Vegan Lemon Blackberry Muffin

Well clearly I need a new camera but that won't be happening for a while I'm going to have to deal. 

I made these muffins Saturday. It is now Monday and they are gone. 12 muffins between 2 people in 2 days. Oops. But they were so freaking good. Here's the recipe...

1/2 cup vegan margarine, softened

1 cup sugar

3/4 soy milk (I used rice)

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (omitted because I didn't have any but next time I'll definitely use it)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Zest from two lemons

1 3/4 cups flour (I used whole wheat)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup diced blackberries (the recipe actually called for raspberries but my grocery store didn't have them...whaaaat?)

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease muffin tins with vegan margarine (I used cupcake liners, don't know if it makes a difference)

2. Beat margarine and sugar togethr. Add the vanilla, soy milk, lemon extract, lemon juice and lemon zest

3. In a different bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt

4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Carefully fold in the raspberries

5. Pour batter so that muffin cup is 3/4 full. Bake for about 17 minutes.

*Note: I made 12 muffins but I could have made up to 16 if I hadn't filled them so much...I just didn't feel like using two cupcake tins. Lazy, I know. Also, it took longer than 17 minutes to bake. Probably because they filled so high. I put them in for ~20-22 min...just until the crust was golden brown.

Recipe courtesy of The Part-Time Vegan cookbook by Charise Grifoni

Enjoy :)

The smell of freshly cut grass.

It was everywhere during my run today. Perfect weather too!! Although a not so perfect run. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad run, but it definitely showed me how out of shape I am!! 

5 miles at a 8'58" pace. I'll take it but boy do I have some work to do!!

Upper Body Workout 4/28

• Dumbbell Bicep Curl:
  • 10 lb x 15 reps (+34 pts)
  • 8 lb x 12 reps (+33 pts)
  • 2 lb x 15 reps (+32 pts)
• Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press:
  • 15 lb x 15 reps (+52 pts)
  • 10 lb x 17.5 reps (+50 pts)
  • 8 lb x 20 reps (+50 pts)
• Hammer Dumbbell Curl:
  • 10 lb x 15 reps (+23 pts)
  • 12.5 lb x 10 reps (+22 pts)
  • 15 lb x 8 reps (+21 pts)
• Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise:
  • 7.5 lb x 10 reps (+42 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 10 reps (+42 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 10 reps (+42 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 8 reps (+41 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 8 reps (+41 pts)
  • 7.5 lb x 8 reps (+41 pts)
  • 10 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
  • 10 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
  • 10 lb x 5 reps (+37 pts)
• Dumbbell Bench Press:
  • 15 lb x 15 reps (+52 pts)
  • 17.5 lb x 12 reps (+53 pts)
  • 20 lb x 8 reps (+51 pts)
• Dumbbell Flyes:
  • 12.5 lb x 15 reps (+23 pts)
  • 15 lb x 8 reps (+21 pts)
  • 17.5 lb x 5 reps (+19 pts)
• Lying Barbell Triceps Extension ("Skullcrusher"):
  • 10 lb x 8 reps (+10 pts)
• Dips - Triceps Version:
  • 6 reps (+15 pts)
  • 6 reps (+15 pts)
  • 7 reps (+18 pts)
  • 5 reps (+12 pts)
• Lat Pulldown:
  • 55 lb x 15 reps (+23 pts)
  • 55 lb x 10 reps (+22 pts)
  • 55 lb x 5 reps (+18 pts)
• Seated Cable Row:
  • 55 lb x 10 reps (+31 pts)
  • 55 lb x 10 reps (+31 pts)
  • 60 lb x 8 reps (+31 pts)
• Triceps Pushdown - Rope Attachment:
• 25 lb x 10 reps (+12 pts)
• 25 lb x 12 reps (+12 pts)
• 25 lb x 10 reps (+12 pts)

Finally keeping track of my weight lifting workouts so I can make sure I make progress!! I usually do 3 sets of the same reps and weights but I decided to change it up and go up on the weights and down on the reps each so we'll see how sore I'll be tomorrow!!

