Tag: Vegan

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 6:50 AM by Brittany, on August 8, 2014

  1. Can’t stop won’t stop with the rice cake/nut butter/epic topping combo. These two were pre hike fuel, and by that I mean I ate these before eating another ten pounds of food on my drive to the mtn.

  

  2. One of the recent search terms that brought someone to my blog from The Google was the word “shanked.” Yup, sounds about right.

  3. Those blackberries pictured above? They were free. I walked about a mile to find some bushes and filled a bowl up. Food tastes better when it’s free AND when you work for it.

  

  4. Every time I incorporate certain kinds of gluten back into my diet I swell up like a puffer fish. The puffiness lasts a couple days, and it’s annoying because WHO can avoid cupcakes – come on man!

  5. My coworker and I finished part of our Coffee Master project. It’s a giant board of knowledge. I feel like a proud mama.

  

  6. The amount of sweat I’ve been producing on my runs lately is probably enough to fill a child size swimming pool. So.Hot.Outside.

  7. This breakfast bowl. My face was rocked so hard.

  

  …and this dinner bowl…really just this bowl. It delivers good things.

  

  8. I found this style of Teva’s at Nordstrom Rack for $30 off original price. Basically I felt like a boss, and they are my new obsession.

  9. My cat is a model.

  

  10. I’ve been getting inquiries about what I’m going back to school for, and since I’ve been lazy about writing a post on that topic I’ll give you the Cliffs Notes version: Holistic Nutrition through Bastyr University. Bastyr is a natural health college in Seattle and the program will be a bit different than your standard nutrition program.

  I’m thinking about going for the B.S. in nutrition and culinary arts to open more doors for the future, and because it just sounds like a blast. This college has a huge focus on whole foods and how they affect the human body. Totally my speed, totally crunchy granola.

  If you’ve read my blog for a while you’ll know I was going for dental hygiene in the past, which thankfully is paying off because most of my prerequisite classes for that program transfer over to the nutrition degree. I do have four prerequisites needed still which I am working on now. Long story short that’s what I’m up to!

  More on that later…perhaps.

  Q: What’s your confession? 

  

  | 46 Comments Tagged Coffee, Coffee Master, Confessions, Nutrition, Running, Starbucks, Vegan

• Garden Harvest – Summer Veggie Salad Recipe

  Posted at 7:41 AM by Brittany, on August 6, 2014

  I’m in the final stages of finishing my coffee master training for Starbucks, and have been lucky enough to go through the entire process with another coworker. She and I were able to get together at her house recently to work on our final “project” for the store.

  

  After working on our project for a little over an hour I decided it was time for a break, meaning it was time to explore her property. She lives on a small farm fully equipped with cows, chickens, a goat, and best of all a small organic garden. Talk about bliss.

  

  I was absolutely ecstatic when I was offered to take some of the luscious bounty home with me. Local, fresh, organic, free produce!? You betchur britches I wanted some! With a bowl the size of a small horse completely filled with green goodness, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to get crazy wild in my kitchen.

  

  For starters I baked 4 small loaves of zucchini banana bread. I used this recipe and made a few alterations. It was very mild, and definitely needs something on top such as a nut butter or fresh berries.

  

  The real winner of this harvest was my roasted zucchini & carrot black bean salad with a creamy kale and walnut pesto sauce. I wanted to make something that would use almost everything I was gifted.
  

  

  So jazzed.

  Items from my bowl used for this meal were:

  • zucchini
  • carrots
  • snap peas
  • kale
  • basil
  • lettuce

  I also got some cilantro that I used for some taco salads, but I digress.

