Knockoff Chipolte Burrito Bowls (and 13.1)

Ever get in the mood for Chipolte?  Usually this coincides with "I don't want to cook tonight."   Haha.  For once, I was feeling some Mexican, but since it was a Saturday, I had no excuse not to cook.  I may or may not have also mixed up some grapefruit margaritas.  Mmmm.

I threw these burrito "bowls" together based off the Chipolte burrito bowl.  They were AMAZING.  And so simple!  A lot of steps, but VERY easy.  And if you already have leftovers, it's even easier!  I used quinoa instead of rice, and crockpot salsa chicken.  Fry up some pepper onions, heat up the black beans, and BAM!  This will definitely be happening again.

Burrito Bowls (serves 4)

Ingredients:

Cilantro Lime Quinoa:
juice of 1 lime
2 cups quinoa
4 cups water
1 tbsp EVOO
2 tsp cilantro
S&P to taste

Salsa Chicken:
5-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 jar salsa  (I used trader joe's roasted garlic)
1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
1 4 oz can green chiles

Toppings:
1 can black beans
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
EVOO

Optional Add Ons:
Cheese (cheddar, colby jack)
Avocado
sour cream
more salsa!

Start with the chicken.  Add the chicken to the crockpot with salsa, sauce and chiles.  Mix up to coat everything, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Shred chicken and return to sauce for 30 minutes to incorporate everything.

Once chicken has been shredded, start on the quinoa.  Bring water to a boil, add quinoa and olive oil, and cook for 20 minutes, until water is absorbed.  Pour quinoa into a bowl and fluff with fork.  Mix in cilantro, lime juice, season with S&P

While quinoa is cooking, add some EVOO to a frying pan over medium high and fry up the peppers and onions.

Drain and rinse black beans, heat in small saucepan.

Once everything is done, it's time to assemble!  (News Team, ASSEMBLEEEEEEEE!)

Quinoa, salsa chicken, black beans, peppers and onions.  Add a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, top with sliced avocado.  YUM!

So...last week was Workout 13.1 for the Crossfit Open.  It's 5 weeks of WODs, they announce it every Wednesday.  We didn't officially sign up for the open since we don't belong to a box...figured we'd save our money...but we are still going to be doing the WODs!  Last week was killer.  Burpees and Snatches.

Considering my 1RM before attempting this was 85# for Snatch, I was somewhat intimidated by the Female RX.  Buuuuuuuuuut I did it!  We finished the 30 burpees with 7 minutes to go, so I had 7 minutes to attempt 30 snatches at 75#.  And I got 21!  I feel like if I did it again I could have gotten more...but not really all that motivated to do it again.  ;)  I also broke our futon on the 21st rep.  Whoops.

I'm pretty impressed with our attempts.  Sean had never snatched 135# and said it was going up pretty easy at the end.  It's a scary weight, but 90% of it is a freaking head game.  Once you get past the mental block that "HOLY SHIT I'M THROWING "X" POUNDS OVER MY HEAD" and just do it, it's surprisingly easy.  Amazing.  Too bad I learned that AFTER the WOD. ;)  At least now I'm prepared for 13.2!

Somebody needs a haircut.

Things I will Never Understand

Warning:  This is a judgmental post.  If you don't like it, don't read it.  

I know you're all dying to find out what I can't stand/don't get.  Here you go! 

Fro-yo.  It's not that good.  I'll take the real shit over fake "fat-free" "yogurt" that tastes like plastic and is only exciting because you get to cover it in your own toppings aaaaaaany day.

Taking pictures of yourself after a sweaty workout.  Seriously? Ew. Why do people do this?  Just tell me you worked out, I'll believe you. 

Traffic for no fucking reason.  Enough said.  I at least want to see a body on the side of the road or a car flipped upside down if I have to sit more then an hour to get home.  #justkidding #kindof #beentheredonethat

Why people have to explain the same thing 14 times.  I'm not an idiot. I promise.  I probably got it the first time.  Definitely the second.  Now you just like to hear yourself talk.  ::cough::realtor::cough::

Politics.  Our country is falling apart and all anyone can worry about is campaigning/guncontrol/theirnextvacation.  Good priorities. #Highfive.  Budget? What's that? We need one of those?

People that document their entire lives on facebook.  Don't be that guy.  Live yo life!

Ermagerhd?  Why is this cool?  Can OMG come back at least? This is just dumb.  You sound like a 2 year old learning how to talk.

American Idol/The Voice/competition shows.  I get it.  One was enough. We don't need 15.

