Sunday, July 29, 2012

A Prescription for Recovery

Every Christmas I bake Crunchy Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies and give both my Daddy and my Father-in-Law their own special tin. My dads know they can return the tin and it will be refilled!

Daryl, my Father-in-Law, had a total knee replacement surgery at the end of June and I refilled his tin for him to enjoy while recuperating.

During a visit a couple of weeks ago, I received a request to refill the "prescription" refill.

Once again, heres the recipe. Enjoy!!

Crunchy Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
based on a recipe from Lifetime Entertainment Services (1997)

Ingredients:
Note: make sure you have parchment paper

Group 1
2/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats

Group 2
6 oz (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, soft
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups pecan pieces (optional)
2/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together Group 1 ingredients. Set aside

In medium bowl, using a mixer, cream together soft butter with the two sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until thoroughly incorporated. Scrape down the bowl with rubber spatula and beat for another 30 seconds. Beat in the vanilla

Fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture, incorporating completely. Fold in the pecans and cranberries or raisins. The batter will be very soft

Form the mixture into little balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the parchment lined baking sheet about 3 inches apart (theses cookies spread!)

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown. They will have a lacy, bumpy appearance.

Cool completely on the prepared trays. Use a metal spatula to release the cookie underneath and transfer to a rack

Store in a air tight container.
Serve with your favorite hot beverage or a glass of milk!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Spiced Apple & Mandarin Orange Smoothie

I needed a little something before heading out on a walk this morning, so i made a smoothie.

I know...making a smoothie is no big deal. I wanted something refreshing (using mandarin oranges), but without using banana or berries.

It was quite yummy with the spices similar to those in chai tea.

Spiced Apple & Mandarin Orange Smoothie
Blend the following:
*vanilla whey powder, 1 scoop
*1/2 cup organic unsweetened applesauce
*1/2 cup mandarin oranges and their juice
*1/4 tsp each - ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger & nutmeg
*1/2 cup ice

EnJOY!

Monday, February 27, 2012

The Joy of Finishing!

Sunday, February 26, 2012
The Cowtown Half Marathon (Fort Worth, TX)
13.1 Finisher!!!
official chip time - 3:49:31 



In Oct 2011 I committed to my first 1/2 Marathon.

I got a group together for motivation (most of whom were already runners), designed a fun shirt
Troubled Angels
"Scathingly Brilliant"

30 minutes for the officially 7am starting time
Meeting at 5am on a Sunday morning to drive 30+ minutes and then run/walk 13.1 miles is mark of true friendship. I was so blessed to have Linda and Jill participate with me.

 And you never know who you'll run into at such a popular event. It was quite fun seeing Trey Spalding. He warned me some about the hill between mile 8 and 9...he was NOT kidding. It's kind of cruel that you can see it for a mile before you actually start going up. 

The anticipation of what was coming did help me set mind on going up it, one step at a time...All you've gotta do is take the next step!
Trey Spalding

I found Katti (another Troubled Angel)
Jill and I started together in Corral 5
6 miles and still smiling!
Just a few before I crossed the finish line, my calf muscles cramped. I fell, but with assistance was able to get back on my feet and cross the finish line. When asked if I wanted to go to First Aid I unashamedly said yes, got in the back of the golf cart. I was grateful to the attendants who stretched and massaged my calf muscles.
When I was finally able to reunite with Jill, we headed to lunch. It was great way to finish the morning
So proud of our finishers medals!! 

Here's how it all began...
I started running Aug 2010 using C25K because walking wasn't enough of a cardio boost anymore (unless I walked for 2 hours at a time).

Since that time I have come to really enjoy running. (I've completed six 5Ks)
Vineyard Run 2010, Jingle Bell Run (2010 & 2011), Hot Chocolate 2011, Get You in Shape supporting Coppell Special Olympics 2011, Weight Watchers Challenge (2011)
If you would have told me 20+ years ago that I would say those words and really mean it, I would have called you a liar.

So here's my advice:
  • Get a good pair of shoes and the right clothes, including socks and undergarments
  • Commit to the training schedule, including strength and conditioning.
  • Begin with 5Ks and make sure you do a couple of 10Ks as well.
  • Stick with your pace and don't be ashamed to use the run/walk interval method
  • Take advantage of the water stations
The feeling of accomplishment is like none other!
All that to say...YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Sunday, February 26, 2012
The Cowtown Half Marathon (Fort Worth, TX)
13.1 Finisher!!!
official chip time - 3:49:31