Abby: Tribute to Northern Virginia Restaurants

One thing that we do have a great deal of up near DC are some great restaurants.  I was lucky enough to get to try a ton of new places this summer thanks to my coworkers and friends having exploratory pallets.

 

After our NRECA team-bonding adventure to DC (scavenger hunt! so much fun), we all met up again for lunch down town DC at a place called Cuba Libre.  Cuban food...duh.

They planned it so that we didn't even have to worry about the menu. The restaurant just kept bringing out tapas style sharing-dishes. This one was black bean hummus, eggplant salsa of some sort, and a fish dish I am now having trouble remembering the name of other than how GOOD it was.  We had 3 different types of plant chips to dip with including plantain chips.

 

Chunky guacamole with pineapples.  Behind that is pomagranite ice tea made with their own fresh cane juice.

Shrimp rolls with Cesar salad. The rolls had shrimp, potato, and andouille sausage in them. Another winner!

Then I ran out of space on my memory card and decided to just eat. I can not wait to take my family back there.

Right around the corner from Cuba Libre (but on another night) I met up with some friends for a cup of gilato before we headed to the Keith Urban concert.  

I opted for 2 flavors: espresso and vanilla chocolate chip.  A combo made in heaven...plus I hadn't had coffee yet that day and was needing a pick-me-up.  The place is called Pitango (gelato). There are a few around, definitely go if you can!

Although Keith is a pretty good pick-me-up all on his own.

Oh Ballston how I will miss you and your wonderful places for lunch!  this salad was from Sweet Greens

unfortunately I didn't fine it until my last week of work, but I made sure to go back again right before I left. This is their Chic P salad with lemon hummus tahini dressing.  So big I couldn't even finish it all.  Luckily we have a fridge in the office so I could save the rest and take it home.  since I had half of the dressing left, I just added more spinach to the bowl and made the rest of the salad part of my dinner.

Now let's talk about Alexandria, VA.  Mike and I went out for dinner by the water one night and decided on seafood.  Honestly I had been craving seafood all day, but told him I was up for anything.  Lucky me!

We finally picked this little restaurant with outdoor seating called The Warf.  We split a bottle of wine, and ordered a crab cake for an appetizer.  it was amazing!  Literally the BEST crab cake I have EVER had, and I grew up eating a lot of them.

Neither of us could decide which of the 2 fish specials we wanted to order so we ordered both and split the difference.  One cedar plank salmon and one wahoo.  It was a fish I hadn't had before, but it tasted very similar to munk fish.  Not one for the favorites list, but still a night of seafood I will dream about.  

I wish I had taken pictures of more of the fabulous places we ate up there, but it all boils down to some great choices up there.  If you are ever going up there and need a suggestion or two, just ask :)

Abby: Final Days

It is that time again.  Time to leave the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia and get back to the southern splendor that is Blacksburg.  One thing that heading back to school means is the load-up trip to Costco!  You would swear that we didn't have grocery stores down there.

This was just the preliminary Costco run...but we ran out of time before I needed to get out of "the nova"

How necessary is all this?...ummmmmm.... let's just focus on what is there instead.  Pens and pencils (necessary), almond butter (cheaper than making my own), giant bag of quinoa (total STEAL), light chunk tuna, case of 5 Hour Energy (add half a bottle to a water bottle to jump start a lazy workout), and boxes of Kashi TLC Granola bars ( I live off of these)....yep, I'd say all necessary items : )

box #2 was full of apples, plums (under Kashi), more granola bars, canned chicken (so handy for quick meals), and Arnold's sandwich thins (more than I will ever need.  Thank goodness they freeze well).
At least I can justify this bunch.  The next trip will probably be  little harder...but I promise to try!

The bad thing about leaving for school is all the things I will miss.  Like my job that I LOVE!!!

or my friends who will still be up here. Hopefully I can convince a few to come visit for a football game or 2.  And of course, all the easy access to fresh fruit (payed for by the parents).  While I still plan to eat and buy local and fresh as much as possible, not having a job down there hinders me a bit.  But I guess we shall see...
Next up: FARMERS MARKET SATURDAYS!

Back to School so soon?!

