Triple C muffins

I get to have the most pleasant Mondays. :) Today was xfit, cleaned my apartment, and made good use of my farmer's market finds.

Yesterday I was meandering around the Broadway Farmer's market and they were selling... CRABAPPLES! I have never seen a crabapple before, and based on my affinity for "mini" things, naturally they HAD to be acquired. These little buggers are PAINFULLY sour. Good thing the lord made sugar.

Crabapple-Cranberry Crisp Mini Muffins:

Wash and core crabapples (this is exceedingly time consuming, because, well, you have a bajillion of them. I wound up just cutting off the edges and leaving the center intact and then throwing it out)

•    1 1/2 cups flour (I used whole wheat)
•    1 tsp baking powder
•    1 tsp baking soda
•    1/2 tsp salt
•    1 tsp cinnamon
•    1 cup sugar
•    3 eggs
•    2/3 cup vegetable oil
•    2 cups minced crabapples and cranberries, tossed in lemon juice and sugar
•    Approx 1/4 C dark brown sugar

Topping:
•    1 cup old-fashioned oats
•    1/4 C chopped slivered almonds

•    2 tbsp flour

•    1/4 cup light brown sugar

•    3 tbsp melted butter

Directions:

Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and sugar to a large mixing bowl, then blend together with a whisk. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and oil together. Add mixture to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Add apples and cranberries then stir to combine.

Blend topping ingredients together in bowl with a fork. Spoon equal amounts over tops of muffins.

Place muffin pan in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake about 20 minutes (rotating in the middle), or until cake tester comes out clean.

I actually don't have any photos of the finished product. Dumb, I know.

Instead, here is a picture of the GORGEOUS "golden beets" I also got at the market and roasted for dinner.

Currently listening: KEXP world music show.

xfit!

Today's xfit:

150 wallballs for time (9:52)

I was the only girl in class today. And I beat every man at this WOD. I love those days. :)

Today was also the first time I thought I might vomit. Score.

Smashupdate!

Hoookay.... Haven't updated in a while. I wasn't going to, but I got some inspiration from this hilarious post that Kirsten wrote yesterday. She gave me an embarassing shout out... but I still heart her. Keep your head up girl... I'm not sure if I should give you a hug or feed you some vodka, but either way I'm down for whatev :)

Worked my ass off at the gym this week.

Sunday ran 7 miles
Monday had the most difficult crossfit I've had to date (see previous post )
Tuesday - off day
Wednesday crossfit again - Didn't document this one... We did "death by pullups". Consisted of:
first minute : 1 pullup
second minute: 2 pullups
third minute: 3 pullups
so on, so forth. Obvi I can't do a REAL pullup, so I used bands (huge tension rubber bands that you loop around a foot for some leverage) .. I got up to 14 minutes, or 103 pullups.
Thursday: ran 3 miles
Friday: an hour on the elliptical.

Also have been a little more active socially... had a lovely monday with Katie, treating her to coffee for her bday (and the first bagel i've had in years, along with an apple cinnamon caramel latte... sounds weird.. but... YUM) Tuesday I took myself to Neumo's to my first solo concert that i've attended... to see a band that has hit something inside me and I simply can't stop listening to them. Its borderline unhealthy. Thursday I went to happy hour with Kevin, Goldie, and Ben to two new places (Linda's  and Poppy)... and yesterday went to Shorty's for the first time with some friends and coworkers. Too much beer was consumed.

Made a new lovely friend at work... What else... Planning on lying low the rest of the weekend for my liver and my wallet's sake.

STILL want to take a photography class!!!!!!

Worried about a close friend leaving the state :(

Work continues to be overwhelming at every turn, yet strangely fufilling. Is this what being a grownup is like?

Pointless update: complete.

New baking recipes hopefully in the future.

