Brownies & Running

Hello

I am starting to think about the Holidays as we launch into October and all the delicious foods & fun.  I love Fall for so many reasons, the cool weather, scarves/boots and so many endless soup options. (I absolutely love hearty soups).  I can promise you this blog will not fall short on recipes.  Stay tuned...
My latest cooking adventure has been all about making the "healthy" brownie and YES, I think I have come close.  While not too low in calories, I can say it contains no flours, processed sugars or added fats or butter.  So far, I have made a traditional chocolate brownie and a blonde brownie (cause we all know blondes are more fun - LOL).  Both turned out awesome and did not last long at Cafe5400!  These are super easy to make and even easier to EAT...You've been warned!  

Ingredients:

Pam or Coconut oil cooking Spray - grease 8X8 Baking dish 
1 cup almond butter
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup pure maple syrup or stevia drops (both are amazing) *use stevia to taste
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of sea salt
1/2 cup sugar free chocolate chips - available at Whole Foods or Vitacost.com 

Traditional Brownies: add 1/2 unsweetened coco powder 

Blonde Brownies: leave coco powder out and add vanilla protein powder (I use the brand Muscle Pharm - Combat).

Everything goes into a mixing bowl...combine and bake in an  8X8 baking dish for 30 - 35 minutes at 350 degrees.  Cool, cut into squares and store in airtight container in the fridge. 

Enjoy!

Blondies

Let's chat about RUNNING: 

Oh my gosh, oh my GOSH....my half marathon is next weekend....Sunday, October 12, 2014!  I am super excited and nervous all at the same time.  While I have trained and I feel prepared - I still can't believe I am accomplishing a long time dream of mine.  I am nervous of actually running in a race with thousands of people but excited at the same time cause I know the energy of the crowd will move and motivate me.  It has been four years since my last official race, which was a 10k. 
I will keep you guys posted as I get closer...until then, wishing you all a wonderful week and reminding you to stay Awesome! 

Remember, it's all about sticking to the plan and not giving up....You can do anything you set your mind to....I am living proof of this...when I started training, I could barely run a mile without stopping!  

No EXCUSES!  

Still smiling after a 13.1 mile practice RUN!