Mid Week Mediterranean

I have a new found love for baba ghanoush! The first time I tried this dip was at the Kona Bistro in Oxford about a year ago. We have gone several times for happy hour and we always order the mediterranean munchies which is: hummus, baba ghanouj, feta, olives, tomato & fresh (warm) pita wedges. I fell hard for this dip. So, in an attempt to recreate the dish myself I scoured the internet and cook books looking for a suitable recipe. Eggplants were on sale last week at Kroger. I figured it was a sign and I finally made the dip using the Cook’s Illustrated recipe. I halved the recipe because I only had one eggplant. The recipe also called for parsley leaves but I only had cilantro so I subbed that in instead.

Modified Cook’s Illustrated Baba Ghanoush, Oven Method

Ingredients:

1lb eggplant poke uniformly over surface with for to prevent bursting

½ tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 small clove garlic, minced

½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving

1 tsp fresh cilantro for serving

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1.    Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 500 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with foil, set eggplant on baking sheet and roast, turning every 15 minutes, until eggplants are uniformly soft when pressed with tongs, about 60 minutes for large globe eggplants, 50 minutes for Italian eggplants, and 40 minutes for Japanese eggplants. Cool eggplant on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
 

2.    Set a small colander over bowl or in sink. Trim top and bottom off each eggplant. Slit eggplants lengthwise and use spoon to scoop hot pulp from skins and place pulp in colander (you should have about 1 cup of packed pulp); discard skins. Let pulp drain 3 minutes. 

3.    Transfer pulp to workbowl of food processor fitted with steel blade. Add lemon juice, oil, garlic, tahini, 1/8 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper; process until mixture has coarse choppy texture, about 8 1-second pulses. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; transfer to serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap flush with surface of dip and refrigerate 45 to 60 minutes. To serve, use spoon to make trough in center of dip and spoon olive oil into it; sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

I thought this dip turned out great!! It’s necessary to let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator before serving. I would have liked the serve my baba ghanoush with fresh pita, but time did not allow so, I used store bought naan. D liked it but he prefers hummus. I have tried the Cook’s Illustrated hummus recipe and it didn’t turn out how I’d hoped. Next time I’m going to make them at the same time for comparison. Enjoy! 

FOO FIGHTERS

Thursday night D and I attended the Foo Fighter's show in Columbus at Nationwide Arena for their Wasting Light tour and it was FREAKIN AMAZING!! Seriously, so good!

The opening band was Mariachi El Bronx. We only got to hear them play a couple songs, but they are very entertaining and I would love to see them again sometime. 

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 Next up was Rise Against. D has seen them previously, before they became popular, but this was the first time for me. I have never seen a band with so much energy they jumped around like cheerleaders for their 45 minute set. I was exhausted just watching them.

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And then it was time for the FOOFS!

...because you don't know who the Foo Fighters are

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The show was everything I'd hoped it would be! Dave Grohl is hilarious, during the breaks he chatted it up a lot and was making us lose it. The lighting and stage set up was awesome, like nothing I've ever seen before. The band played for a good two and a half hours. Finally the show ended and they band left the stage....

our view from the nose bleeds! Who cares we could still hear them!!!

For the encore Dave came out and did a couple acoustic songs (my fav!!) and finally the whole band ended the show with Everlong (my absolute fav!!!)

D and I had a great time and I can put a check on my Bucket List!

Here is the set list from the show: source

1.)    Bridge Burning
2.)    Rope
3.)    The Pretender
4.)    My Hero
5.)    Learn to Fly
6.)    White Limo
7.)    Arlandria
8.)    Breakout
9.)    Cold in the Sun
10.)  Stacked Actors
11.)  Walk
12.)  Monkey Wrench
13.)  Let it Die
14.)  These Days
15.)  Skin and Bones (w/ Krist Novoselic)
16.)  This is a Call
17.)  In The Flesh (Pink Floyd Cover)
18.)  All My Life

Encore:
19.)  Long Road to Ruin (Acoustic)
20.)  Best of You (Acoustic)
21.)  Times Like These (Acoustic)
22.)  Dear Rosemary
23.)  Breakdown (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Cover)
24.)  Everlong

Race Time!!

Over the next 3 weekends I am signed up for 3 races! I'm really pretty pumped about all the running in my near future! This weekend I am doing Morgan's Little Miami Triathlon with a partner. My partner did this race last year, but I am a triathlon virgin!! This race is a 6 mile canoe, a 5.5 mile run and an 18 mile bike. The thought of swimming intimidates me, A LOT, so I figured this would be a good way for me to get a taste of triathlons without taking the big plunge (haha get it? Swimming, plunge?) Any way I'm really excited about it!

