Raw Cocoa Cookies

Happy first day of summer! Here's to the start of camping, swimming, grilling, and lounging in the shade of a trusty old tree.

Summertime is also picnic time, and every good picnic needs a sweet treat to complete the meal. Cookies are an obvious, easy, and generally crowd-pleasing choice, however, who the heck wants to fire up the oven when daily temperatures are hitting near 90 degrees?

You're already in shorts and a tank top, sweating, and you want to subject yourself to the oven pumping out 350 degrees more heat into the air of your kitchen?

No. Thank. You.

I recommend these:

Raw Cocoa Cookies
You'll need:
1 cup walnuts
1 1/3 cup dates (pitted)
1 sample-sized package of Justin's chocolate almond butter (about 2 T)
1 T raw honey
3 T cocoa powder
1 t vanilla extract
1/8 t sea salt

To make:
1. In a food processor, combine all ingredients until contents looks like potting soil (lovely image, I know.)
2. Dump contents into a gallon ziplock bag and seal. Form 'dough' inside bag into a ball.
3. Grease up a rolling pin with a bit of canola oil. Set up a rolling station using a big piece of parchment paper.
4. Remove dough ball from ziplock bag and place on parchment paper. Roll dough with greased pin until dough is about 1/2 inch.
5. Use a cookie cutter or the mouth of a glass to cut dough into cookies.
6. Roll dough back up and roll out until all cookies have been cut (if you have extra dough, but not enough for a full cookie, roll dough into a couple balls. If you want, you could also do this for the whole recipe.)
6. Put cookies in container, separating layers using cut pieces of the parchment paper you rolled the dough on.
7. Let cookies chill for at least an hour to firm up before enjoying.

Makes about a dozen 3'' cookies.

New Growth...Buffalo Style

This past weekend in Buffalo, NY set some record temperatures
The stats for May 20th (according to weather underground) are:Temp. (°F) high avg low
 May 20th    89    74    59

The high on Sunday was 89 degrees, so we broke the existing record and set a new one!
People were out and about. I saw countless kayaks strapped atop car roofs, people were riding their bikes like there was no tomorrow, and I even saw some pools being opened for the season (before Memorial day!)
Jon and I decided to get outside and play, too. We went to Buffalo's Outer Harbor and took our bikes.

This part of town used to be extremely busy and productive in its true hay day (roughly the late 1800s - early 1900s.) The Outer Harbor was a series of slips where boats and ships would dock to unload their goods, to then be loaded onto rail cars that waited near the shore. The trains would then take these goods all across the country.

There were factories and mills set up all along the water to take in the raw materials as soon as they came off the boats.

                                     Source: http://wnyheritagepress.org/index.htm

The Canadian Pool Elevator (pictured above) was a factory that took in grains from ships, sorted and transported it by rail to all parts of the country.
According to wnyheritagepress.org, the Canadian Pool Elevator "was constructed by a co-operative of Canadian farmers whose goal was the achieve fair prices for their grain." This factory did very well - "in May 1926 it set a record by unloading 372,000 bushels in eleven hours while simultaneously loading 164,000 bushels into rail cars (the 4 tracks seen above)."

Here's the same building as I saw it on May 20, 2012:

This building has long been out of commission, but the history behind it is amazing. It basically became obsolete once the St. Lawrence Seaway was opened for commercial transport. Products could be taken to their direct locations instead of having to be brought to Buffalo . . . and that was the beginning of our demise. Soon after companies stopped shipping to Buffalo, factories and mills struggled, people lost their jobs, and times got tough.

Nowadays, however, the city has been working to restore and preserve these historic treasures and the areas where they were placed.

They're making bike paths, nature preserves, they're cleaning up the beaches and making it a clean, safe place to take your family or a date for a nice walk by the water side.

I can see the Outer Harbor becoming really popular once word gets out. It's just minutes away from the heart of the city.

There is even a little restaurant on the water - Dug's Dive.

It was a pretty modest place with a few creepy nautical decorations...

I got their house-made veggie burger, Jon got the Fresh Haddock sandwich, and we both got a side-order of their sweet potato fries. The portions were plentiful and we went home stuffed (sorry, no pictures, we were famished and completely forgot.)

I'm looking forward to spending more time down here this summer...if you're in the area, I recommend you check it out, too!

Spring-Fresh Veggie And Bocca Stir-Fry

Things around here lately have been very spring-like.

The sun has been shining bright and Jon and I have been taking advantage of the warm weather. We visited Buffalo's Delaware park and also, Williamsville's Glenn Falls Park this past weekend.

Paging through National Geographic, people watching, picture taking, and cat naps are a great way to waste away time on a lazy weekend afternoon. We saw a wedding party taking photos, people fishing and riding ATVs in the park (and then getting kicked out), screaming children, and lot and lots of people walking dogs (*sigh* someday I'll have my own dog).

