PB&J Pie Parfait {Recipe ReDux}

Oh, hiiiii there! Long, loooong time, no talk. I knew I’d make it back here one of these days. It’s been an interesting and exciting past month around these parts. I’ve happily started to find a groove with my schedule, had a great trip home, spent some time with my favorite little girl [.. and the rest of my family], and spent some QT with the hubs.

Playing piano with my girl.

Learning colors.

Happy to go to an Orioles game with 3 of my favorite people!

During Nathan and my 8 mile hike on Nimitz Trail.

One of my favorite things to do with Nathan is take a walk to the farmers’ market every Saturday. The fruit we’ve been getting lately has been out of this world and I knew I had to put some of it to good use for this month’s Recipe ReDux.

Tucked in a crust, nothing says love from the oven like pie. Whether it’s a twist on the all-American apple pie or a traditional recipe from your home country, give a healthy makeover to your favorite savory or sweet pie recipe.

This dessert came together in just a matter of minutes and is the perfect single-serving size. And the best part? Aside from the peanut butter, of course, is the secret ingredient, chia seeds. They serve as a thickener for the filling and are also a great source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids, protein, nutrients that help support bone health, such as calcium and magnesium. Happy dessert-ing!

Single Serving PB&J Pie Parfait

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 5 mini or 1 1/2 regular Reese’s Oreos
• 3/4 tsp coconut oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk
• 1 tbsp chia seed
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 strawberries; sliced

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine the cashew milk, chia seed, and peanut butter. Set aside in a small bowl for 1-2 hours and allow to thicken.
2. After the peanut butter mix has thickened, place the Oreos and coconut oil in a food processor and blend until they come together.
3. Press 1/3 of the mix into a small glass and top with 1/2 of the peanut butter mixture and 1/2 of the strawberry slices.
4. Sprinkle another 1/3 of the Oreo mix on top with the other 1/2 of the peanut butter mixture and the other sliced strawberry.
5. Sprinkle the remaining Oreo mix on top and dig in!

Nutritional Information
270 Calories / 18g Fat / 21g Carbs / 7g Fiber / 7g Sugar / 9g Protein

Food for Thought

What is your favorite pie?

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Friday the 13th is a good day. This one in particular happens to be the birthday of one of my favorite baseball partners. He got me started on the game when I was just a wee little one and has taken me to countless games over the years.

He taught me home team first [GO O’S!], and with him being from New York, Yankees second [I might lose some followers over that one..]

He also taught me how to drive stick.. if you consider me being 5 years old and sitting in the passengers seat shifting with all of my strength in both hands to be “driving.” I certainly did! It was the best cruising around, listening to my Sesame Street tape and singing along to Cookie Monster’s theme song. And once in a while turning on 105.7 Rouse & Company for some good oldies. What can I say, we were crazy!

He’s the best dad and grandpa we could ask for!

And in just 1 1/2 short weeks, we’ll be cheers-ing it up in California, just like last year. I can’t wait to see my parents again and have some good times celebrating!

Happy birthday, Dad! I love you!

And happy Friday, friends. Have a great weekend!

Five Things Friday {12/12}

I love Friday, don’t you? Weekends are the best and even though I just got back from a relaxing trip home, I’m still looking forward to a relaxing, quiet weekend.

1. I was laughing all day yesterday as I was getting text messages from family and friends asking if we were ok with all of the weather. I know there was flooding in San Francisco, but where I am, it’s just been a steady rain. People have been freaking out over it; schools were closed, we got an email warning from our apartment front desk, and I have to say, it’s no more than what we’re used to in Baltimore. That said, I’m looking forward to the rain subsiding over the weekend [there was talk of wine country!].
   
2. Wednesday, I received a shipment from Sizzlefish. The timing was perfect; we were running low on protein in the house and I got it after a long day at work. Did you know that you can throw the fish right in the oven from frozen? Obviously I was eating fish that night.. the haddock was delicious and so easy. I can’t wait to experiment with some recipes!
   
3. Apparently Hannuka starts next Tuesday. I guess I should probably get on the shtick and get some gifts, huh?
   
4. If you’re looking for a gift, here’s one I didn’t add to my top 5.. purchase a 4-week personalized training program for any of your friends or family!
5. Obviously I can’t let a Friday pass without a picture of my girl! Happy Friday from the little bean!
   

Giveaway Winner

Congrats to Danica for winning my Peanut Butter & Co. giveaway!

Food for Thought

Any fun plans over the weekend?

And We’re Back

Have you entered my Peanut Butter & Co. giveaway?

Well, it was a pretty fantastic 2 weeks at home, but today we make our way back to San Francisco. I just have to share a few of my favorite pictures from the trip.

Clearly my world revolved around my girl!

Food for Thought

What’s your favorite part of a trip home?

Thanksgiving + Wedding Weekend

Two of the reasons we came home were Thanksgiving and my cousin’s wedding. These events made for a pretty marvelous weekend and, even though I’ve said it 100 times already, I’m so glad we could come home for it.