Wow I can NOT believe how fast this has come! Back to school already?! I have been running all over the place with barely any time to pack but its okay cause I cant wait to be back at school and see you and all my friends that I havent seen ALL summer long!  I am literally babysitting up until the day I leave (tomorrow 5 am).  Here are a food blogs of what I have been up to the past week or so!

Last week I had a little time and wanted to make something with the extra bags of amazing frozen edamame that I got but only myself uses so I had to use it up before I left... It was cold and rainy suprisingly and I lovee spicy hot stuff so I made a kickin edamame chili/stew.

It may not look amazing cause my phone camera stinks but the colors really were just beautiful!  The green from the edamame, green bell peppers plus I added a can of whole tomatoes, several fresh chopped tomatoes from the garden, used up some corn (from the cob / farmers market fresh), diced onion and of course some garlic and crushed pepper.  For the seasoning I used cayenne, allspice, cinnamon, and once it was mostly cooked I added lemon juice and oregano.  It was delicious and great for a meal/snack/side with a salad/ or to freeze for later use!  

Ok so over the weekend I went to cape cod to my cape house.  My friends and I had a ball!  We were down on the beach the entire day enjoying the weather and because we live on the bay side the tide goes out ridiculously far (a mile I am NOT joking).  Anyways it makes for great.... clam digging!! We have our lisence so we can find whatever and keep it!  Without even meaning to as we were walking out to the water there were crabs everywhere and I happened to step on a clam too so we used out shovels and pails and loaded them in... Then we took them home and boiled up the suckers!  Talk about fresh!

Overall a great weekend and then yesterday had to take a picture of the gorgeous salad I was craving after too many drinks/food from the weekend... Here there is arugula (MY FAVORITE) with fresh local tomatoes, red onion, and a greek style pasta salad (pene, feta, sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, cucumber), it was a to die for salad and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit YUM

Abby: Summer Grillin

What does Summer mean to you?  To me it means time for playing outside, sunflowers, hanging with friends, tons of sunscreen (at least 45 SPF because I'm pale), and of course GRILLIN!  

Grilling is one of the most healthy cooking methods there is. Like baking and broiling, it doesn't require any water or oil (though you can put some on to reduce sticking and for a bit of flavor) and because it is a "dry method" no nutrients are lost from the food as they would be if cooked in water and then drained. 
Dry-heat cooking method: "Dry-heat cooking refers to any cooking technique where the heat is transferred to the food item without using any moisture. Dry-heat cooking typically involves high temperatures, meaning 300°F or hotter." ~About.com

At work today I came back from lunch to find some gorgeous goodies sitting on my chair.  Jennifer had too green of a thumb this year and ended up with too many mini egg plants and bell peppers...if that is possible.  I gladly took a few off of her hands. :)

aren't they cute!  I couldn't resist a Min-E photo shoot

ok just two more pictures I promise...

 at least until it was time to actually cook them.  I decided to go simple.  Cut the veggies from Jen up along with some baseball sized white button mushrooms, tossed them with balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and sprayed them with a bit of Pam canola.  Olive oil would have worked too, but with the grill temp being so high I was slightly concerned about the oil's smoke point.

They cooked up a lot faster than I anticipated.  Plus I was attempting to grill while on the phone with Nicole.  But close the lid, one flip, close again, and they were done.

I threw a corn on the cob that had been cooked up the other night on at the end to get some grill marks. Probably should have left it on longer, but I was getting hungry! 

 

To the pile I added two stalks of brococlini left over from last night's dinner and some fresh cherry tomatoes.  It was SOOO GOOD.  As if it all wasn't enough fiber, I grabbed a Kashi GoLean Trail Mix granola bar as I dashed out the door to meet Lizzy, Anna, and Karen for another night of dancing! Yes, that is right, 3 nights of country line dancing and Texas two-step in less than a week.  And I couldn't be happier! I've got to get as much in as possible before heading back down to VT.  Let the count down begin: 7 days!!!

Blog much?

Haha so I was lovingg reading your recent updates on all the fun foods you have been experimenting with and eating... salmon on salad is probably my GO TO at every restaurant so I loved the fact you made your own take at home using your own mix of ingredients - we always surprise ourselves with what works!
As for me, I have been making great stuff too just not getting the camera to work and my phone camera does NOT do justice!  So anyways, just to keep you updates I will let you know what I have made and if I can get a picture in from next time I make something I'll put it up!