So, onto the training plan for this week:

Sunday: 10 mile run

Monday: REST

Tuesday: Strength + bike ride with D

Wednesday: 10x 400 on the track

Thursday: Strength + 5 mile run

Friday: 3 mile run

Saturday: REST

Sunday: Little Miami Triathlon

And what will we eat???

Monday: Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

Tuesday: Italian Chicken and baked pastina

Wednesday: Hearty Chipotle Chicken Soup

Thursday: Dinner &  Movie

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: ??

Sunday: ??

Wife vs. Food!!

Confession: I LOVE Adam Richmond!! I don't know what it is about him but I could watch him eat alll dayyy loooonnng!! So, naturally, when D and I were planning on going to Columbus for the Foo Fighters concert I thought we could hit up a "man vs food" restaurant. Cue the Thurman Cafe!

This restaurant has a HUGE list of HUGE burgers! Eighteen different burgers to be exact... HEAVEN!!!

 I had the Jonnie Burger which is:

"A bleu cheese burger with loads of bacon, horseradish cheese, and a splash of tequila cooked in; no lettuce, tomato, or mayo cuz, quite frankly, if I’d wanted a salad, I’d of ordered one! Served with fries, cuz chips are for quitters!" 

The menu also recommended a shot of 1800 with the burger, but that would have led to a completely different night altogether... I'm not sure D could have kept me off of the Foo Fighter's stage!! So instead I had a tall Leinenkugel Oktoberfest, YUM!

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 D had the Thurman burger (the burger Adam eats in the episode):

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"Our head honcho overloaded with ham, sautéed mushrooms & onions, mozzarella & American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, banana peppers, and mayo with kettle chips and a pickle spear"

The food was DELICIOUS and filling!! The atmosphere was fun and relaxed. They had dollar bills hanging every where with signatures, doodles and funny quotes. The place is really small and luckily we arrived fairly early and got a seat right away. There was a crowd and a pretty long wait when we left around 7pm.

I'm so glad I have Adam to follow to the nation's best burger joints!

 and in this battle of wife vs food...

yeah.. I ate the last bite don't worry!

..... WIFE WINS!!!! 

 And now I need to go for a 100 mile run! 

Hudepohl 14k Brewery Run Race Recap

This was actually the 10^th annual Hudepohl 14k, however, they had been on a hiatus. I’m not sure how long it had been since the last run. They also added a 7k to the event this year. I don’t really know where to start with this race. I feel that the intentions were good and it was supposed to be more of a party than an actual race, but there were some major planning flaws at this event.

We arrived plenty early and had no problem finding parking. They offered a shuttle service but we did not use it as we found a parking spot within two blocks of the starting line. 

Abbey, Jojo and Me

 D and I and two of my friends grabbed our bags and headed over to the race. There was a building with food/beer and bathrooms. It was very crowded before the race even began. We asked volunteers at 3 different booths where the bag check was only to find out that the volunteers had no idea and it probably didn’t exist! WHAT! (Strike 1) The facebook page clearly stated there would be a bag check or I would have left my stuff in the car! So another 2 blocks back to the car to drop off the bags. I also had to pop a squat in the parking lot since the bathroom lines were a nightmare. I did get a nice warm up in jogging back to the start line.

The race started about 15 minutes late (really? Strike 2!) The race started on a slow downhill grade. There were 3 bands within the first mile and I thought for a minute I could just turn off my ipod and enjoy the course and entertainment. Glad I didn’t because that was the end of the bands.

As I was running the first mile my legs were feeling kind of heavy and I wasn’t sure if they were going to hold up for the 8+ miles but when I reached the first mile marker I was at 7:23. My goal for the race was to run under 8min/mile pace again so I was way ahead of that. I wasn’t sure how long I could maintain that pace but I remained there until mile 4.

Around mile 4 I started getting really concerned about D and my friend Abbey. They signed up to run the 7k. The course was supposed to be out and back and I hadn’t seen the turn around!! D usually runs no more than 3 miles for his training and has never done more than a 5k race. This was Abbey’s first race ever! She has been training to run the half with us in Indianapolis but I don’t think she has done any long runs. I was really hoping they didn’t have to run all 8.7 miles!!

I was looking for the 5 mile marker and glanced down at my watch (the cheap timex kind) only to see I was at 10 minutes!!! Whaaaat! I couldn’t have slowed that much!! A few minutes later I saw the 6 mile marker and was relieved. Apparently they didn’t mark miles 5, 7 or 8!! (Strike 3) That makes me crazy!! I guess that’s why I need one of those nifty Garmin watches.