Nutella.  Never had it.  Don't get the appeal.  Why not just eat nuts and chocolate without all the extra crap?  (Ingredients: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, skim milk, reduced minerals whey (milk), lecithin as emulsifier (soy), vanillin: an artificial flavor.)  NOTHANKYOU

Seinfeld.  It's not funny.  Like, at all.

iPhone. Yeah.  I'm an android girl.  I don't get the hype.  The headphone jack is at the bottom? Holy shit that's so new and exciting! Ineedtobuyitrightnow!1!!!!1!!!

Nail Polish.  People are OBSESSED with this shit.  Have you checked Pinterest lately?  I can't even paint my own nails without getting it everywhere.  These people are like professionals.

Soy.  Just, yuck.  This isn't good for you people.  Look it up.  Don't eat it.

Lululemon.  Why you so expensive?  $98 for YOGA PANTS?  I totally own some, but I still don't like the price tag.

People wishing their small children "Happy Birthday" on Facebook.   They can't read.  They don't have a FB.  There is no reason for this.

Taxes.  Apparently being married with no house or children means we get to pay Uncle Sam out the ass.  Fuck taxes.

Grown-ass women that are obsessed with Disney.   Just, no.

People that drink soda... before 9AM.  Haven't we learned soda is terrible for you?  And for breakfast? Ew.

What are some things/trends you just don't get?

Crossfit, brah.

So!  I haven't talked about crossfit in awhile (on here at least--IRL, that's another story).

We finally have a schedule!  We've been following Reebok Crossfit One's WODs.  They're pretty awesome.  And they throw in some strength cash outs, too.

We bought some whiteboards on Woot! a few months back, and have been recording the WODs/weights/times through that.  Time isn't an exact science, but I'm not really worried about it. ;)

We've been trying the 3 days on, 1 day off approach, but since that's not consistent every week, we've just been taking off Sunday/Wednesday.  It's close enough.  It's been a month now, and except for one week where we were sickly and had to rearrange the days, we've followed this pretty strictly.  Whoop!

Here's last week (don't act like you're not impressed):

And earlier this month:

Sean pounding out some back squats.  275# for reps.  Bro.  #hashtagcrossfit

How obnoxious are hashtags?  I love them.  Naturally.  


And OF COURSE WE HAD TO CELEBRATE  "NATIONAL #LUVYOURPETDAY"

Because he's not spoiled. At all.

Yes, I did just hashtag my blog.  What?

Paleo Nut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins

That title long enough for you?  I've decided that I can (if I had to decide...) label myself as Paleo plus Peanut Butter.  I don't eat it a lot, but when I do, I just can't do almond butter.  It's a pain in the ass to mix.  Don't mind the taste, but can't be bothered with mixing it and getting oil all over EV-ER-Y-THING.  Andddd I can tolerate PB, no problemo.  SO! Peanut butter it is!

This weekend I was plagued with the dreaded (sarcasm) brown banana issue.  What to DO?!?

Banana bread? Banana muffins? Banana cookies? Banana cake? Banana cupcakes? Banana pancakes (don't worry, this happened)? Freezer? Chocolate?

Decided on bread, changed it to muffins.  It's how I roll.  I also had to add peanut butter and chocolate, because, well, I'm obnoxious like that.  And how can you have one of these without the other?  They like to party.

These muffins are AWESOME.  I ate three in one day.  Sean had the rest for breakfast this week.  Make them!

*They seriously taste like regular banana bread muffins.  No weird Paleo treat sponge-y taste.  Sub almond butter or another nut butter if you don't do peanuts.

Nut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins
(inspired by Multiply Delicious and PaleOMG)
1 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
1 cup almond flour
3 medium ripe bananas
2 eggs
1 tbsp honey
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup choc chips, plus more for topping muffins
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Food process bananas with peanut butter until smooth.  If you don't have a food processor, and hand mixer/blender should work.

Whisk your eggs, then add your peanutbutter/banana mixture along with almond flour, baking soda and powder, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix to combine until you get a batter.  Fold in your chocolate chips.

Spray a muffin pan, or add liners. I used liners.  Fill 12 cups 3/4 of the way.  I used a medium cookie scooper, about 1/4-1/3 cup of batter.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Let cool and remove from pan.  Makes 12 muffins.

Eat!



If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge.  You can reheat when ready to eat, but they're also good cold. :)

Cookie Butter Stuffed Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes.  This sounds ridiculous.  It is delicious.  And not at all good for you.

Have you ever browned butter? You should do it.  It's tricky, but it's worth it.  And cookie butter?  Yeah, try that, too. Trader Joe's has it, but it's basically biscoff spread. I recommend you eat it by the spoonful.

For this recipe, scoop out some spoonfuls and stick them on a plate.  About 1/2-1 tsp full.  Throw that in the freezer while you prepare the rest of the cookie dough.