11/1 xfit:

for time:
1 mile run

2 rounds of:

27 double-unders
27 knees-to-elbows (i've now officially found something I hate more than burpees.)
27 wallballs (8kg)
27 burpees (damnit!)
27 kettlebell swings (12kg)

Rx is FOUR rounds of this shit... the recommendation is 3 rounds... us beginners and lame-o's did 2 rounds. Most of the men (except one) did 3 rounds, most of the women (except one super badass one) did 2. I did the mile and 2 rounds in 34:26. Kinda wish I had done 3, but when you can feel sweat dripping down your back and your heart rate monitor reads like 90% of  your max..well.. I decided 2 was enough :)

Halloween with three gorgeous ladies that I consider myself lucky to call friends :)

Ran 79 minutes.
Guessing approximately 6.5-7 miles.

Problem is, it's hard to calculate exact milage when you have to run from one block to another. I am pretty sure though that 8 city blocks is one mile... so if that's true then I ran about 7 miles. Who knows. Either way it was one hell of a run.

ran 1/2 mile to crossfit this morn.

xfit:

for time:

run 800m
15 pistols (left leg)
15 pistols (right leg)
25 situps
12 pistols (L)
12 pistols (R)
25 situps
9 pistols (L)
9 pistols (R)
25 situps
run 800m

I can't remember my time... I came in 3rd in the class... uhh... like 18:30 or something I think. Not great, not bad. I had to do modified pistols - those suckers are HARDER than they look.

ran intervals home

kitchen therapy.

I love love LOVE making/baking "little" things....

Making autumn-inspired kitchen sink cookies tonight. Hoping to have enough to pass out at work, crossfit halloween party, and Kevin's halloween party. If I don't eat them all first.

According to this posting on  my new favorite blog , there's actually a shortage of canned pumpkin this year. I wondered why it was so outrageously expensive this time around!! Enjoy:

Pumpkin/salted almond/cranberry/white chocolate cookies:

• 2.5 C flour (I used whole wheat trader joe's...makes it a bit grainier but hey it's all I have)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2C (1 stick) butter, room temp
• 1.5C sugar
• 1C canned pumpkin
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 6oz white chocolate chips
• 3/4 C salted almonds, coarsely chopped
• ??? fresh cranberries, thawed and coarsely chopped

(almonds, chips, and cranberries are estimates. i tend to just throw things around when baking.. use your best judgement)

1. preheat oven to 350. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (I usually skip this)
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Use electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar on medium until fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. Beat until blended.
4. Mix in dry ingredients
5. With a spatula, stir in chocolate, almonds, cranberries

6. Drop by heaping tablespoons 1 inch apart on baking sheets (I made mine super tiny to feed several different parties) - this batter is super sticky. I used warm water and my fingers to try and shape them, but they wound up haphazardly shaped anyway.

7. Bake cookies for 13-15 mins or until lightly browned. Rotate sheets halfway thru for even baking. Let cool, transfer to wire racks.

If my affinity for "little things" continues and I keep popping them in my mouth - I will never BE a "little thing"!!

Currently listening.

Tuesday's xfit:

for max reps:

tabata toes-to-bar (4)

max double unders in 2 minutes (19)

tabata single-arm dumbbell push press (7)

max calories on the rower in 2 minutes (20)

tabata kettlebell swings (7)

Pretty.

I'm the first to admit it - I have a short attention span. I won't click on news articles on the web if they have a video. I won't read comics if there's "too many words". And I won't watch a video (even if I've sought it out) if I deem it "too long".

However, this popped up on my facebook feed this morning and it would be wrong to not share. It's not super long, about 3.5 minutes... Worth it. The fervor in which this woman speaks is moving. The subject is one that will touch most of you women. I was a little intimidated by the intensity at first, but it gets better.

Backdated post -

Got up late, had a hard time waking up. Still managed to get to the gym - pretty proud of that. Was almost late for work as a result however.

Ran 3 miles

Possibly going to The Northwest Chocolate Festival's masquerade ball with Bree this weekend. Went to my mom's to get one of my dresses back from her, wound up borrowing the most amazing/outlandish gown that she owns. It's pretty great. It previously belonged to a close friend of hers, who was a nashville country singer... add a mask and i'm set.

