Almost Springtime

February 28, 2016Leave a comment

Yesterday was absolutely perfect. Saturday. 72 degrees and sunny. The best conditions to go exploring.

Brad got me a really cool book about Arkansas hiking trails for Valentine’s Day. We finally got to mark one trail off our list. 100 more to go.

We live in the heart of the city, but it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful trails in the state.

Because it was sunny and 72, we decided to go to Pinnacle Mountian, but we opted not to climb it because it was swarming with people.

So we explored a trail neither of us had ventured down, the Ouachita Trail. It’s a 222 mile trail that starts in Oklahoma and ends at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

I have not idea how far we went on the trail, but we spent a good portion of time outside exploring.

And it was beautiful.

It was so pretty. A truly perfect day. They don’t get much better than that.

This is Supper

February 25, 20161 Comment

I’ve been eating a ton of junk food. The more junk food I eat, the more I want junk food. They should call it funk food.

Let me just tell you about the past couple days. Chick-Fil-A. Chinese food. Tropical Smoothie…twice.

This has been going on for at least three weeks. And I can totally tell. I’m lethargic. And cranky. And all I want to do is stuff my face full of Oreos. It’s stupid.

In my defense, it’s been a really busy week. But that’s no excuse. I can do better. My priorities are out of whack.

So I tried to fix it with supper tonight. I channeled the mantra my mom preached to me while sitting at the dinner table when I was a little girl.

This. Is. Supper.

She’d say this because I had a tendency to not eat whatever she cooked for supper, and then I’d ask for cereal or scrambled eggs or little green peas at 10’o clock at night.

I made a turkey sandwich on a whole wheat English muffin. I topped it with cheese, greens and a bit of ranch dressing. There was also a side of baby carrots.

And that is supper.

Not fast food. Not junk food. Just a light meal to help get me on the right track.

The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich

January 31, 2016January 31, 2016Leave a comment

How do you master the art of the perfect chicken sandwich?

I’ll tell you the truth. I’ve never tried to make one. So many restaurants make delicious chicken sandwiches, I’ve never felt the need to make one of my own.

Until today.

The ultimate chicken sandwich was born. And you’ll never want another fast food substitute again.

What you’ll need:

Thin-cut chicken cutlets
Bacon
Pepper jack cheese
Buns
Lettuce
Tomato
Avocado
Ranch seasoning
Smidge of butter

Fry some slices of bacon. Get it crispy.

While the bacon cooks, prep your chicken and coat it in ranch seasoning. I used about half a packet, maybe less. But sure to give it a coat of black pepper, too.

Sauté the chicken in the bacon grease. Yep, in the bacon grease. You’ll like it. I promise.

Turn on the broiler, and butter the hamburger buns. Broil until butter is melted and buns are toasted.

Once the chicken is cooked completely, place a few slices of bacon on the chicken and top it with a slice of pepper jack cheese. Put a lid on your pan so the cheese can get melty.

Assemble the sandwich. I topped my chicken, bacon and pepper jack cheese sandwich with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced tomatoes and fresh avocado.

I made some fried potatoes to serve as my Southern “French fries.”

Nobody at the table complained.

It’s a messy, delicious sandwich. You won’t be sorry you made it.

A Decadent Brunch

December 6, 2015Leave a comment

I love Sundays. It’s my favorite day. I always feel most creative in the kitchen on a Sunday. Like it’s the last day before the work week where I can truly create something beautiful and delicious and have time to do so.

Yesterday I ate lunch at a local bakery, and a friend of mine bought a loaf of chocolate brioche.

Chocolate brioche is one of my favorite breads. So buttery and delicious, and the chocolate makes it extra special. Rich and sweet without being overpowering.

I usually just eat chocolate brioche slightly warmed in the toaster with a side of coffee.

But today I thought it’s Sunday. And what could be better for Sunday brunch than chocolate brioche French toast.

Y’all. This will change how you think about French toast. I’d go as far as saying it will change your brunch life.

What you need:

A loaf of chocolate brioche from your favorite local bakery
2 eggs
A splash of half and half
A splash of vanilla extract
Two dollops of Kerrygold butter
Cinnamon (optional)
Maple syrup (optional)

Heat up a skillet with the butter. Cut semi-thick slices of the chocolate brioche. Whisk together the eggs, half and half and vanilla.

Dredge the slices of brioche in the egg mixture. Cook until both sides of the toast are golden.

Put it on a plate and finish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a tiny drizzle of maple syrup.

This is definitely one of those recipes you don’t want to drowned in syrup. It’s already a rich bread without coating it in egg and frying it in butter. So go easy on the toppings.

But Lord have mercy, this is a game changing brunch item. My advice would be to pair it with bacon or sausage to help curb the richness.

It’s perfect for lazy Sundays spent doing laundry and binge watching movies on Netflix.

Saturday Escapades in Life and in Running

October 10, 2015October 10, 2015Leave a comment

While Sundays are my favorite day, I adore Saturdays.

I’m in a pretty set routine for Saturdays right now. I am mentoring two amazing ladies through a 10K training program. So every Saturday I’ve been getting up well before the sun to run with them. And it has been the most wonderful experience.

I’ve trained people for 5Ks before, but never a 10K. It’s completely different. I’ve found myself less focused on myself during long runs, and more focused on them working through any issues. Or just reminding them they have ran 45 minutes without stopping or complaining or death.

This morning after our four mile run they both looked at me and said they have finally experienced the feeling of losing themselves during the run. Being in the zone. Shutting their minds off. I have told them about this moment many times, but to be there when they experience, it is the most fulfilling feeling.

Because that’s why I run.

To shut off my thoughts. To experience what my body can do that day. To push myself. To feel truly alive.

It is hedonic.

And now they know.

I’ve finally mentored them to the place I try to take myself every time I go on a run. And that is truly something special. And it couldn’t have been a better morning to do so. Arkansas is a pure place to run and experience nature. An outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Miles and miles of paved and unpaved trails at your leisure. I’m lucky to call this my backyard.

After my Saturday morning run, I always make breakfast. But this morning I got a little overzealous. My eyes were a little bigger than my stomach.

Coffee and a huge egg scramble full of Black Forest ham, eggs, Parmesan cheese, yellow bell pepper, shallots and topped with more cheese, fresh tomatoes and ripe avocado. I also had a side of chocolate milk to aid in muscle recovery.

And now I sit at my favorite coffee shop with a The Head and The Heart playlist in my ears, a pot of green tea and my Series 7 study materials, and I feel utterly content.

The first day in the past month where I’ve felt completely at ease.

Present.

It’s a good feeling.