You're going to brown your butter next.  Heat a small saucepan over medium low heat and toss the butter in.     When butter melts, whisk constantly until tiny brown bits appear at the bottom of the pan, about 4-7 minutes.  Remove from heat immediately to prevent from burning.  Set aside and allow to cool 10 minutes or so.

Cookie Butter Stuffed Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Adapted from How Sweet It Is

1 1/2 sticks (12 tbsp) of butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 egg + 1 egg yolk @ room temp

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups + 2 tbsp AP flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup chocolate chips

1/4-1/2 cup cookie butter

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  

Add cooled butter to bowl/mixer.  Mix in sugars until smooth.  Add the egg + egg yolk, vanilla extract and mix.  Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix until a dough forms.  It'll be a little dry, but it comes together.  Add chocolate chips.

Using scooper, spoons, or hands, roll 2 tbsp of dough into a ball, and stuff frozen cookie butter inside.  Should be a little smaller than a golf ball.  Place on a baking sheet, and bake for 12-14 minutes.  Let cool, then remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.  Try not to burn your face ;)

I made these cookies for our superbowl party.  Unfortunately, since there was OMGSOMUCHFOOD, they are still left in my kitchen.  I say unfortunately because that means I'm going to eat them. LOL  Sending them into work ASAP.  That is, if I can pry them from Sean's sticky fingers!

Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

aka, easiest meal everrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

I think I need to put this on the meal plan every week.  Takes 15 minutes, is easy, delicious, cheap, and healthy.  All I do is win, win, winnnnnnnnn

Ingredients:
Sausage (duh)
Peppers (duh again)
Onions (well, yeah, duh)
EVOO or coconut oil
Worcestershire (how the hell do you say that!)
Balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper

Don't measure anything.  Open container of sausages.  Chop up into bite size pieces.  (Unless you have to cook your sausage first, if so, do that).  Brown sausages in skillet on stove top.  Or on grill if it's nice where you are.  It's too damn cold here (and no SNOW! wtf).  Might want to add a little EVOO so they don't burn.  Chop up peppers and onions.  Saute them with EVOO, S&P in another skillet on stove top (or if you're lazy and don't want to wash two, wait til sausages are done, remove them to a plate, and re-use that one).  Put sausages back in skillet with peppers and onions.  Guesstimate about 1-2 tbsps each of Worcestershire and balsamic and sprinkle over top.  Cook for 2 minutes to heat everything through.  Serve and bask in deliciousness.

BAM!

Merry (belated) Christmas!

Our Christmas Card

Only in Philly

Back in November, Sean and I had the opportunity to attend this gala for charity.  He donated a bunch of membership/personal training for his gym, and they gave us free tickets, yay!

Aren't we cute?

Anyways, one of the items up for auction was 4 tickets to an Eagles game.  Probably because the Eagles suck this year (and every year).  But they were playing the Bengals, Sean's friend's favorite team.   So we bid on them.  And won! Whoop! Go charity!

The game was last week.  Didn't realize it was a Thursday Night Football game when we bought the tix, but we made it work.  ;)

Headed up early to go to Xfinity Live and get some cheesesteaks.  If you haven't checked out that place yet, you should.  It's pretty awesome.  Except for the cover charge, line to get in, and pat down...wtf?

Nom Nom Nom Cheesesteak (it was seriously delicious)

Headed over to Lincoln Financial Field!  I totally found $10 in the street on the walk over.

The game was terrible.  Seats were pretty awesome, but every scoring play in the first quarter was on the OTHER SIDE OF THE FIELD.  Come on, man!  Then they switched sides, and the Bengals decided they were going to start scoring.  Killed me.  We finally got to see some action in our endzone for the fourth quarter.  We moved closer to get a better view, since all the "die hard Eagles fans" were peacing out of there.

Check this out.

Apparently they don't joke around in Philly.  Security kicked out some Bengals fans for cheering.  Cheering for a team that's not the Eagles.  I mean they were semi-drunk and maybe disorderly, but they weren't bothering anyone! Oy.

Obligatory cute picture:

Got home super late, and we all went to work in the morning.  I felt like garbage from eating/drinking out of the norm.  Yay for recovery weekends!

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Hope you had a good thanksgiving!  We spent it at home, then went out to brave Black Friday in Delaware (no taxes!).  Got a lot of deals on stuff for ourselves, notsomuch for Christmas gifts.  Terrible.

We started out our Thanksgiving with Murph.  If you aren't familiar:
1 mile run

100 pullups

200 pushups

300 squats

1 mile run

Yeah.

I finished in an hour, with modified pullups and pushups.  Sean got in under 56 minutes, RX'd with the hands to prove it.