This is a shitty camera phone picture but I love this dress and might never give it back.



Currently listening. (one of DG's most moving pieces.)

disheartened

Today I met Deb Talan and Steve Tannen - also known as the Weepies. We carried on a full conversation, and they marveled over alexia's gorgeous tattoo work across her back. Photos and autographs were obtained. Sat in the front row for the most intimate show I have ever been to. Deb's voice is phenominally organic and legitimate - the woman doesn't need anyone or anything to complement her acoustics. Steve - her husband - calls himself "the worlds best stalker". He was a follower of her music - they met at one of his shows, and wound up married with two babies. Thank god for that - They are one of the bands that will consistently be on the well-worn rotation of favorites in my book. What a blessing.

somehow I am still disheartened today. Had an exceedingly difficult day at work.

xfit workout:

5 rounds for max reps:

bench press

pullups

I maxed at 25kg (55lbs) and used a band for the pullups since lord knows I can't do a REAL pullup... hell who can??

All 5 rounds accounted for I did 86 bench presses and like... 27 pullups or something. 

walked 4 miles.

(on day 4 of sobriety/clean eating. Had an accidental bite of sugary crap at work today because i actually completely FORGOT. Other than that i've been doing alright with sugar free jello mousse, fruit, and a METRIC TON of chewing gum.)



 Currently listening.

captain random.

Lots and lots and lots of random thoughts swirling about in my head... this post to be updated as i remember more as the day goes on...
---------------------------
Whenever I am snuggly and warm in bed, I find it increasingly difficult to remember the complete awesomeness that is an early morning jog. Begrudgingly I managed to get OUT of bed this morning and completed a solid run in the brisk fall air.... and it was, again, amazing. It hurts, and the first mile is hard, and running later in the morning kinda sucks bc there is more traffic that I have to stop/slow for at intersections, but really I can't think of many things that make me feel better and stronger than a good run. Pacing was a little off, but thats okay.

4.5 miles (maybe a little less)/52 minutes
-----------------------------
Last night was ANOTHER (and the last) celebration of the one year anniversary of the opening of my facility. It was quite a nice arrangement. We had several different "live" food prep stations, including:

• Asian bistro with cashew chicken, jasmine rice, and gyoza
• carving station with BBQ brisquet, coleslaw, mini rolls
• HUGE ice sculpture with oysters on the halfshell, prawns with cocktail sauce, crab dip, smoked sturgeon with cream cheese and capers
• Caesar salad station with dressing made from scratch
• Fruit sabayon
• Hundreds of passed hours d'ovours
• An ENTIRE ROOM dedicated to desserts in the 24th skylounge (I can't attest to what was up there due to my utter avoidance of sweets)

There was a full band in the main hall, and a pianist in the secondary lobby with the plated hours d'ovoures. I worked the whole thing but I've said it before, working an event is a nice change of pace from the monotony of medical charting.

Sweet kirsten got stuck in an elevator for an HOUR and a HALF during the event!! Poor thing.
------------------------
Speaking of Kirsten, she linked me to this AMAZING blog which is sure to start taking up more of my time than is prudent... it makes me jealous and it makes me want to be able to do this kind of blogging too.
-------------------------
Been thinking about taking a photography class. Need to learn to use all the nice equipment that I own.

another week gone by.

Nothing to report besides today's xfit WOD:

30 snatches for time

My weight: 19kg  (just over 41 pounds)
My time: 8:28

video of a snatch:



well day one of clean eating has been successful so far!

breakfast: multigrain english muffin, 1/2 banana

lunch: nonfat yogurt, frozen fruit, allbran

dinner: bunch of baby carrots, large mixed green salad with fajita chicken and lite ranch

dessert: SF jello mousse cup, SF hot chocolate with a bit pumpkin syrup

snack: special k red berries, almond milk

crepes & more crepes

60 minutes elliptical
20 minutes treadmill (I think this is it kids! I think the ankle is better!) Today's cardio was strange. after an entire hour of the elliptical kicking my ass I somehow had a massive adrenaline surge and wound up running a good 8-minute mile on the treadmill, huffing and puffing but completely pain-free and full of energy. It was...weird.

walked to waterfront and back - 4 miles.