I really enjoyed the course it was a nice long loop that was mostly flat or slight downhill. There was a short hill mid way through mile 3 and 7. There was also a short steep hill around mile 8 with a group of girls with signs that said “Keep going, keep going, that’s what she said!” and “You have great stamina, call me!” and “Chaff now, beer later.” Funny stuff!

From there on was mainly a downhill until you turned a corner and hit the finish! They were giving out 7k/14k medals at the finish.  A few minutes after my finish I met up with my friend Jojo, who also signed up for the 14k. She informed me that there was no turn around and D and Abbey were still out on the course! I also ran into one of D’s friends who signed up for the 7k and just turned around and ran back after he realized the turn around wasn’t marked.

Both D and Abbey finished a few minutes after Jojo. I was really impressed with their times not having down any training for a long race!! D said runners were yelling at the volunteers and the police officers the whole race. Turns out the race coordinators forgot to put out the turn around sign (OOPS! Strike 4). Also by the time Abbey finished they ran out of medals (Strike 5?) And the beer and food lines were a MILLION miles long!! (Strike… too many to count)

There were some good things about the race. I really loved the course and all of the police officers did a great job with traffic control and encouraging the runners. The food and beer afterwards was good, it just took forever to get. They had a nice set up outside of the building were you could hang out and drink your beer. Each runner was given a nice short sleeve tech shirt and a Hudepohl 14k pint glass.

I ended up finishing in 1:07:30 a 7:47 pace which I was very happy with. I also came away with a second place finish in my age group!! I had a pretty good time, but hopefully they will organize a little better next year!!

Winton Woods Fall Beer Tasting

Last Friday D and I went with a group of friends to a Beer Tasting at a local park. I love trying new beers without having to buy a whole six pack only to find it tastes awful and then of course we have to drink it all any way. I was very excited to find a new fall beer of choice. The event offered some pretty strong contenders. My favorites were: 

River Town Pumpkin Ale 

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The Pumpkin Ale was like drinking a cold glass of pumpkin pie! Plus it's brewed right here in Cincinnati, so you just can't beat it! 

Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat

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A close second! Very good will definitely be drinking more of this throughout the fall!

I also have an uncontrollable obsession with hard ciders! I love to try each seasonal flavor of Woodchuck cider as it is released, but my favorite cider is:

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JK Scrumpy's Hard Cider!! I could drink bottle after bottle, so goood!!

The tasting offered a cider called Crispin. There were 2 types original and honey crisp. I really loved the Honey Crisp. So I ran out to my local Kroger and bought this...

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Sadly I didn't enjoy it as much as the Honey Crisp... which completely defeated the whole purpose of this blog post!

Happy Friday

I can’t believe its Friday already, but I’m so happy it is.


Running Recap:


Monday I had a great 4.5 mile run in the morning before work. Sometimes my favorite part about running is getting time away from everything to think. Sure, I listen to my ipod while I’m running and I do depend on it sometimes to keeping moving, but other times I just let my mind wonder. I have a coworker whose mother was diagnosed last week with pancreatic cancer so I spent a lot of my run thinking about her operation that was taking place that morning and praying that she had the best possible outcome. During my run I spotted a doe with two of her offspring crossing the road and I found it very inspiring. I get very excited when I’m out running and see beautiful occurrences in nature I would have missed if I let my snooze button get the best of me. We are keeping our fingers crossed for my coworker’s mother, but it seems as if the operation went smoothly and the whole tumor was removed.


Tuesday D and I went to the track for a speed workout after dinner. I wasn’t sure how my stomach would feel completing 8-400s filled with enchilada casserole, but it worked out in the end. I even managed to knock about 20 seconds off my 400 pace.


Thursday D and I went for an easy 3 mile run. It’s getting dark so early now and we waited a little too late to start the run and ended up finishing in the dark. This cool front that has come in has made for some great running weather.


Today I’m taking it easy because I’m participating in the Hudepohl Brewery 14k tomorrow morning with D and a couple of friends. I’m really looking forward to the course. I haven’t run through this part of downtown and the after part looks like a blast!


TWRAWTS

Mercy Metric 10k Recap

My training schedule called for a 10k race this weekend. I decided to find one to sign up for because I knew I would push myself harder if I were actually racing. I stumbled upon the Mercy Metric 10k on the race dmc website. I had never heard of this race before and was surprised to see that this was its 33^rd year. This was an inexpensive race at $15 ($20 if you wanted a water bottle  and a headband.)