I've also been getting better and I'm slowly making my way back to normal health. Yesterday, I ran 5 miles in 44 minutes before work, and then went to a concert that night!

Jon and I went to see one of my favorite bands, Beats Antique.

They're a funky band that originated making mostly tribal (yet melodic) instrumental belly dance music. More recently, though, they've been delving into the world of electronic music and mixing their traditional sound with synthesized tones and beats.

I still love them just the same, even though their music not as raw and traditional as it was when they first started. In fact, I really dig this new direction in which they're headed.  If a band doesn't experiment with their style/sound, I can't see how they would grow and continue to be inspiring.

The thing that really drew me to this band was Zoe Jakes.

She is one of the best tribal belly dancers I've ever seen. Her style is earthy and gritty...not polished and flashy like traditional belly dance. She moves LIKE music, not WITH the music (if that makes sense; I just got poetic about it). It's been a while since I last belly danced, but I aspire to move like her someday.

Maybe with a healthy stir-fry dinner I can find some energy to train for my half marathon AND practice my long-missed belly dance hobby. . .

Spring-Fresh Veggie And Bocca Stir-Fry
You'll need:
1 C dry whole wheat quinoa
2 C water
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
dash of salt and pepper

1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
1/2 C mukimame
1/2 C sugar snap peas
1/2 C mushrooms
1 roma tomato (chopped)
3 T chopped sweet onion
2 bocca burgers (optional)
1-2 T olive oil
1-2 T teriyaki sauce

To make:
1. In a sauce pan, combine water with spices. Stir in quinoa.
2. Bring water/quinoa mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let cook (covered) for about 12-18 minutes. When finished, water will be gone and quinoa will be light and fluffy. Set aside.
3. In a high-sided pan (I use a mock wok-type pan), heat olive oil and saute onion on medium heat.
4. Add all veggies and saute to desired texture (still slightly crunchy, cooked until soft, or basically mush)
5. Cook 2 bocca burgers in the microwave for 2 minutes. Chop into bite-sized bits and add to veggies.
6. Add the teriyaki sauce and stir to combine.
7. Scoop quinoa into a bowl and add the stir-fry on top.

This is a super easy, super fast week night dish. It's light, yet filling and combines a lot of great flavors.

Finally Moving

Welp, last time I posted, little did I know I was on my way down a steep slope of sickness.

For the past week I've been a feverish, snot producing, nose blowing, never-ending cough machine. Yes, lovely, I know. I tried to stay hydrated and eat as many healthy foods as I could, but with my throat being so painfully raw, all I managed to eat was mostly bananas, soup, and Bocca burgers (i.e., anything that could be easily chewed into mush).

I was doing pretty well until Sunday. I even mustered up enough energy to go for a walk in the park with Jon. It was such a nice day, I couldn't pass it up.

The sunshine was great, however after about 2 hours of being outside, I had to sit and gather myself. We went back in the car and I knew we had to go home. I was so exhausted and feeling just terrible. When we got home, I crawled in bed and slept for 3 hours.

Come Monday, I was not healed. That vicious cold virus led into an ear infection. Currently, I cannot hear too well out of my left ear, my ears are constantly ringing, but I have some antibiotics to help.

Needless to say, I was a lump for the past week. I did not cook, I did not train - I slept, medicated, and watched too much TV. Oh well, you have to deal with the things you cannot control and hope for the best. I hope to get back on the treadmill tomorrow morning before work for a few miles.The half marathon is at the end of this month!!! I have to get back on track with my training and make up for my lost time.

Today is the first day I feel half way back to human (cough is subsiding, sniffles have just about vanished), and what luck, I got to bake today, too! Tomorrow is a co-worker's last day, so we're throwing her a farewell breakfast bash.

I volunteered to make . . .

Carrot Cake Breakfast Bites
You'll need:
1 C gluten free flour
1/2 rolled oats
1/2 unsweetened coconut
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t nutmeg
Dash ground clove
1/2 C chopped walnuts
1 C shredded carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
1/2 C raisins (soaked for about an hour)
1/2 C coconut oil (softened in microwave for about 30 seconds)
1/2 C maple syrup
1 t vanilla extract

To make:
1. Preheat oven to 350' and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper
2. In a large bowl combine flour, oats, coconut, baking powder, salt and spices.
3. Add in walnuts and raisins. Stir.
4. In a small bowl, combine softened coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla and carrots. Add mixture to the large bowl of dry ingredients and combine until thoroughly mixed.
5. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on to lined cookie sheet.
6. Bake for about 13 minutes. Let cool before removing from sheet.