Ok so last week I went blueberry picking with the kids - so much fun I loved it and couldn't stop picking despite the 2 massive pails I filled (p.s. blueberry picking = stomach FULL from eating them off the trees for 2 hours haha I just could NOT resist) They were so big plump, and the perfect sweetness.  I liked some of the almost not ripe ones because they tasted a little tart and I kind of liked it.  The farm was huge and with the 2 boys we rallied up 29$ worth of blueberries!!! WOAH but hey it was actually only $3/lb so it worked out that it was reasonable price.  They had a lot more than me because I didn't have a ton of money to spend on blueberries but none the less I went home excited to use these lucsious babies up! Wish I had a pictureeee!So what did I do with these beautiful suckers?....

1. Blueberry Muffins and a Blueberry Bread (same batter... most likely nott good at all for you but these are by far the bestt muffins you will ever ever have in your life! I will post the recipe on the next page for recipes!

2. I add about 3/4 c of blueberries to my cereal with milk, or to greek yogurt! With yogurt is my absolute favorite I savor and suck on each blueberry with the creamy plain yogurt hanging on YUM

3. Freezed some to suck on as a dessert and to use in drinks as ice cubes

4. Purreed some with milk, ice, strawberries and freezed in dixie cups for little popsicle later

Saturday was my best friends big party - her 2 sisters graduated; 1 from HS the other from Pace University.  The party was a BLAST! So I was naturally excited to make stuff for food DUH thats my thing! What did I bring to the party?

1. White wine BLUEBERRY sangria! - white wine (any kind), lemonade, lemon-lime seltzer, couple Tbs sugar, lots of blueberries, oranges, lemons and by the end of the night there was some watermelon in there too... so pretty!

2. Blueberry pie! - double layer crust just golden and crisp on top, gooey and moist blueberries bubbling through the pie holes to the surface - DELISH

3. I made yes unhealthy but man these babies are good - mocha peanut butter brownies... layered the bottom of the dish with cup reeses peanut butter cups, layered on the pre-mixed brownie batter (yes box stuff) baked as directions called for and when they came out I dotted the tops with more cutup reeses peanut butter cups... The brownies were still warm so they kind of oozed into the brownie a little but still remained their form so you could tell what you were eating... these were to die for haha cooked perfect kind of gooey and moist on the inside and the peanut butter just cranked it to 5 star ratings haha

4. Entree/Side dish - 7 Bean Salad
This is a favorite of mine I will post the recipe in the recipe pages.  It is such a colorful dish and gives great flavor, everyone enjoys it and it give you all the protein you need!

5. Greek side salad - was in the cutting mood so chopped up cucumber, onion, cherry tomato, mozzarella, olives and mixed it all together with a little lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, some balsamic, salt and pepper... added couscous to make it a super duper great dish and the colors looked amazing.. I was only missing a little basil and cilantro to top it off and make it just perfect but either way this dish is always a hit!

 Mixed field greens salad with cherry tomatoes in a warm homemade vinegrette dressing with lentils and carrots in the middle.

AMAZING potato salad... garnished with deviled eggs and cabbage lining the sides.

These are some pictures of the other foods served.. french style theme by my best friends sister Rahel - she is going to be a like food network star or something or your next rachel ray! I helped her serve the dishes for the party..

Abby: Let's Talk Breakfast

Everyone is always talking about the importance of breakfast. And that is because they are absolutely RIGHT!!!  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  It jump starts your metabolism and gives you the energy to begin your day.  Not to mention that for those looking to loose or control their weight it is a vital part of reaching your goals. 

When you skip breakfast, your body continues its fasting phase (sleeping) and begins to store energy in case of starvation.  This means that when you do eat, more will be stored as fat, your body's long term form of energy storage. 
The Key Points of breakfast are to make sure it has:

1. Complex Carbohydrates
2. Protein
3. Fiber
4. a little fat

But how do you get that? Lean protein, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
I LOVE Oatmeal. Honestly one of my absolute FAVORITE breakfast food.  I eat it just about everyday.  But sometimes ya just gotta mix it up.