  Roasted Zucchini & Carrot Black Bean Salad

  

  Ingredients:

  For the salad:

  • 3/4 cup roasted zucchini
  • 2/4 cup roasted carrots
  • 1.5 cups boiled sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup black beans

  

  For the pesto:

  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts
  • 1/4 cup + 3 tsp water
  • 1.5 tblsp olive oil
  • 1 tblsp + 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 medium sized kale leaves
  • 3 medium sized lettuce leaves (or more kale)
  • 5 medium/large basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup snap peas (just the peas, and this is optional)
  • 1 tsp salt

  

   Directions:

  1. Slice your carrots and zucchini into desired size (you can see what I did in the photo above) and lay flat on a roasting tray. Roast for about 45-60 minutes. The zucchini didn’t roast well and was a bit mushy, but  still edible of course.
  2. Chop about two smaller sized sweet potatoes and fully submerge them in water to boil. Boil for about 20 minutes, be sure not to over boil them or they will fall apart.
  3. While everything is cooking you can make your pesto. Combine all your ingredients into a high speed blender or food processor and combine until smooth. You may want to add more water depending on how thick you like your pesto.
  4. Once all your veggies are done combine everything into a large bowl. This makes enough for 2 people with a bit leftover.

  Note: The veggies are all very soft, so something like crunchy chips or lettuce leaves will round out the texture of this meal.

  I used the rest of my lettuce leaves and I put just a dollop of the pesto sauce on top because I’m not a huge sauce fan. With chips on the side.

  

  I am amazed by the powerful taste of garden fresh produce. 10x better than anything in the store, but I suppose that’s a given! It took me all of three days to rip through this produce. I need a garden!

  Q: Did you garden at all this year? I tried to plant some cilantro, but the slugs got it…no excuses for next year! OH or winter veggies!

  

  | 44 Comments Tagged Coffee, Coffee Master, Farm, Garden, Gluten Free, Harvest, Recipe, Vegan

• Mailbox Peak

  Posted at 7:04 AM by Brittany, on August 1, 2014

  Sometimes I wonder why I do things. Like why I choose to put myself through the torture of climbing 4000 ft in only 2.5 miles. If you do the math, that’s a whole lotta climb for not a lotta distance.

  

  I successfully hiked solo, and by that I mean I actually felt solo this time. It was the perfect balance of people to where I felt safe, yet went multiple spans of time where I was all by myself.

  

  If there is one thing I learned on this hike, it’s that people talk to you much more when you’re solo. Aside from the “hiker must” of saying hello, I had a couple people help me with direction, and even a group of guys trying to “holler” at me. Yeah…no.

  Without the side conversations I would not have know to look for these white triangles while climbing through the forest. Oops, I missed that part when I skipped past the trail entrance notes.

  

  Where’s Waldo…can you see the marker?

  I have to say being alone in the woods was quite exhilarating. Despite my heart pounding out of my chest, and the sweat dripping from places I didn’t know possible this climb was amazing.

  

  Once I found my way out of the woods (seriously it was total brain work) a nice Scottish gentleman & I crossed paths. He informed me I could continue on the trail path, or Billy goat my way on the rocks.

  OK so he didn’t put it that way, but close. Guess which way I chose?

  

  

  

  The rocks! I had some practice on this hike, so it was a no brainier.

  The rocks gave a fantastic view of Mount Rainier, the neighboring hills, and some bodies of water. I was overwhelmed by all the beauty.

  

  

  I managed to make it to the top in just under two hours. I sat, I stared, I ate, I rejoiced, and relished my accomplishment. Toughest climb yet.

  

  What exactly is the highlight of this climb? There is a mailbox that someone brought to the top a while back (hence the name) and it’s caused this climb to be on many peoples bucket list. Myself included.

  

  Check. Add another highlight to the book.

  Post hike I wanted to eat all the things. Specifically all the carbs. So that’s just what I did. The Veggie Grill has a new sandwich and OMG.

  

  

  Of course no hike would be complete without restoring my sugar levels. It’s all a matter of science.  So I found my way to Whole Foods.

  

  

  Shut up and take my money.

  I’m extremely indecisive with baked goods, so mini treats are ideal.

