Raw. Vegan. Chocolate coconut balls.

Do I have your attention??? Good, let me just say it again:
Raw. Vegan. Chocolate coconut balls.
SO delicious I can hardly stand it!

So, before I delve too far into the chocolatey goodness, let me back up and explain what has been going on with me lately. I recently made the switch to a vegan lifestyle. I’ve had high cholesterol all of my life and the only thing that has ever made any difference in the numbers is when I remove all animal substances from my diet. Until the beginning of March, I had been putting off the inevitable. I simply ignored the fact that if I wanted to get my cholesterol under control without the use of medicine, I had to go vegan. I finally decided it was time to make the change and I enlisted the help of my already vegetarian friend, Mindie. She had been limiting her cheese intake for her own health reasons, so she agreed to go on this journey with me (thank you Min!).

As a natural lover of food/cooking/baking, coming up with recipes and exploring new flavors and methods has been great.

Segue back to the delicious choco-nut elephant in the room…

I can’t even remember how I came across these amazing goodies (probably Pinterest), but I will be forever thankful that My Life in a Pyramid blogger posted this recipe.

Although I switched out a few ingredients from the original recipe, I’m sure the result is almost identical.

I had everything but cashews, coconut and chocolate chunks in my pantry. The cashews were the most expensive item on the list at a whopping $27 for nearly 2 pounds, but I bought them in bulk so I could try a vegan cheese recipe with them sometime soon. The organic, shredded coconut was on sale at Whole Foods for $1.99 and because I don’t use coconut all that often, the bag will last me for quite some time. Chocolate chunks/chips are a staple in my house, but I happened to run out of them right before I made the recipe.

Here is my altered recipe:
Ingredients

1 cup raw, unsalted and unroasted cashews, soaked for 8 hours in water
3/4 cup rolled oats, soaked for 8 hours in water
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut (to be blended in mousse) and around a 1/4 cup for covering each of the rolled up balls
handful of dark chocolate chunks
handful of raisins
4 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
1 and 1/2 tablespoons organic coconut oil
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash of sea salt

Directions
1. Soak the cashews and oats seperately in enough water to just cover them for about 8 hours. Overnight will probably work best unless you are at home during the day.

2. Drain cashews and oats and place in food processor (or blender) with all ingredients. Process until you have a mostly smooth mousse.

3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so mousse is easy to form into balls. Scoop out heaping 1/2 tablespoons and roll into balls. Cover with coconut and add a couple chocolate chunks to the top. It is easiest to put the coconut in a cup and roll the chocolate balls around to coat them.

4. Put in a container or on a cookie sheet and refrigerate until ready to enjoy. You may want to enjoy some right away, and that’s ok too!

Let me know if you attempt these yourself! And come back again for more adventures in vegan cooking.

Z-Day

That’s right folks – tomorrow is THE day. Zumba Instructor Training Day. Z-Day as I refer to it in my head as I also stress over the prospect of dancing for hours upon hours. Eek!

I have been thinking about this day since before I even took an official Zumba class. I love to dance (fitness not profesh), so it was only natural for me to be able to teach a class. And here we are. Night before the big day. Should be in bed already (well, I’m actually IN bed, just not laying down yet). Just a bit nervous plus anxious that I won’t wake up with my alarm.

Deep breath in.

Deep breath out.

And, I’m done with staying awake. Tomorrow is just a few dreams away.

Night folks!

Ugh.

That’s right—ugh. A few weeks ago I slightly strained a muscle in my right calf, but I had been icing and stretching and it was getting much better. Even my 15 mile run last Saturday did little to irritate it. I had a good 4 miles on Monday, but when I went out to do the same on Tuesday, I re-pulled that same pesky calf muscle.

I was running toward Wisconsin when it happened. Staying with my aunt and uncle in Zion, IL led me to find new running territory, and my path of choice was an old railroad track turned bike path, made of pressed limestone. The path was lovely, and straight; no hills, just tree covered serenity. Very much aware of being totally alone on an unknown path in an unknown area, I was mostly likely running faster than usual. The weather was cooler than normal, and the further I went, the more comfortable I felt, which made me run faster still. I was enjoying being among nature along this lovely path. I was also excited about visiting Wisconsin for the first time, and what a better way to cross the boarder than in the midst of pleasant run.

I never quite made it to Wisconsin, sad to say. I started noticing my calf fairly early in the run, and tried all I could do to stretch it and keep going without adding to the pain. I don’t know when exactly it got worse, but I came to a point where I could no longer run, and even walking proved difficult. I turned around and hobbled as quickly as I could back to where I had parked.

Since then, I’ve had a steady regimen of anti-inflammatory meds, ice and rest. I gave up my 8 mile run last night for some rest, and tried the leg out this evening to no avail. I cried walking around the block as I realized that I may not run again this week. I am supposed to do 16 miles on Saturday. The marathon is getting ever closer and I cannot afford to stop now.

Suffice it to say that I am frustrated. I am going to try out a bicycle for the next few days to give my legs rest from pounding the pavement. I hope to be back to running next week, and sooner if at all possible. If you think of me, pray that I will heal quickly.

In happier news, I was able to cook Monday evening for myself, my sister and our friend, Rory. We went to Rory’s place – a cozy apartment above his aunt’s animal clinic. It was a delightful evening full of tasty eats, ruddy beverages, mellow tunes and agreeable conversation.

Here is the dish I created:

Yummy marinated chicken over brown rice, topped with diced tomatoes, onions and garlic and shredded Parmesan, and a side of sautéed broccoli.

Although I have no pictures of the rest of the meal, Rory made a delish red pepper/walnut spread with toasted pita. And for dessert, we had some exquisitely gooey bars that Rory’s aunt made.