Leading up to Thanksgiving was pretty great too; we had dinner with friends last week and went to hang out at their house afterward. You can tell I’m not used to the cold weather anymore because as soon as we walked in, I stole her warmest clothes. And then she handed me a glass of sparkling wine.. that’s a good friend right there!

Yep, that glass says “She Said Yes!” Ha.

I did a pretty poor job of actually getting pictures of Thanksgiving festivities, but I did get a picture of some of my prep and a little post-turkey day lunching.

My favorite homemade dessert!

Roasty veggies are the best leftovers!

I got some more quality time with my little girl.. it’s so fun now that she’s really starting to recognize me!

Lap time is pretty much my fave.

“Ok, I’ll stand still for about 3 seconds so you can take a picture.”

And of course, there was the wedding which was almost as beautiful as the bride!

Kirk is one lucky guy!

I love this girl; she’s not a cousin that I grew up knowing too well, but when she moved to Baltimore a couple of years ago, we really got to know each other and she’s fantastic. And her shiny new husband, Kirk, is such a perfect match for her. I miss hanging out with them.. it’s always such a treat when we come into town. Kirk, by the way, had the best reaction when she walked down the aisle. Quivering lips and all.. it was so sweet.

Wish I got a better shot of his expression!

I also wish I got more pictures of the night, but hey, that’s what happens when you’re dancing like crazy! [I totally smacked the photographer.. whoops!]

What a weekend! And now it’s time I get my body used to eating a normal amount of food again. I’m thinking this card describes my thoughts..

Our meal plan this week isn’t so exciting in terms of actual cooking, but I’m sure we’ll find some pretty exciting food to eat when we meet up with our friends!

Weekly Meal Plan

Sunday – Carry out Thai
Monday – Grilled feta chicken with Israeli couscous salad
Tuesday – Out with friends
Wednesday – Out with friends
Thursday – Jilly’s first birthday!
Friday – Out with friends
Saturday – Out with friends

Food for Thought

How was your Thanksgiving?
Did you do anything exciting over the weekend?

What I Ate Wednesday #112: Taking It Easy

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t relishing every single second at home. I’ve spent my last 2 afternoons with this cute little nugget.

She’s a big fan of walking right now and even though she may be walking right by me, just being with her is the best! She really is the cutest.. I’m not biased at all either, you know.

Between all of the travel and excitement, I’ve been doing my best to keep my diet up to par with my normal eating, but I have to admit, it’s not my first concern. I’ve taken very few pictures which is so rare for me. But it’s nice to let my brain go for a change.

[Pre- & Post-Workout]

Before my workout, I grabbed a handful of trail mix to get a little something in my stomach. And almost immediately after my workout, I trained my dad. In between, I had one of these limited edition Think Thin bars. These new lean protein & fiber bars are some of my faves!

[Breakfast]

I was shocked when my mom didn’t have any homemade nut butters on hand when I got here so that had to change immediately! I grabbed some almonds from the store and whipped up a batch of almond butter for my oats.

[Lunch]

I’ve been doing a pretty solid job of not finishing breakfast until close to 11 a.m. which means late lunches have been what’s up. I was out shopping with my mom and we stopped at a nice cafe for lunch. The salmon on this Mediterranean salad was so good! And it was the perfect fuel to finish my shopping date and head over to see my little bean.

[Dinner]

This is an older picture from the last time I made the crunchy stuffed buffalo chicken, but that’s what was on the menu last night with roasted potatoes, eggplant, and salad. Mom and I have been making a pretty good team in the kitchen. Thanksgiving’s going to be fun! 🙂

[Evening Snack]
I spotted some SweetTango apples at the store the other day.. they’re pretty much my favorite aside from Fuji, so I snagged a bunch! And to top it off, I had a spoonful of almond butter. Best way to start and end your day!

Food for Thought

Do you have a favorite meal when you go home?

We’re Home!

It was a pretty uneventful weekend after a looong week last week. Saturday we caught up on some much-needed r&r and got ready to hit the road.. or sky. Whichever you prefer. It was a laundry, packing, eat-everything-in-the-fridge kinda day.

Yesterday was more relaxing than a typical flying day too. Our flight wasn’t until 4:45 p.m. so we actually got to sleep in, hit the gym, and have a quiet morning. It was nice to be able to take our time and not get up and rush out the door. That said, we landed in Baltimore at 1 a.m. EST. Nathan and I didn’t mind so much because it was 10 p.m. for us. My parents, on the other hand, are the best. They dragged themselves out the door to pick us up dark and early! Let’s be honest though.. it wasn’t so much dragging as it was bouncing from excitement 😉

I couldn’t be more excited for this trip home. I can’t wait to see some of my favorites..

The sweetest picture ever.

I’m looking forward to stuffing my face with my entire family on Thanksgiving.

There will be LOTS of deep fried turkey carving!

I’m so, so happy to be able to be there when my cousin gets married on Saturday!

My favorite picture of the 4 of us..

And, of course, I can’t wait to celebrate my little bean’s first birthday.

Look how teeny she was!

Can’t believe it’s already been a year..