I always forget how easy and quick it is to make french toast.  This breakfast literally took me less than 10 minutes to make.

French Toast: one slice of Ezekiel bread, Egg Beaters, Cinnamon, and a little sugar (Splenda)
I topped it off with a scoop of Sunbutter and another of apricot preserves (Smucker's sugar free), fresh blueberries, and a side of eggs (Egg Beater). 

I know it's a lot of pictures for one breakfast, but just look how pretty those colors are.  Can't blame me, I am an art major after all (Dietetics too).

HAVE A GREAT MORNING!

Abby: Texas Sized Salad and a Little Two-step

Last night Natalie and I decided to finally head back to Nick's Night Club for some country line dancing and Texas two-step.  It is my absolute favorite bar.  But first, I had to figure out dinner.  All I was craving was salmon and salad.  However, trying to get into a place that has that on the menu at 7pm on a Friday is Impossible to say the least.  Luckily we had exactly 1 large piece of salmon left in the freezer and a brand new bag of spinach.

 

As I put the salmon on the stove, I remembered my avocado sitting in the fridge. I had been planning on making guacamole for a while but kept coming home too tired...

Little did I know it was sooooo easy to make! Unfortunately Guac is not one of those foods that is cheaper to make your self.  It costs almost exactly the same...or you have to make a crap ton to get any savings$

Guacamole Attempt #1

1 avocado

1/6 chopped sweet onion

1 clove garlic

dash of salt and pepper to taste

splash of lemon juice (and lime juice cause I believe everything should have lime in it)

Directions: Put all ingredient in the chopper (or blender/food processor) and blend until creamy.  I should have let the garlic sit out a little longer to mellow a bit. The first bite was a kicker.  2nd day is sooo much better.

I put a big heap of it on top of the salmon salad.

It may have been an odd combination: spinach, blueberries, apple cider vinigar, cooked onions, salmon, and guac

But it was sooo good.  I definetly want to make this combo again.  Honestly I think it was the blueberries, onions, and guac that made it though.

Then I pulled on my brand new boots and danced the night away!

Gosh my feet are big   :O /  o well, they are gorgeous aren't they!!!

Abby: about as perfect as a day can get

What a glorious Thursday! I had worked extra hours earlier in the week so I got to take the morning off and only work a half day.  This was perfect because Thursdays are my long run days.  I put my post-run breakfast together last night.

Blueberry Dannon Light-n-fit plus 1/4 cup old fashion oats, stirred, covered, and put in the refrigerator over night.  Similar to KERF's overnight oats

But I call them Yogoats (yogurt+oats)!  I got to sleep in this morning by an hour, 6:30am.  It felt so good.  I had already laid out my clothes for my run this morning so I threw them on, grabbed a quick bagel thin, set the iPod and Kelly Clarkson and I were off.

 

Around Lake Mercer, over to South Run, around Burke Lake, and back for a total of 11 miles.  My longest run yet!  The high school cross country runners were out at the same time.  Definitely proving that I am a newby at this distance running thing.  I kept fixing my running form when they passed lol.  And their shirtless selves only served to remind me that I need to work out my core a bit more.  I was so ready for breakfast when I made it home.  But first things first.

Set the coffee maker and hop in the shower!  I love the warning label on the coffee pot. My fav: "DO NOT HOLD OVER PEOPLE"...seriously?

 

Then it was yogoat time!  I pulled out the mug form the fridge and piled on the blueberries.  For the coffee, I added a splash of Light Chocolate Silk.  Oh so good!  I mean come on is there really anything better than chocolate and coffee?  They go together like peanut butter and jelly.  Speaking of which, I need to make some more PB.  This weekend's To Do ist is getting longer and longer.

                                  

It was a perfect combo of hot and cold.  And exactly what I needed to refuel after the long one.  Drinking coffee with your carbs allows for more efficient glycogen store refilling.  As relaxing as this morning was though, it was time to get to work.

I packed a bag of office snacks and said goodbye to my morning retreat.  Snacks: bag of grapes, BIG bag of carrots, left over hummus from Aladdin's, and a sweet potato (of course).
Well, off to the work.  Time to make people healthy!