Until next time, and hopefully in better running health … goodbye.

Two long runs in one week?!

It’s been a while, but since my last post so many things have happened. I’ve just finished my first six weeks of training – I’m a third of the way through! Whew! Some weeks have been rough, boy were they rough, but I’m happy to say that my run today was glorious. This week was a little wonky because I started a new job and it was ridiculously hot, etc. My total mileage for the week was 18 miles and I did my long run for the week (7 miles) on Thursday. Well, along with the heat we got a good amount of rain, which put a bit of a damper on a few of my running days. So, I decided to combine two runs into one long run – my second of the week – this morning. Now, I typically run REALLY SLOW. And while my run this morning wasn’t fast by other’s standards, it was a huge accomplishment for me! I felt strong the whole time. I also ran the second half of the run 7 minutes faster than the first half – negative splits baby! It was SO nice to have a good run with good time. My body is getting used to longer distances and I am reaping the benefits – I am running stronger and my clothes fit a whole lot better. I also finally feel like I will be able to do the marathon. Up until this point it felt a bit iffy in my mind.

Anyway, I wanted to get a quick post in before I fell asleep. So, until next time…

Six miles down, only 20.2 to go…

Eek! This was an early (read rough) morning by my standard. I’m at my parent’s house in Michigan for the weekend and I knew that if I wanted to get a good run in, it would mean running early with my parents. Well actually, it was only my mom this morning since my dad has plantar fasciitis and cannot run for the time being. My mom needed to run 12, so she ran the first six, then came back to get me for the remaining six.

I’ve been having trouble sleeping, and last night was more of the same. Even with the wonder that is melatonin, I struggle to fall asleep, and once asleep, I am more fitful than restful. So when my dad woke me up at a little after 6 am—apparently I had snoozed through all three of my alarms—I was grouchy, still somewhat asleep and annoyed that I had not slept well. And did I mention that I haven’t been feeling well? Everything combined to make me quite unhappy about the prospect of running six miles.

But… I put my clothes and shoes on and walked out the front door. It was great to have my mom with me; I don’t think I would have been able to do it without her. We ran really slow, but we did it and now I am happy that it is out of the way and I can get on with my day.

I am not a good morning runner, seeing as I usually run in the evening, but I think I need to learn to be more of a morning runner. Especially for training this summer. It will be hot, and the morning might just be the only time that is cool enough to run.

So here’s to you, six miles, we’ve only got 20.2 to go…

Mid Night Musings

Since I’m already awake, I thought I would take the time to update my blog. For all of you wondering where I’ve gone – I think I’m back! At least I hope to be back. Since I last wrote, I quit my job in Lynchburg, VA, moved to Chicago, started a job, quit that job when it did not work out, started temp work, and am now looking for a full time job. Not until yesterday did all of this really sink in and begin to overwhelm me… which may be what is causing my insomnia.

Anyway… I’ve decided to change the focus of this blog and wanted to let you know about it. Instead of being a straight food blog, I thought why not include all of my forays into healthy living. So, like it or not, you’re coming on a journey with me. Cooking is a bit difficult at the moment because I’m living with family and most of my meals are prepared for me. (Such a blessing when one has no income!) I will still try to cook as much as possible and update you all when I do, but that side of things probably won’t pick up until after I get a place of my own.

All of that being said, this week is my first official week of Chicago Marathon training! My running since I moved to Chicago hasn’t been all that consistent because of circumstances, but now is really the time to get back into a regimented schedule. I’m excited to get into a routine and push my body to levels it has not yet reached. This Saturday is a 6 mile run – the longest I’ve done since last summer.  So glad to be running relatively flat around here instead of the hills in VA!

Thanks for reading!
Carmen

Meal in a Jiffy

What to eat… what to eat? Not 30 minutes ago I was still wondering what I would have for dinner. Although I felt both too lazy to prepare food and too cheap to buy something quick, I opted out of laziness and scrounged up some ingredients that I thought would go well together. I used whole wheat rotini, 1 medium zucchini, 1 sausage (the last of the andouille from the other night), most of a small onion and 1 clove of garlic. Once it was all finished, I tossed the sausage and veggies with the pasta and some olive oil, sprinkled some shaved pecorino romano on top and voila! Bon appetit!

Now I’ll be enjoying Dancing with the Stars, and working on my next article for Central Virginia HOME. (Shameless plug – look for my mulch article in the current issue!)

Dinner Party

I love dinner parties! There is just something about preparing a wonderful meal to share with friends. When I am cooking I feel at peace; that I’m doing what I was meant to do. And I’m completely over the moon when what I have prepared turns out well and my guests enjoy themselves. Well, tonight did not disappoint. Dinner was good, and it was great fun to spend time with Sarah, Ashley, Jake, Katie and Justin. Thanks guys for a great evening!

Now for the food… delicious salad, crusty bread, carbonara with saffron and a strawberry mascarpone tart to finish. Not quite “healthy,” but certainly worth sharing.

Thanks to Jake Ford for making the food look pretty.

Squashed

Today is the day I begin sharing my healthy food creations with you. I hope you’ll enjoy what you find here! You can be sure that I have already thoroughly enjoyed myself in the planning, preparation and consumption of these tasty treats.

Dinner tonight was a bit of a quandary at first. I was hungry after a run and didn’t want to spend too much time preparing food. In short, I wanted instant gratification. However, the acorn squash, poised so beautifully in the basket on the counter top, had my number. I couldn’t resist it, so as swiftly as my fingers would allow, I Googled a recipe. In no time (read an hour later), I was savoring each bite. The recipe was a simple one, calling for common ingredients that could be found in the meanest of kitchens — olive oil, salt, pepper, butter, garlic.