After we laid on the ground for awhile, we had some mimosas and MANmosas.  And finished the entire bottle of champagne.  Oops.

I made the most delicious thanksgiving turkey EVER.  No lie.  I made a sweet tea brine and left it in there for a day and a half.  We're still eating the leftovers. nomnomnom

So good.

And I kicked off the baking season with some oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies.  With mini oreos.  I didn't feel like having monsterous cookies laying around the house. ;)

Got to meet our new nephew, and hang out with this cutie on Saturday.

That doll had the worst hair.

If you are religious, please pray for this little one.  She's been in the hospital having seizures since Wednesday night.  The doctors are still trying to figure out what is wrong with her so they can treat it.  :(

Pumpkin Sweet Potato Pierogies

If it's not obvious by now, in this household we love everything pumpkin.  I think that the food manufacturers may have gone a little crazy with that obsession this season, but that's neither here nor there... And it's not an issue we really have to deal with, since I avoid all that processed crap anyways.  ;)

I'll stick with my pumpkin beer and homemade pumpkin baked goods, thankyouverymuch!

I had seen Mrs T's sweet potato pierogies in the store last month, and this prompted Sean to ask if I could make pumpkin pierogies.  Hmm.  Never heard of such a thing!  Wheels started turning, I stumbled upon a recipe for pumpkin raviolis, how about that?  Nope, had to be pierogies.

Okay then.  Pierogies it is!  Inspired by Mrs T's, I used sweet potato instead of regular potato filling...it worked beautifully.  And roasting the garlic really puts this over the top.  I have the other half of the batch frozen, waiting to be eaten.  Thank God Hurricane Sandy didn't knock out our power!  Would have been forced to toss 'em or grill 'em.  Hmm, but then again... grilled pierogies wouldn't be the worst thing in the world!

This recipe may seem intimidating, but it's really pretty simple.  Possibly a little time consuming, definitely a little messy, but from someone who's never made homemade pierogies/ravioli/NOODLES in my life, it was definitely easy enough.  And ABSOLUTELY worth the time/mess/cleanup.  You won't regret it.

Pumpkin Sweet Potato Pierogies
(makes about three dozen)

For the dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream (low-fat or fat free.. it’s runnier, and makes the dough easier to work with)
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 tsp. salt

For the filling:
1 cup of canned pumpkin
1 cup of roasted sweet potatoes (about 2 small or 1 medium potato)
6 pieces of bacon, cooked + the grease yielded from frying
2 whole heads of garlic, roasted until soft and dark golden
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Salt, to taste

Roast the sweet potatoes and garlic in the oven before starting.  I put the oven on 400 degrees and just tossed them in there on a cookie sheet.  To make it easier to get to the roasted garlic once it's cooked, cut the tops off, so all the cloves are exposed.  When the potatoes are finished, the skin will peel right off.  The potatoes took an hour, the garlic was done around 30 minutes.

Make the dough:
Combine all your dough ingredients in a large bowl, and stir until a dough is formed. Get in there with your hands and mix well.  It will be a stiff dough, and you will need to knead it at first.  Knead for about two minutes, then let rest in a bowl covered with a dish cloth, for about an hour. The goal here is for the flour to absorb with the moisture of the wet ingredients, and to bring the dough to room temperature, making it easier to roll out.

While the dough rests, make the filling:
Combine all filling ingredients (pumpkin, sweet potato, bacon, grease, roasted garlic, parm cheese, pepper, nutmeg) in food processor.  Pulse until smooth, then taste. Add salt or more seasonings if needed.

Once it's at room temp, divide the dough into two pieces, rolling the first out until it’s about 1/8-inch thick, same as a pie crust.

Using a cookie cutter or a glass (about two inches in diameter), stamp out rounds of dough.  You can do this multiple times to get the most out of the dough.  Do the same with the second half.  I got about 32 rounds, total.

Stretch each round out a little bit, and then let it sit like a taco in the crook of your hand. Fill each round with about a teaspoon and a half of filling.  Pinch it together along the outside, but don’t squeeze the middle. Your first couple of attempts at this might be messy – that’s okay. Just freeze those ones.

To cook, caramelize some onions in butter with some bacon.  Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then drop your pierogies in. They’ll be ready when they float to the top. It won’t take long--5 minutes or so.  When they’re done, drop them into the onion pan, and coat with the butter/onion/bacon sauce.

Enjoy!  Since this makes a lot, you can freeze the rest.  To cook from frozen, you can either fry them in butter until the outsides are crisp and golden, or bake them at 425 for 15 minutes.  Spray/brush with melted butter first.

Delicious!

And, for the record, this is how we spent our days off due to Hurricane Sandy:

Snuggles with Yankee.  No complaints here!  :)