This race took place at the Lunken Airport Playfield. I was happy to find ample parking near the starting line. The weather was a cool 51 degrees and cloudy. Perfect running weather!

The Mercy Metric offered a 5k run/walk and a 10k run. The 5k started 5 minutes before the 10k. This worked very nicely in clearing the porta potty line so I could stop in one more time!

I started in a good spot not too far in the front, where everyone would pass me, but not too far in the back where other runners would delay me. I also got a good view of the competition. The first place runner in each age group received a metal and D told me to bring one home for him.

The race followed a bike path around the airport; most of the trail was wooded which was a good shield from the wind. There was a short steep hill during mile 2, the only uphill in the course.

We passed some airplanes around mile 4 which made a good change in scenery. About the middle of mile 5 there was a downhill, which continued until the 6-mile marker. With .2 left we turned the corner and headed to the finish!

The course was relatively easy. This was a very small race so crowd support was basically nonexistent. Luckily, I found some one to run with around the same pace as me or I would have probably run slower through the wooded sections.

My goal for this race was to run under an 8min/mile pace and to beat my time at last years Thanksgiving Day Race. I accomplished both of my goals finishing in 48:58 with a pace of 7:54...

... and I got first place in my age group! 

Happy Labor Day!

Pizza & A Movie

I'm not sure what exactly it is about Friday, but it just seems like the best day for pizza. Tonight for dinner I made a Margherita pizza. I found a simple pizza dough recipe from Bobby Flay and have been using it ever since. I was surprised how easy it is to make pizza dough at home! You basically put the ingredients into a kitchen aide mixer and the dough makes itself!! It's also much tastier and easier to work with then the canned dough. I also love that the recipe makes enough for 2 pizza so I can freeze half of the dough to use another day.


Pizza Dough: Source

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups bread flour, plus more for rolling 
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 envelope instant dry yeast
  
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups water, 110 degrees F
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons

Combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. While the mixer is running, add the water and 2 tablespoons of the oil and beat until the dough forms into a ball. 

If the dough is sticky, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a solid ball. 

If the dough is too dry, add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a smooth, firm ball.

Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, add the dough, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and put it in a warm area to let it double in size, about 1 hour.


Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Cover each with a clean kitchen towel let them rest for 10 minutes.


Toppings:
1/4 c Olive Oil
2 cloves of garlic, pressed
Fresh Mozzarella
1/2 c chopped Basil
4 Roma tomatoes (2 chopped, 2 sliced)


While I was letting the dough rise, I mixed two chopped Roma tomatoes with 1/4 c olive oil and 2 cloves of garlic for the flavors to mix.


Preheat oven to 350 F. Roll out dough on pizza stone or pan and assemble pizza. Bake for 20- 25 min or until crust is golden and cheese is melted


 *For the second pizza dough spray a zip lock bag with cooking spray and store in freezer until ready to use. 

YUM!

Finally Fall!

… Well not quite, but it's September so it must be close right???? I LOVE fall!! It’s my favorite season, here's why:

• PUMPKIN EVERYTHING. I am anxiously awaiting pumpkin recipes!! I have been threatening to make pumpkin pancakes. I can’t wait to make pumpkin everything
• Scarves, Sweaters, Boots and Jeans! I always find myself getting super excited about the change of wardrobe by the time the end of season comes a long and this year is no exception. I can’t wait to wear my jeans again. 
• Chili!! My mom gave me a chili recipe that I made last year and it was DELICIOUS. D loved it so much that I was afraid to make it a second time for fear that it wouldn’t taste a good (it’s probably safe a year later right?)
• HALLOWEEN! Not only because it’s my birthday but who doesn’t want to go out for one (or a few) nights a year as something different without shame!!
• PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES! I know that technically this could have been posted with pumpkin everything but I look forward to them so much that this little latte needed its own line.
  Football! I love a lazy Sunday at home with D!
• I love when the leaves change and fall off of the trees. It makes for pretty running! I am also looking forward to my second half marathon in Indy in October.

The cooler weather last week got me really excited for fall weather. My grandma even jumped the gun and served us pumpkin pie for dessert last night. It’s 96 degrees here today and I hope to go boating this weekend, but after that, it’s game on!!

On Wednesday I had a really great tempo run at the park. One old man told me to slow down but I couldn't be stopped!! Today I ran 4 miles and did my regular strengthening program. Tonight's dinner turned out delicious! I'm looking forward to a rest day tomorrow and then a long weekend!!

Run Like Hell '10