Plan Plan Plan

Life has been crazy busy lately. Even though I got married 8 months ago, started my first real job about 3 months ago and started a second part-time job 2 months ago,  I'm still getting used to life as an "adult." Throw being a perfectionist and introvert into the mix..it has been a bit of a whirlwind. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, taking care of cats, working and finding time to exercise. Plus, being an introvert I need time to recharge myself. I can only go go go for so long.

Working out has definitely taken a hit. Props to all you "adults" and parents who find time to stay fit. What is your secret? I know I know, just do it. Don't have time? MAKE time. No excuses. I thought for a while I could just play it by ear-just work out when I have time. Ehh. Wrong answer.

So from now on, I'm going to post my weekly workout schedule. Yeah, it might end up changing but at least I'll have something to go by.

Workout Schedule: April 27-May 3

Saturday (today)-Run at the local metro park. Attempt for 7 easy miles. We'll see how my knee feels about that.

Sunday- Bridal shower at 1. Plenty of time to get early, go to the gym upper body

Monday- Rest

Tuesday- Easy 4 mile run

Wednesday-  Lower body and abs

Thursday- 7 miles if my knee  feels good

Friday-3 miles

It's official

I am signed up for the Niagra Falls Marathon 2013! Let the training begin!! Sub 4 here I come :)

My version of texas caviar

• 1 can corn (no added salt)
• 1 can black beans (reduced sodium)
• 2 medium sized tomatoes
• 1 medium red onion (or to taste)
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper

Seasonings:

• lemon juice
• guacamole
• cilantro 
• Garlic Expressions dressing
• Add to your liking. I used about 1/4-1/2 cup guacamole 
• Be creative...add green onions, or vinegar or idk...some jalapenos! I can never just follow a recipe...I always end up changing something to make it my own!

 I put it on a FlatOut wrap with spinach for lunch. It also goes great with nachos or pretzel chips!

VegFest 2013

Yesterday the largest vegetarian/vegan expo in the country came to a city near me. My two best friends (who are doing the vegan challenge with me) and I went for the first time! It was full of free samples of great food. And the best part....

My best friend, Kaleigh, Scott Jurek, and Me!

Vegan ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek came and spoke. I also got my book, "Eat & Run" signed by him. I don't really get too excited/nervous about seeing "famous" people but man, this guy? Running races that are 100+ miles and training runs that are easily 30? When I downloaded my Garmin workouts today I had only ran like 40 miles this whole MONTH. Mad, mad, mad respect. And so down to earth, so humble.

 I got an awesome shirt by him as well that I still need to take a picture of. It reads "Pain only hurts." Ughh..perfect. It is going to be my new feeling down, pick me up, never quit keep going shirt. 

Veggie Muffins

I love sautéed vegetables. 

I made these vegan veggie muffins the other day inspired by bettycrocker.com. I have a tendency to find recipes and make a bunch of changes while I'm using them. To make this recipe vegan, I had to. I experimented for the first time replacing eggs with flax seed. I think I may have cooked the vegetables in a little too much oil and it caused the bottom crust to be soggy (which is made out of Bisquick- and yes, it's vegan!!) I will post the recipe soon :) Once I perfect it I can definintely see it being a quick and easy party dish!

Boston Marathon 2013

I've been struggling a lot lately with the horrible things that happen in the world. My heart goes out to those who suffer. How can I be happy when there are people so many people out there going horrible tragedies in their lives? I feel guilty for being so lucky. I try to appreciate everything I have and be grateful for how blessed I am. 

My eyes filled with tears when I heard the news. My throat has a lump as I watch the news. I just don't understand how someone could be so selfish and hurt innocent people. 

My thoughts and prayers are in Boston tonight.

Upper body

I've taken a little break from weight lifting because I was doing a lot of yoga. The past couple weeks I started lifting again and danggg it feels so good. I also lifted heavier with shorter reps. Note to self: record sets and reps so I can track my progress!!

I need to find an efficient plan. I want to lift no more than 2-3 days per week..I just don't know how to split it up. Any good websites for lifting programs?

The ABC's of Michelle

The ABC’s of Brittany:

Addictions: Marshal and Lily, running, House Hunters, cooking, weight lifting, nature, Vampire Diaries...to name a few

Bed size: Queen! My husband and I slept in a twin bed when he would visit me in college...not so comfortable.