Today was crepe party.

Toppings included:

Savory
baked butternut squash with cinnamon and cumin
roasted thyme potatoes
scrambled eggs
arugula and mushrooms with garlic
homemade pesto (that I made this summer that was shockingly tasty)
mozzarella
cream cheese
canadian bacon

Sweet
lemons & sugar
maple syrup
whipped cream
peanut butter
homemade dark chocolate ganache
apple and rum reduction
bananas
homemade strawberry rhurbarb ginger jam (that I canned last winter with Ciana)
honey

Me with a mimosa...Hope I enjoyed it, its the last one for a while!

Savory side

Sweet side

I made the crepes from bob's redmill pancake mix and THEN added more baking powder on accident...they were poofy crepes!

Its safe to say that I have filled any crepe desire I may have for the... rest of my LIFE. Stomach kinda turns reading those ingredients again. It was a good time though, big loves to those who joined.

After everyone skedaddled I was feeling antsy so I walked down to the waterfront and back. Tooled about the market, went to my second favorite antique store in the city (and found an amazing victorian era bench that kirsten just about peed herself over when I sent her the pic...), and picked up some supplies from Cost Plus. They are having a sale on ramekins : FOUR for $2.99, or two souffle pans for $2.99. What a steal!!

I would elaborate further on what I purchased but it would ruin your christmas gift !!

Its been quite cold as of late. I like it a lot. I might however be getting close to window-closing time. I still haven't closed them since I moved into this place, which was in May. For the first time today my apartment was colder than the hallway. LOVE this!

So, to summarize this week - it started, ended, and was full of complete gluttony and irresponsibility. Tomorrow is a fresh start. Until my dad's bday (which I have a nice bottle of wine planned for) there will be a legitimate attempt at:

1. No alcohol
2. No overt sugar
3. No eating until it hurts!!!!
4. More cardio
5. *Possibly* increasing my crossfit membership. God I love that place.

fingers crossed.




Currently listening: Little Dragon

ow.

Me thinks it is time to get some actual crossfit gloves....

Xfit WOD:

Three rounds for time:

50 double unders (jump roping - getting the rope to pass under your feet twice per jump.. takes a lot more coordination than one would imagine. not my strong point)

35 dumbell snatches ..hard to explain. hard to execute. that's all that matters.

20 toes to bar - hanging from gymnasts bar, lift your feet as high as you can to reach the bar from which you are hanging.

My time: 3 rounds 22:22

Not bad for a girl who went big last night and had to call in drunk to life and stayed in bed the majority of the day.

Now off to a lovely photography networking event with Ms. Stacy.

Currently listening:
Can't find a link for you to listen. Sorry kids. "Human Desire" by Gypsy and the Cat. (current obsession.)

Please marry me, Jose.

I am trying to not post at work but

OH MY GOD this is changing my life right now and you have to hear it:



Acoustic remake of The Knife's Heartbeats - as posted HERE this weekend

He's also remade a handful of Massive Attack cuts. Oh god. I am going to be glued to this the rest of the week.

Skyline's 1 year anniversary

Exhausted today. Skipped the workout and slept until 815. Had an allergy attack on top of it, been asked by 3 people already at work if I am okay... I just look that good.

On a happier note - my apartment was BELOW 67 degrees this morning! 65 degrees, in fact. I might just be able to close my windows this year afterall! I know I will be complaining once it gets outrageously cold, but for now its nice to have a bit of cool in my usually stuffy apartment.