The cookies are soft, sweet, and very easy to eat...for breakfast! They have a healthy serving of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber from the carrots. They're a slow-release carbohydrate (from the oats) which provide a steady source of energy, contain omega-3s, protein, and fiber from the walnuts, and have healthy sugars to satisfy a morning sweet tooth. So go ahead and have one or two to get you through your morning.

Vegan French Toast

So, last I left you, the arches of my feet were starting to hurt badly because I was logging in about 20 miles a week and doing it in trail shoes. Silly girl.

I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and got myself a pair of Asics gel-1170 running shoes. They were written up in Runner's World magazine as being one of the best sneakers for marathons and long training runs.

I tried them out last weekend.

Boy, these babies were great! I could definitely feel a major difference in the arch support when I ran. The rubber on the soles are soft and help with the bounce back after striking the treadmill. The top of the toe and sides of the shoe are very breathable and keep my feel cool, but there is still enough padding in the back by the ankle to keep stability and support.

These were,in my opinion, a great buy and I'd recommend them to any runner looking for a new pair of stability running shoes. I've already logged about 15-20 miles in them since last Friday!

In other news. . .

it snowed this week.

It's almost May.

Just when Buffalo thought it was well on it's way to spring, this happened:

"Issued by The National Weather Service Buffalo, NY 3:53 pm EDT, Sun., Apr. 22, 2012 ... WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING "

Well great. All the buds have sprouted, the animals are making their new homes for the summer, and now the snow is going to come by for one more visit. Oh, well,make the best of it and cook something warm and comforting, right?

How about vegan french toast....perfect.

Vegan French Toast
You'll need:
3-4 slices of whole wheat bread
1/3 C unsweetened almond milk
1 med. banana (preferably ripe)
3 T canola oil
2 t honey
1 t vanilla extract
1/2 t cinnamon
1/16 t nutmeg
1/16 t clove

To make:
1. Mash banana in bowl until smooth
2. Add the almond milk and stir until combined.
3. Add the vanilla, honey, and spices until combined.
4. Soak bread slices individually in mixture for 30 seconds on each side
5. While bread is soaking, heat a small frying pan on the stove at low-medium heat. Once pan is hot, add 1T of the oil and place one piece of saturated bread in the pan.
6. Let bread cook on the one side until you can see the bottom edges are getting golden brown; flip and let brown.
7. Repeat the 1T oil, cook bread sequence until all slices have been used. It is best to cook them one piece at a time because they don't take that long to cook and it's easier to keep an eye on them.

The result was a soft, spongy, spicy, sweet french toast! I was very pleased with the texture - it was just like the real thing. This recipe is a great healthier alternative to a traditional recipe...and if you don't have any more eggs in the house!

What  is your favorite cold-weather breakfast? Has Spring sprung where you are?

Finally Winter

Well, it's about time!

 Winter finally decided to show up to Buffalo.

I was beginning to worry it might not snow at all this winter, but I was proved wrong this past Thursday-Friday. We got around 3-5 inches of snow in about 12 hours. It was a great scene to wake up to -  I don't think looking out the window to a fresh blanket of snow will ever get old for me.

When the fresh snow sticks to the dark, wet branches, it creates a beautiful contrast. 

It's wonderful to take a walk in the woods when it's snowing because when the air is cold, sound actually travels faster through the air than when it's warm outside. So, when you're walking in the woods during the winter, you can actually hear the snow hitting the ground. It's humbling, almost, to hear such a delicate event.

So, what's better to accompany a snow storm than a warm, hearty breakfast? Here's an easy recipe that will keep you warm, full, and stocked with energy for a day of play in the snow.

Creamy Pumpkin Oatmeal

 (For 1 serving)

You'll need:

1/3 C steel cut oats

1 C unsweetened almond milk

1/2 C pumpkin

2-3 T brown sugar 

1 T chia seeds

1 T cinnamon

1/2 t vanilla extract 

Walnuts (optional) 

To make:

1. In a saucepan, heat oats and milk over medium heat until mixture comes to a low boil.

2. Stir in the chia seeds and the pumpkin.

3. Heat over med-low heat for about 5-6 minutes, stirring almost constantly.

4. Add in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla and cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring almost constantly.

5. When the oatmeal looks thick, it's should be ready. Pour into bowl or mug and sprinkle walnuts and maybe some extra brown sugar on top if you're feeling adventurous.

The result is a thick, creamy, comforting winter breakfast that (like I mentioned) provides plenty of energy for outdoor winter activities.

What do you like to do when it snows? Do you even like when it snows? :)

Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

( I know I'm a little late, but it was a busy day yesterday!)

 Don't worry, little guy, you will be spared - LIVE! BE FREE!