Ironically enough, we’re going to be celebrating our 1 year in California while we’re back in Baltimore.. but I’m ok with that. It’s going to be a good 2 weeks, my friends. And it’s a great way to start my week, for sure. No meal planning this week.. it’s a play-by-ear till Thursday. Fine. By. Me.

Food for Thought

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, are you able to be with your family?

Five Things Friday + Giveaway {11/14}

Hot damn, it’s Friday! I don’t know the last time I was this excited to see the big Fri. Yea, that’s what I’m calling it now. It’s just been one of those weeks.. you know the kind where nothing goes right? But it’s over and I’m looking forward to weekend festivities!

1. We have a friend visiting this weekend! Ok, he’s really coming out here for work, but the point is he’s here and we get to spend time with him tonight and all day tomorrow. We have big plans for tomorrow; it’s going to be quite the indulgent day, but anytime we have someone visiting, it’s always all about the food and drink. Just ask my parents!
   

   I’m still proud of them for holding their own with all of the drinking we had them doing 😉

2. Speaking of my parents, the countdown till we head back to Baltimore for 2 weeks is in the single-digits! 9 more days, baby! It’s a shame I’m not at all excited.
3. I got to skype with my nugget yesterday and as soon as we turned the cameras on, she walked across the room to get to me [alright, to get to the iPad and her Bubby, but I can pretend!] She just started walking a couple weeks ago and I can’t wait to play with her and see her run [or waddle] around.
   
4. As part of a campaign with Fit Approach, I received 2 bottles of WIN Detergent. It may not sound too exciting to you, but if you’ve ever experienced the post-laundry stinky workout clothes, you should understand my excitement when I tell you that this detergent is specifically designed to remove sweat, oil, and odors from technical athletic/sports apparel. Hooray for no more stinky workout gear! Haha.
   
5. Even more exciting than me getting the detergent is that they’re offering YOU the chance to win your own bottles. Click here to enter for a chance to win!
   Can’t wait? You can also get $1 off your purchase by entering the code WINGIVE1 at checkout.

And with that, I’m off for a fun weekend 🙂

Food for Thought

Any big plans this weekend?

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary shipment of WIN Detergent as a Sweat Pink Ambassador. All thoughts and opinions of the product are my own.

Five Things Friday {8/29}

I figure this post is better late than never and this week has been awesome so I thought I’d share a few highlights.

1. Mom and I got to spend time with Jilly Bean. She’s the best.
   

   Look at those big blue eyes!

   

   She looooves her Bubbie!

2. We got to head to our favorite bar, Max’s, where I had one of my favorite beers, Southern Tier Pumking Ale. And we spent time with my “cousy from another Bube” as she put it 😉
   

   Awkward family photo..

   

   That’s better!

   

   Smells like biscuits!

3. I went to a special lunch with my parents.. CRABS!!
   

   When in Maryland..

4. Spent some time at the happiest place on earth.
   

   Another awkward family photo.. that’s what happens when I say “PICTURE TIME!”

5. And extra Jilly Bean time!!
   

   She was digging those Cheerios.

   

   With her papa 🙂

   

   We were super excited about the place mat!

6. Plus an extra.. Mom’s home cooking. Love it.
   

   I could eat like this everyday!

I can’t believe it’s already Friday and this weekend is going to be NUTSO with wedding shenanigans but I’m so looking forward to it. Have a great weekend!!

Food for Thought

What’s your favorite part of going home?

A Pretty Sweet Weekend

..in more ways than one!

For Nathan and me, birthday celebrations [and most other celebrations..] are centered a lot around food and drink. It was a very nice celebratory weekend, for sure.

It all started on my actual birthday on Thursday.. a quick lunch, post-lunch ice cream, and dinner/drinks out.

Here, take my picture in the middle of a tiny sushi restaurant real quick!

Nothing goes with sushi like a little birthday ice cream.

A little post-dinner brew-ski.

Friday we kept it quiet and stayed in in preparation for Saturday.

An amazingly flavorful bbq & brew lunch [with dessert, obviously.]

Skyping with this sweet little nugget! Can’t wait to get my hands on her soon!

Pre-dinner drinks at Toronado.

Scoping out the kitchen at NOPA with my new chef friend who likes to pose for pictures.

Best seat in the house [in my opinion!] I couldn’t stop watching them cook.

A fabulous salmon dish.

And capping off the night with a birthday cake shot. At least now I can say I’ve had one…..?

Yesterday was a lazy day full of packing because we’re headed back to Baltimore today!! I can’t wait to get back home and see everyone again. It’s hard to believe that we’ll be there for a week and a half and are having trouble fitting everything in. Need. More. Time! We’re not only going home for more family time, but for our friends’ wedding! We’re both in the wedding and I’m so excited for all of the festivities that are starting on Friday. This is going to be a really fun trip 🙂

And when we get back, I’ll have a gallon of home-brewed kombucha waiting for me! I might need the whole gallon after so many more celebrations at home 😉 I’d say this is a pretty marvelous Monday, yes?

No meal plan this week.. who knows what we’ll be eating?!

Food for Thought

What did you do over the weekend?
Have you ever brewed your own kombucha?