Breakfast:
6oz NF yogurt
"high fiber" english muffin

2 homemade pizzelles

1215
coffee with pumpkin spice and nonfat
luna bar

230
5 tortilla chips

315
3ish oz salmon
few roasted fingerling potatoes
~1C roasted veg - broccoli, asparagus & carrot

5ish
diet soda

The rest of the night is a blur...
water crackers with smoked sturgeon mousse
My first oyster
1 mini pumpkin creme brulee
3 chocolate covered mini cone things
1 springroll
1 piece hawaiian pizza
1 brownie

1 vodka & water

Today was the celebration of skyline's one year anniversary. There was  a LOT going on. Huge employee luncheon, even huger formal sit-down dinner with all the residents and cabinet members. Kirsten and I helped the kitchen for good portions of the day and worked our tails off. I had a lot of fun. I was in charge of placing the celery shavings onto the smoked sturgeon appetizers (yes, all 150 of them) and then one of the other kitchen workers and I together created the topping for all the pumpkin creme brulee. Never thought I would have so much fun with a butane torch! After it was all said and done, our department head gathered us all in the front of the kitchen and had the entire team walk throughout the dining room. I felt awkward but staff encouraged me to go to the head of the line with the other managers. Didn't really think I deserved it, but it was a sweet gesture. So together we all made a large circle around our "Olympic Dining Room" around all the tables of cheering and clapping people. When we got to the table of managers and cabinet members (whom I work with closely day in and day out) they all looked a little startled. One gave me a hug, another exclaimed "Oh! You're here!!" , and everyone couldn't say enough thank yous. I didn't do much, but it sure did feel great to be part of a team that was appreciated. That doesn't happen as often as it should.

Went out to the bar afterwards and played  game of pool with the kids. It was a nice day.

Food the executive chef created for the celebration (he doesnt mess around):

 work party food:herb roasted chicken
lemon wild salmon
fingerling potatoes
roasted broccoli and root veg
mixed greens salad with veg and bleu cheese
blanched asparagus/tomato platter (kirsten!)
fruit platter
chips & salsa
brownies
2 different cakes

Anniversary dinner:
Kir Royale
Hours d'ovoures

Smoked sturgeon with honeycrisp apple, celery shavings, radish, mustard paste and olive oil

Braised tenderloin (i think??) with sweet potato mash and kale with aujus and ramp oil

Pumpkin spice creme brulee with chocolate wafers

SIXTH time is a charm???

Finally - fiiiiiiiiinally found the Southern Tier Pumking I have been searching for. After 5 failed attempts I just stepped it up and went to Full Throttle Bottles in Georgetown. I purchased the 3 pints as seen above - for a hefty $7.50 each... I really wanted to buy them out as the woman elaborated on how A) rare it is proving to be B) difficult to obtain C) was flying off their shelves D) they probably wouldn't get any more, and E) the exceptionally high rating it recieved. I really wanted more - I might sacrifice some grocery money and go back to get more... To be determined...

And yes, those are 2 magnums of champagne in the background. Thank you, Costco. Those are slated for next Sunday's crepe party. Contain your excitement.

Currently listening.

Crossfit workout:
AMRAP in 15 minutes:
4 pushups
8 burpees
12 squats

I got a total of 9 full rounds in the 15 minutes.

I also got buckets of sweat pouring down my back.

I learned about the crossfit "Rx" today. Rx means you do everything the legitimate way, not the altered or modified fashion. Sure, everyone knows how to do a pushup, a burpee, and a squat - but do you know how to do it crossfit?  It's a whole new animal. Needless to say - my pushups and burpees are modified. Squats - hell I can squat all day long. Point that I am getting at is this - my 9 rounds were nowhere near Rx. Someday though. Someday. :)

Breakfast:
NF strawberry yogurt
1/4C allbran
banana

half slice pumpkin spice bundt cake (oops)
16oz split shot americano w 2p pumpkin spice, splash nonfat

string cheese
handful baby carrots

~2 oz Bordeaux

6ish oz mahi mahi, 3/4 lb fresh green beans, sauteed with evoo (die, rachel ray.) and lemon pepper
4ish oz red blend

NF "boston creme pie" yogurt with sugar free chocolate sauce

Went to 12th and Olive Wine Company tonight after I dropped Katie off at crossfit for her 630pm class. I saw an event update on the capitol hill blog that they were doing a Bordeaux tasting. They were sampling an amazing bottle... a $74 bottle. Naturally I can't remember the name, but how often do you get to sample a $74 bottle of wine? Was it worth it, you may be asking - yes. It lived up to the price. Not only was it magic in my mouth, but I met a few very nice men who gave me a full geographical and historical reference point to help me better understand the region of Bordeaux. I signed up for their monthly education/tasting sessions. Hello, new favorite haunt.