Chore you hate: Is it weird that I LOVE doing housework? Hand me a vacuum and I'm a happy girl. I will say I don't like laundry..well drying to be exact. Either the clothes get too dry and shrink or not dry enough and you have to hang them up...too bad in a one bedroom apartment there isn't any room for that

Dogs or cats: need I say more?

Essential start of your day: Breakfast! Usually cereal with rice or soy milk, fruit or pb and j. Sometimes left overs if I'm feeling sassy.

Favorite color: GREEN. Like the grass and the trees. I'm obsessed. If I could I would live in a forest with a house made of windows.

Gold or silver: Gold. I'm very into natural colors...dark green, dark blue, grey, black, brown yada yada and I feel like gold goes a long with that color scheme

Height: I always thought I was 5'4" and about a month ago I found out I was 5'5"! I have been trying to have better posture and doing a lot of yoga lately!

Instruments you play (or have played): Unfortunately none at the moment (unless you count playing jingle bells on the piano) but I got a guitar for my birthday so I'm going to start learning in a couple weeks

Jobs titles you’ve had: babysitter, dining room attendant, stocker, hostess, front desk associate, and my favorite, clinical dietitian :)

Kids: Can't wait to be a mama! But we are...not for a few more years

Live: Michigan...my entire life. All of my family is here so I'll never leave for ever but I would love to live somewhere else for a few years...somewhere warm where it isn't 30 degrees in the middle of April!!

Mom’s name: Sue

Nickname: Chilidawg...I know, I know. Inspired by my maiden name, Scarchilli

Overnight hospital stays: None so far. Only a few ER visits for my nut allergy 

Pet peeve:  Tailgaters. Because riding my ass is really going to get you where you're going that much faster right? Also, close minded people. Don't even get me started. 

Quote from a movie: Not a movie but a show..."Which kind of bear is best?..." If you know where thats from I'll love you forever

Right or left handed: Righty

Siblings: My sister, Maria, and my brothers, Mike and Matt.

Time you wake up: For work between 5 and 5:30, weekends between 7 and 8. I really dislike sleeping in, I feel like it wastes my day.

Underwear: Whatever is comfortable and on sale! 

Vegetables you dislike: Try as I might, I have not gotten myself to like kale. If it is in a recipe, fine but not as a side.

What makes you run late: Misjudging the time, thinking I can get ready as fast as a cheetah when I'm usually more like a turtle.

X-rays you’ve had done: Just routine teeth x-rays at the dentist. I've been pretty injury free...knock on wood.

Yummy food you make: Uhhh...everything? Lately it has been vegan chocolate peanut butter muffins. My vegetable soup came out pretty good and my husband loves my breaded chicken. I also made a potato casserole that was a hit at thanksgiving.

Zoo animal: Llama and alpaca!! They are so stinking cute.

Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffin

I definitely need to work on my picture taking skills! My camera is broken so I have to rely on my phone!

Prep time:15 Mins

Cook time:15 Mins

Yields:9 Regular Size Muffins

• 
  

Ingredients

• 1 cup All Purpose Flour
• 2/3 cup Quick Cooking Oats)
• 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 1 tablespoonBaking Powder
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter (I used creamy)
• 1 cup Rice Milk

PROCEDURE:

1. Preheat the oven at 400F/200C for 15 minutes. Grease with little cooking spray or line the muffin tins with paper liners and set aside.
2. In a large bowl combine together the flour, oatmeal, cocoa powder, sugar and baking powder.
3. In a small sauce pan, over low heat, melt peanut butter in milk, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Once the peanut butter mixture is cool, incorporate it into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan filling it to the top of each cup.
6. The above batter was enough for 9 large muffins. I tried a batch with 12 and they were fluffier but kind of dry. I found 13 minutes to be a good time. 

TASTE:

1. The less you cook it the more dense and fudgy it will be. When I cooked it longer/made 12 instead of 9 it was a little drier

MY NOTES:

1. Rice milk can be substituted for any type of milk
2. As mentioned in the Procedure, either adjust the oven temperature or the baking time to get perfect muffins.
3. I tried a couple of "cookies" with the batter and they turned out great...super fluffy and moist. Next time I'm going to make a whole batch of them.

*Disclaimer: I did make a few small changes but
Recipe courtesy of: http://www.egglesscooking.com/2009/10/13/vegan-peanut-butter-muffins/