  Best date I’ve had in a while…with myself.

  Q: What would be your first choice for a solo activity?

  

  | 61 Comments Tagged Hiking, Mailbox Peak, Mountain, Vegan, Veggie Grill

• Raspberry Chocolate Banana Oat Bread

  Posted at 6:45 AM by Brittany, on July 30, 2014

  One of my biggest pet peeves is when people don’t recognize a perfect banana. I get that we all have different preferences, but just because a banana is spotted or somewhat brown does not mean it’s “rotten.” My ideal banana is somewhat spotted, and never green.

  

  In fact when a banana has some brown to it/ is somewhat over ripe, this is when the nutrients are most readily available for absorption! Plus we all know that spotted bananas make for delicious treats!

  Two sights really captured my soul recently. A cloudy sky, and the above overripe bananas next to two containers of fresh raspberries.

  

  Two completely different sights, both with the same meaning.

  Baking.

  A hot sunny day hasn’t stopped me from baking in the past, but a cool overcast makes it much easier. We go through a lot of bananas at Starbucks, and when they start to look “not yellow”, they’re mine!

  

  We’ve already discussed the abundance of raspberries I’ve been hoarding eating in previous posts, and I decided to attempt a new recipe. Not only have I never combined raspberries and bananas together in a bread, but I’ve also never made my own flour. Until now.

  How I’ve never attempted the simplicity that is oat flour before is beyond me, but now that I have I can say with ease this is a new flour staple in my house. So easy, so simple, so delicious, and so CHEAP!

  Raspberry Chocolate Banana Oat Bread

  

  Ingredients

  • 2 1/3 cup whole GF rolled oats (before making into powdery flour)
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 very ripe bananas
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 flax eggs (2 tblsp fresh ground flax + 6 tblsp warm water)
  • 1 cup smashed fresh raspberries
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (plus another small handful)

  Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F and wipe a 9x5in loaf pan with coconut oil.
  2. Make your oat flour by using a high speed blender or food processor. Blend/process until flour like. This should make around 2 cups, which is what you will need for this recipe.
  3. In a medium bowl combine your 2 cups of oat flour with your baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a separate medium sized bowl combine mashed bananas, brown sugar, vanilla, and flax eggs until smooth and creamy.
  5. Slowly add flour mixture into the wet mixture and mix until well combined.
  6. Fold in smashed raspberries and chocolate chips. Pour batter into your oiled pan, and sprinkle a small handful of chocolate chips on top. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Mine took closer to an hour, I have an old oven.
  7. Cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove from pan onto a rack.
  8. Eat with a heaping scoop of vanilla coconut ice cream.

  

  I can’t express how much fun I had experimenting and creating this bread. Having an evening free to bake instead of work or study really made the process that much more enjoyable.

  I had two pieces right away, one by itself and one with PB and more berries, because you can never have too many berries.

  

  

  This bread is delicious, thick, & dense. Don’t bake this expecting light, airy, & fluffy bread. For a better balanced density use multiple mini loaf pans instead of one large one. I could care less, I ate every bit.

  

  I hope my friends at the Virtual Vegan LINKY Potluck don’t mind that I used raspberries for my bread/dessert again. I just can’t get enough!

  Q: What’s your favorite summer berry? Can I say all of them? 

  

  | 66 Comments Tagged Gluten Free, Recipe, Vegan, Virtual Vegan Potluck

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 7:06 AM by Brittany, on July 28, 2014

  1. Costco, you’ve upped your game with this one…

  

  Three pack of coconut ice cream!? This is pure gold.

  2. My washing machine broke and I’ve been doing my laundry Little Mermaid style for over a week. Minus the crab.

  3. I had my first exam for my Biology class, and I was a bit confused after seeing my score. Come to find out it IS possible to get 16 points OVER 100%. Then I got a 95% on my first lab exam. This is good.