Monday Funday. (douchey?)

Really settling into my apartment for the first time since moving in nearly 6 months ago. Sure, the furniture was there, the pictures were up, and the candles were burning... But I frequently was looking for an excuse to get OUT, I suspect for fear of being alone. I've spent the most beautiful weekend rediscovering my itunes, starting this blog, filling my fridge with fresh produce and some specialty items (via 4 different grocery stores), baking - god I've forgotten how much I love to bake - and *gasp* cleaning.

On the agenda: Laundry going now. Crossfit at noon. Katie-date in Georgetown.







Currently listening.

Stateless - Bloodstream

Another one that came from Kevin & Jason last year. When I first gave the album a full listen, my thoughts were: Portishead meets Coldplay. Oddly enough, Wikipedia very literally confirmed this, comparing Stateless to BOTH Portishead and Coldplay.

Those of you who are a sucker for the piano will enjoy.

Words can be like knives, they can cut you open. Then silence surrounds you, and holds you.

Pumpkin Cookoff 2010

Post Pumpkin cookoff coma.

Tonight's events were a success. On the menu:

• Goldie's half-recipe/half-self-created white bean, bacon, and pumpkin chili
• Green leaf salad with blanched green beans I got from the farmer's market and toasted pumpkin seeds from Goldie's pumpkin
• Fresh loaves from Essential Bakery topped with sunflower seeds
• Charred squash with sour cream/ pumpkin / pecan dip
• Pumpkin-walnut bars with cream cheese frosting
• My pumpkin spice bundt cake topped with white chocolate ganache and cranberries
• Variety of pumpkin ales

This is a big deal considering I've never been much of a pumpkin fan. All I have to say is : Thank god for stretchy pants.

I think one of my favorite things about getting older is noticing the fact that you are, indeed, getting older. The way that conversation flows from history to politics to career moves to the nuances of pop culture and the pure irony of the times. Often times I have to stop and think.. these are the conversations that used to bore me to tears. These are the conversations that I used to mock. These are the conversations that seemed so insignificant.

Now these are the conversations of our lives. And I love them. Sometimes that's what scares me the most.




Currently listening.

Seattle signs

I've been meaning to upload a few pictures of my favorite signs I see around the city and didn't really have a platform in which to do so. Enter: new blog.

80 minutes of cardio this morning - 70/elliptical, 10/treadmill. -715 cals!   If only  I had the energy/time/dedication to do this every day! My ankles are STILL hurting me... looks like I might be sticking with the elliptical for a while. Boo. Not a fan. Left ankle hurts significantly worse than the right. I really don't know what I did, but I am glad I didn't end up signing up for the half marathon since I wouldn't be able to train now. The only thing I can think of is that I possibly hurt them running hills in crossfit in the flat crossfit shoes....

Workout soundtrack:

• Tegan & Sara's "So Jealous"
• Yeasayer's "Odd Blood"

PWO meal:
3ish eggwhites
2/3C quinoa
------
16oz split shot americano, 2P pumpkin spice (hello, obsession). splash nonfat
Luna bar


There's a fairly legitimate farmers market held literally across the street from my house every sunday, almost year-round. It makes for the lovliest sunday mornings. Today... carrying 3# fuji apples, 1# local green beans, nectarines, and a grande pumpkin spice americano while trapsing through the fallen leaves.

Tonight: Pumpkin cookoff with Goldie & Kevin. I'm in charge of the dessert. Photos/updates to come.



Currently listening.

Photos.

A select few of my favorite pictures I've taken at live shows. These are my photos. They're not amazing, but please do not take them without permission. :)