This was year 2 of no turkey for my family's Thanksgiving; none of us are really big on meat, so we forgo the bird and make other yummy dishes. But aside from the normal food talk, Thanksgiving began with the big race I've been training for, my first race ever...the Turkey Trot!

The 8K spanned through a good portion of Buffalo and reached capacity at 13, 200 runners.

This being my first race, I had no idea what I was doing. Jon helped me pin my race number to the belly of my hoodie, I stuck the Ttag on my shoe, and got into the enormous crowd that was the starting line.

I waited for about 20 minutes in the crowd, doing little stretches and jumping a bit to keep warm (it was overcast and about 45' F). Just when my toes started to hurt a little from the cold, they announced it was time to set our timers and take our mark; it was 9:00 a.m. The gun was shot. I waited...and waited...and stood on my toes to see why the heck nobody was moving.

There were so many people, I didn't even make it to the starting line until 5 minutes had passed after the gun! But, once I was over the start, I ran. It was exciting and fulfilling to be actually running in this 116 year tradition!

Overall, the race went well. Aside from some nasty gusts of icy Lake Erie wind, I kept warmer than I thought I would. I pushed through and didn't walk once; good music helped keep my pace. My goal was to finish the 5 miles in under 45 minutes.

Here's how I did:

3906 Alyssa Rizzo 

Place in sex: F#  753 

Place in age group: 139/1009 

Net race time: 43:29 

Net race pace: 8:45 

I'm pretty happy with those times.

The best thing, though, was having my dad and Jon at the finish line to cheer me through.

The Turkey Trot was a great experience, and I'd definitely do it again.

Races are a great way to set goals, work to achieve them, and then see them through 

when the day comes.

Besides, when else can you do this awesome pose on the streets of Buffalo, NY:

What was your first race? Was it how you expected it to be?

The Baking Bug

Well, it looks like winter is starting to whisper around these parts.

See evidence below:

It's a beautiful yet terrifying transition into the season of winter. . .

Your windows are frosted, the leaves are dusted with a layer of icy crystals, you can see wisps of your breath when you exhale...it's on it's way and you know it. Old Man Winter is stretching his legs; he's preparing for total domination of our lives for the next 5 months or so. However, with ice, snow and temperatures leveling around 10'F, it sets people up for perfect winter adventures!

But, okay, we're only in November...even though it's bound to, the snow has not taken over. Still, when the weather gets chilly, I get the baking bug. No need to get a flu shot for this kind of bug, in fact, it's quite welcome.
Symptoms of the baking bug include:
- The urge to fill the house with the smell of some savory treat
- The love of the heat from the oven when you go to switch cookie trays
- The uncontrollable desire to sample the goodies you just made, even though you know they're still scorching hot, fresh from the oven

The cure for this bug is simple: bake!

Here's how I remedied:

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

What you'll need:

Dry:

2 C. quick cooking oats

1 2/3 C. whole wheat flour

2/3 C. cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 C. white sugar

2 Tbs. ground flax

Wet:

2/3 C. non-dairy milk (I use almond milk)

1/3 C. Canola oil

1/3 C. Apple sauce

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp almond extract

1 C. dried raisins/cranberries/cherries (optional...but so good)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350' and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper

2. Stir together oats, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, ground flax, non-dairy milk until smooth.

4. Add the oil, applesauce, vanilla and almond extract to the wet mix and beat until well mixed.

4. Fold in half of the dry mixture, mix a bit, and then add the rest of the dry mixture.

5. Add the dried fruit (if desired). mix well.

6. Drop 2 generous Tbs of cookie dough on the parchment papered pan, spacing about 2in from each other.

7. Bake for 10-12 mins. When done, remove from oven and let rest on pan for about 5 mins to settle.

8. Remove from pan to wire rack to cool

9. Eat em!

 Do you love of loathe the changing weather? Do you ever get the baking bug? - How do you conquer your baking bug?

"Oh the weather outside is...weather..."

Who knows the quote? It's from one of the movies that always makes me really laugh out loud.

 Highly recommended.

Anyway, the weather this past weekend was HORRIBLE for any living creature 'round these neck of the woods; Read: Lake effect rain storms.

You know what makes a rainy weekend even worse? Camping in rainy weekend weather. Yup. We booked a cabin in Letchworth State Park waaay back in the summer, hoping to enjoy the fall leaves and some of that Indian summer I mentioned. Well, we spent a total of 4 hours outside in the 3 days we were there. Oh well, make the best of the situation, right?

 We went into town both nights to watch the Buffalo Sabres and have a couple brews :)

But, in the time we did get to enjoy the park, we took some photos, did a little hiking, and enjoyed the fresh air. Here are a few of my best shots:

Did you get out to see some foliage? What's your go-to rainy day activity?