  

  4. I’ve been running more, and enjoying it. Win.

  5. I found this gem at an antique shop in Fremont while wandering after my 5K a few weeks ago. I love it, and will hang it on my wall.

  

  1950’s matted photo.

  6. GoodBelly probiotic fruit drink was on sale so I bought some. I’m not a fan of the added sugar, but I am a fan of going to the bathroom…multiple times…in one day. I bought three more.

  7. In running I collect medals, in hiking I collect…highlights?

  

  Mid 70 MPH photo, don’t mind the shaky quality. Highlight indicates mountains CONQUERED.

  8. My Garmin officially reset itself. All of my history is gone, my settings needed to be fixed, and the beeping sound needed to be turned off. I guess I finally maxed out?

  9. I am obsessed with this drink. Along with the Ginger Spice flavor.

  

  10. I got EIGHT mosquito bites on this hike. They itched so bad at times they woke me up at night. So I busted out my inner granola and rubbed essential oils on them (lavender, peppermint, and purification.) I’ve never wanted to harm a bug so badly…

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 58 Comments Tagged Confessions, Hike, Run, Vegan

• See Jane Run

  Posted at 6:41 AM by Brittany, on July 21, 2014

  A few weeks ago I won a giveaway for a free race entry from P’s blog. Hands down the best giveaway I’ve ever won. I thought I “should” run the half marathon because it’s the distance I’ve raced for the last two years, but I decided to run the 5K. Best decision of the week.

  

  I hadn’t run a 5K “race” since April 2012, and to be honest 5K races really aren’t my thing these days. I don’t usually have a desire to spend $$ on a 3 mile race, but this run was a nice change of pace.

  Everything about this race was on point. Everything.

  It could have been because of my delicious breakfast brought to you by the lady Siren of Starbucks (Komodo Dragon drip coffee-black as night), and a vegan/gluten free pumpkin ginger muffin from The Flying Apron (a local/new to me company I am obsessed with!)

  

  

  THOSE GINGER PIECES!

  It could have been because this was the first race I didn’t stress about arrival/time(MY GARMIN DIED ON ME so I didn’t even use it for the run)/weather/fuel-the joy of a short run means minimal everything.

  

  It could have been the amazing location, with some of the best views I’ve seen on a run. We ran by the water for 80% of the 3.1 miles.

  

  

  See that concrete?? That is the running path. HELLO WATER VIEW!

  It could have been the atmosphere that was overwhelmingly positive, supportive, and full of fun activities. Such as a chalk board to write why you run, a post race photo booth, and posters for spectators.

  

  My addition to the “I run because” board. I run for food, and for a healthy life…full of food.

  

  Bottom right…someone had a different idea. Valid reason…

  It could have been the girl I focused on staying with, whom I thanked after for helping me run my new race PR. If I wasn’t running the half I told myself I had to push it for the 5K. Come to find out, having me on her tail pushed her as much as me chasing her pushed me. Win.

  

  It was so hot out, I was a legit hot mess…this photo booth was very forgiving of my sweaty face.

  It could have been the immense sense of independence and power I felt in running another race among 100’s of other women. I totally choked up while reading the “motto” of this race.

  

  OR it could have been the swag bag full of food I got after the race, along with a glass of champagne and a chocolate coconut bar. I’m not a fan of champagne, or any booze really so I only drank a few sips.  My post race treat was to come later, another C word…take a guess.

  

  I got a medal…for a 5K! This NEVER happens..too legit.

  

  I’m normally a chocolate cupcake connoisseur, but this carrot vanilla cake from the heavens was so.damn.good. After the race/stuffing my face with this cupcake beauty I wandered the area and then ended up heading to Green Lake for a few more miles.

  

  I will definitely do this race again, but next year I would like to run the half. If you have a SJR event in your area (two in CA, one in WA, and one in KS) I HIGHLY suggest you run it. There were even a few men!

