Catching up on the weekend?
On Friday I was jumping for joy about my return to running.
On Saturday I announced that I’m taking on teaching more group strength classes.
Today was a glorious day of nothingness. Pretty much all I accomplished was cooking, cleaning, yoga and a grocery trip. Awesome.
After eight solid hours of sleep last night (thanks in part to clean sheets – love!), I arose at 8:30 to find that I had a strong urge to make waffles again. Last weekend’s were just so good! I whipped up a quick batch of waffle batter (it is so easy to make homemade waffles – I never use a mix) and settled in with a cup of coffee and my Google Reader while the batter was resting.
Soon it was time to get the waffles going.
I stirred blueberries into the batter before making mine. I topped it with almond butter, Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup.
I went to a very crowded hot yoga class this afternoon. I will admit that I was slightly annoyed by how crowded it was at first but then I got over myself and totally got into my own practice. There could have been 10 or 50 people in the room and it wouldn’t have mattered. I just needed to be there. I am still having to take a lot of modifications and use blocks on the left side. It frustrates me that I’m having to dial back my practice so much but then I realize how lucky I am to even be on the mat at this point and again, I get over it.
I was determined to only make one trip out today so I showered at the studio and headed to the grocery after yoga for my weekly trip. I came home and got busy making the first pot of chili of the season! It has been cool and rainy here today and Brandon has been asking for chili since football season started. I finally gave in and deemed today the day. (Although I was wearing a long sleeved t-shirt when we sat down to eat and had to go change into a tank top because I was so hot from being in the kitchen! 😉 )
I always use my Dad’s Chili recipe (please be nice – this was my VERY FIRST blog post ever on Bakin’ and Eggs!!!) as my base and make modifications based on what I’m feeling. Tonight my modifications were adding a little green pepper in with the onions and doubling the beans by adding a can of black beans in addition to the kidney beans. Chili is so versatile!
And of course cornbread is a must with chili.
I put together a quick batch of cornbread and stirred a little cheese and jalapenos in. I baked it in my cast iron skillet.
Here’s my dinner all plated up with a salad on the side. I topped my chili with white cheddar, plain nonfat Greek yogurt and hot sauce.
As you can tell by this weekend’s posts, I’ve been back in the kitchen again and I’m loving it. I made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, Cheesy Herb Crackers, Waffles, Chili, Cornbread and another batch of Pita Bread for the week. I have really missed cooking like this and it makes me so happy to be back at it.
Do you enjoy cooking or is it a chore? Are you a baker or a cook?
Everything here looks so, SO good! I can almost taste it!
Aw, thanks Vanessa. I struggle with taking pictures with no natural light so I appreciate the comment!
I made chili last night too! I think an almost 20 degree drop in temperature and rain definitely sparked the desire! I’m SO GLAD you are feeling better to run again. Keep us posted, I for one want to know how your training is going!
Funny that you made chili too! I think the rain and cool(er) temps inspired quite a few people. I have a couple other friends who also had chili last night.
Thanks for the comment about running. You know I will keep everyone posted…whether they like it or not. I mean, the title of this blog is Peanut Butter Runner. 🙂
This looks great, Jen. I think it is so precious to see such a rustic meal in your dainty plates.
I love cooking, as you know! So not a chore. Ever!
Haha – I agree with you on the plates!
I know you love cooking too. Sometimes I talk to people and they just can’t seem to believe that cooking is my favorite way to unwind after a long day – even if we don’t sit down to eat until 9 p.m. I have so enjoyed having a lot of time in the kitchen the last couple weekends since we haven’t been traveling and I haven’t been long running.
I love baking and probably spend too much time in the kitchen. Your pumpkin bars are delicious and inspired me to make my own. I know I love your recipe, but decided to try one other I cut out a few years ago for pumpkin oatmeal bars. I am feeling fall with candles, cooking, and decor! So glad you are back in the kitchen.
This weekend we made buffalo fried quail for the first time. We are always trying new recipes. Sometimes I forget to visit the classics like chili. I might add that to next weeks menu.
CHILI!!!! One of the best parts of fall/winter! My roommate made some yesterday but it’s so hot it’ll burn your face off. Will have to make my own slightly less hot version that won’t send me to the hospital with third degree burns. YOUCH.
Q – that chili sounds intense…and like something my husband would love. He enjoys being in pain from eating spicy food. I, on the other hand, prefer a gentle, slow burn. 🙂