their locations, on Historic Hill or Pearl Street, it is no wonder Alpine Modern Café is rated #2 for cafés in Boulder. By Melissa MortensonFrom sweet to savory this little coffee shop and bakery has it all. With a daily changing menu, they’re sure to offer the fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. With two northeast locations, you can grab and go or kick back and enjoy the minimalist design (the interiors are insane). Besides Coffee and Pastries, including B+W Specialty Coffee, Muffins, Scones, Cupcakes, Cookies, Bars, Coffee Cake and any other sweet you could imagine, Empire has Loose-leaf Tea, Gray Duck Chai, Fresh-squeezed juice, and Specialty Sodas as well as Biscuits, Quiche, Sandwiches, Croissants and other savory options. They also cater, and currently on their website have an option to shops pies! (Pumpkin Pie with Candied Pepitas, Salted Caramel Apple Pie, and Bourbon Pecan Pie; Thanksgiving would never be the same). I had the pleasure of visiting the Stinson location it is a converted gas station with a garage door that is rolled open seasonally. I have yet to make it to the new Broadway location, but plan on making the trip soon. With their bright, modern, and cozy aesthetic you too, will not want to leave. A word of advice, try the Café Miel and a slice of Quiche, it’s sure not to disappoint. |
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