  

  OH-and for all you number lovers, my official time was 28:25 (9:09 pace), which is 1:33 faster than my previous race PR. I say “race PR” because I’ve run 3.1 milers on my own time that were quicker. My best EVER in general was at a 9:01 pace. SO CLOSE to sub 9min/mi.

  Also, I’ve not run under 9:30 miles in months, this was indeed a push.

  Q: What was one of your proudest accomplishments from last week?

  

  | 41 Comments Tagged 5K, Gluten Free, Race, Run, Seattle, Vegan

• Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars

  Posted at 9:16 AM by Brittany, on July 17, 2014

  I didn’t plan on posting today, or even posting this recipe at all. I had a couple people ask for it though, and I decided that I wanted to link up with the Virtual Vegan LINKY Potluck, the only link up I ever participate in! Any excuse for baked goods is a good excuse!

  

  With an abundance of raspberries in my house these days, it’s no surprise we’ve been creating all kinds of raspberry based recipes.

  

  This recipe cred actually goes to my mom, the angel that had these delicious bars baked and ready for consumption the moment I arrived home after a morning run in the hot hot sun.

  

  We made these gluten free, but you can easily sub whole wheat flour if you prefer. Either way, prepare for a raspberry flavor bomb.

  Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars (V/GF)

  

  Ingredients

  For the cake: 

  • 1 1/2 cups GF flour (I suggest Namaste Perfect Flour Blend)
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil cut in pieces
  • 1  chia egg  (1 tbsp ground chia and 3 tblsp of water)
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

  For the crumble topping:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tblsp of gluten free flour
  • pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 2 tblsp coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats

  

  Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F and oil an 8in square baking pan.
  2. For the crumble topping stir together the brown sugar, flour, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Cut in your coconut oil* with a knife and mix-stir until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans and oats.  Set aside.
  3. For the cake stir together the flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in your coconut oil* until mixture is crumbled. Add chia egg, almond milk, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
  4. Pour batter into your pan and scatter your raspberries evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the set aside crumble topping evenly over  the berries. Bake until cake is well risen and golden- about 50 minutes.
  5. Remove, let cool, serve, and ENJOY!

  Notes: *You don’t want to use melted coconut oil for this recipe, but solid oil can be difficult to cut. Allow your oil to be somewhat softened as if you were using room temperature butter.

  

  I suggest serving these with a side of more berries, some banana, alongside your morning coffee, or underneath a blob of vanilla coconut ice cream. These were gone in a couple days, and now I need to decide what to make next! Suggestions welcomed! 🙂

  Q: How are you taking advantage of summer berries? We’re on our second batch of fresh picked, local raspberries. We’ve gone through almost fifteen containers.

  

  | 38 Comments Tagged Gluten Free, Raspberries, Recipe, Run, Summer, Vegan, Virtual Vegan Potluck

• Fancy That

  Posted at 9:15 AM by Brittany, on July 14, 2014

  I find it quite comical how my mind/mood works.  It’s not uncommon for me to feel a certain way inside, and the moment I express those feelings to the outside world they change. Indecisive much!?

  

  Case in point – anytime I feel like I’m in a running funk and I express it on the blog, I get the urge to run. So I’ve been running lately, not far, but I’ve been running. Partially to balance out the treats I’m enjoying.

  

  An abundance of raspberries means a crumble cake is in order.

  

  I find that when I remove the stress, or feelings of pressure from something, everything else just falls into place. Once I switched from the half marathon to the 5K for a race I ran yesterday, I was no longer dreading the idea of running and it became rejuvenating again.

  Fancy that.

  

  Even a 5K warrants a trip to Whole Foods.

  I’ll have a post dedicated to the race,  because it was too good of a run not to talk about. My entire weekend was good actually. The day before the race I went to spend time with a friend and explore.

  

  

  

  It was a fantastic day. Today I’m back to exploring the mountains, it’s been 11 days since my last climb!! Thank you 4 day weekend! 🙂

  Q: Do you ever feel emotionally indecisive when you make a choice one way or another? I’m even worse when it comes to purchasing things. 

  

  | 39 Comments Tagged Adventure, Baking, Explore, Running, Vegan, Whole Foods

• Does It Make Me…

  Posted at 8:37 AM by Brittany, on July 9, 2014

  Does it make me un-American if I say I didn’t watch fireworks on the fourth of July? I did eat some Mac and Cheese though, which I think balances out the former sentence. Vegan of course, and Brittany-fied.

  

  Tomatoes, jalapenos, broccoli, and avocado added to the mix.

  Does it make me innovative for chopping up some chocolate salted almonds for my banana/oat cookies because they’re all I had? I totally turned on the oven despite the 80 degree temps. Priorities.

  

  I just really wanted to use my fancy knives.

  Does it make me a lazy runner for switching from a half marathon to a 5K this weekend? I can’t pretend to be Zues anymore, running 13 miles with zero training just isn’t going to work. So I’ll run 3 miles and then eat donuts as if I ran 13. This sounds much better to me.

  

  This has nothing to do with running a race, but they portray why I am not in running shape. Hiking shoes = hiking instead of running.

  Does it make me inappropriate for saying that due to the aforementioned comment about the warmer temps, I’ve been sleeping with minimal zero clothing? I want to die every night.

  

  Does is make me obsessed if I can’t stop eating/thinking about the flat of raspberries in my kitchen? Local, organic, and only $10!

  

  Does it make me a genius for unintentionally figuring out how to soften dates? I left them in my car and the hot temps made them so perfect. Soft mushy sugary heaven for my crunchy salty rice cake.

  

  Does it make me easy to please if my morning cup of coffee at home right now is already the highlight of my day? I’ve been opening at work every day the last week, and coffee on the go is nothing like coffee at home with nothing but empty, quiet space around you.

  

  Does this make me an acrophile?

  

  Q: Fill in the blank: “Does it make me ________?”

  

  | 61 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Coffee, Does it Make Me, Hike, Mountain, Random, Summer, Vegan

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 6:21 AM by Brittany, on June 27, 2014

  1.  I’m back with a vengeance in regards to my rice cake addictions. The ideas are non stop, I need to open a rice cake shop. Latest and greatest: PB and honey rice cake with…jalapenos! SO good.

  

  2. I won a free half marathon that is scheduled for July 13th. I haven’t been running…at all…like..at all at all. I’m scared…

  3. Text messages like this complete me…

  

  I like to make treats for my hikes, and it’s nice to know they are good.

  4. I’ve officially been sucked into Orange Is the New Black…damn.

  5. Seattle is my favorite.

  

  6. I love my blog layout, but hate how it makes my pictures look. The only way to get a clear detail is to click on them..ain’t no body got time for that! Not sure what I wanna do because my pictures ARE my blog.

  7. My cat goes bananas for watermelon.

  

  8. I go bananas for Chipotle. After my near death experience while hiking last week (OK SO I am exaggerating a bit) I ate a burrito the size of a small horse…all of it…and I didn’t stop to breathe.

  9. My cat food costs me $40 for two small 6lb bags. My cats = My kids.

  

  10. Today I’m off to Seattle for a meetup full of coffee, donuts, and Green Lake adventures with Alex!! SO JAZZED! Happy weekend!

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 43 Comments Tagged Adventure, Bloggers, Chipotle, Hiking, Mighty-O, Running, Seattle, Vegan

• 

• 

• Search for:
• BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long hikes, deep connections, exploration, and lots of potatoes.

• If this blog does not meet your standards, please lower your standards.

• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

• ¿Quieres Más?

  Like my witty attitude and delightful charm? Enter your
  e-mail below for the party to come straight to your inbox!

  Email Address:

  Follow the adventure

  Join 4,726 other subscribers
• 

•