A foodie's quest to turn up the heat through strength and conditioning with whole food and a hungry mind.

Showing posts with label drew's dressing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drew's dressing. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

WIAW #19 Adding Spice With Fun Fitness and Drew's Salsa




Last week I mentioned how I've been working to change up my exercise routine to be more focused on strength.  I've been challenging myself with heavy compound lifts like bench, squat, row, and dead lift, but Kelley has been doing the Supreme 90 videos my mom got me for my birthday, and I decided to try them too.

Wow! I thought I could use heavy dumbbells like I do in the garage, but the fast pace of the videos requires a lower the weight.  Besides the annoying people (I swear, this one girl looks like a zombie with floppy arms), the videos are pretty effective.  I'm soaked after it's over (only 20 - 30 minutes), and the muscle groups worked are screaming at me for the pain they just endured.  So that's good, right? "Muscle confusion" at its finest!

Have you tried the Supreme 90 or similar work out videos?  Basically P90X for the budget-minded and you use more weights. Kelley and I do them together sometimes, and there's just enough room in our living room for the both us. Nothing like bonding with your spouse through pain-induced, sweaty workouts!

Speaking of pain-induced, I had the chance to try all 6 varieties of Drew's Organic Salsas, and whew, the hot one lives up to its name. No worries, though, I love the fiery pain engulfing my mouth and slowly warming my insides.  Me? Crazy? Nah? Plus, spicy food boosts your metabolism. Isn't that what we all want? Mine must be revving like a Ferrari engine by now!
Everything you'd want in a salsa and nothing you wouldn't...

Chips and salsa used to be my only use for salsa, but now I use it as salad dressing.  I used several Drew's varieties as dressing, but loved the Thick and Chunky Medium salsa the most.  It had enough heat without numbing my mouth with spice where I couldn't taste the rest of my food. Probably doesn't help when I add extra cayenne, though....oops!

Really, all 6 flavors are wonderful eaten with a spoon and nothing else. The organic medley of produce and spice creates delicious salsa that's fairly low in sodium and uses all natural ingredients. Fighting the urge to use all of the flavors to top my salad, I chose to "turn up the heat" by baking something with a spicy salsa bite.
Cap added for "dramatic" effect...not for consumption

We had a lot of chevre (goat cheese) left that wouldn't last long, so whatever I made would by very goat cheesy and spicy with Drew' Salsa. I opted to make a whole grain protein cornbread with Drew's Black Bean and Corn salsa and goat cheese. I love using protein powder to replace some flour; post workout baked goods are functional and delicious!

There was still a good chunk of chevre left, and being the good husband that I am, I chose to make one of Kelley's favorite goat cheese treats.....goat "cheez-its"! I used Drew's Thick and Chunky salsa and goat cheese to mix with whole spelt flour, protein powder, and a few other spices to create a hearty and spicy cracker dough.

The crackers magically disappeared within a few hours! I'd say Kelley loved them! They have just the right amount of tangy goat cheese and spice in a crunchy toasted square had us addicted. Guess I need more Drew's and goat cheese! Recipes, you ask? Of course, they'll be on a post soon; I promise!

But now, lets move on to my exercise and eats.  A bigger than big thanks to Jenn at Peas and Crayons for hosting this fun foodie event every Wednesday!

Happy WIAW, Everyone!!







[B] Spicy Carrot and Cauliflower Dip; iced black tea with vanilla rooibos; [S] Drew's Salsa and goat cheese crackers with green tea; [L] Medley of steamed veggies and Wild Planet Tuna topped with Drew's Salsa; Zevia to wash it all down; [Workout] Supreme 90 video and mowing the lawn with a reel mower [D] Huge salad with radishes and grilled chicken topped with, you guessed it, Drew's Salsa; [D2] Chocolate squash and rhubarb smoothie with pistachios, Peanut Butter and Co Crunchy PB, CHO plain Greek yogurt, and pistachios; then a cup of chocolate protein overnight oats

If you haven't tried them, look for Drew's Salsa or Salad Dressing next time you're at the store. I mentioned their delicious Smoked Tomato Dressing in this post and how after Kelley is done, I'll use the bottle to fill with liquid and good something on the stove.  It's the best way to squeeze every bit of flavor out of the tasty, all natural dressing.

I want to thank Angela at Drew's for her kindness and support in helping to provide these flavorful salsas...Thanks, Angela!!

Have you ever baked with salsa? - Yes, see above.
Do you have a certain workout routine for each week or keep it varied and play it by ear? - I have to have a plan or I'll go crazy!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Spicy Smoked Tomato Salmon: A Heart Healthy Recipe on a Budget

In the dish and ready for work lunch...my favorite part of work!

Yes, yes, I’m breaking the rules and posting about an animal recipe on Meatless Monday. But it’s ok, I’m not eating it today, just writing about it…..that doesn’t count, right?

Did you have a good Easter? The rain held off for most of the day, but started to come down in the afternoon. At least the kids got to hunt for eggs; minus the few hardboiled ones that fell victim to the dogs running around…I guess it’s better than a bunny!

If you haven’t noticed, I tend to avoid most food I didn’t have a hand in preparing. As such, when we go to family gatherings, I try to bring something I made so that I have something to eat. The food served may not be that bad (though some of it is), but it’s just a quirky thing about me.

Are you the same way when it comes to going outside of your “zone” for meals? Even a little bit? I like to prepare things I enjoy, and think maybe, just maybe others will like it too. But if they don’t, no worries, I’ll just have plenty of leftovers I don’t mind eating. This is way better than just picking up a pre-made potato salad from the store (bleh) and being left with extras that’ll get tossed.

Last time I brought a big bowl of steamed Brussels sprouts and mushrooms seasoned with a few herbs and spices. Besides a few nibbles from other, the whole thing was consumed by my mom and me; I guess I get it from her.
How can you not want these tasty delights?

This time we just brought a salad with carrots and tomatoes due to lack of time since I cooked meals for Kelley, our work friend, and myself to have for work lunches. Needless to say, I finished the salad we brought with no dressing needed!

This will be the last week to cook food for our work friend since he found another job. He has been really happy with the lunches I cooked; he even said he’s lost a few pounds! I love hearing his enthusiasm, and wish I could still prepare meals for him to continue his success.

One meal he loved was an easier dish I cooked, but he raved about it and I quote, said it was “Awesome!” I’m very hesitant to make food for people other than Kelley since it’s not as rich as most are used to, so hearing this was exciting. I made it again (per request) for his last week here, and felt inclined to share this easy, and of course healthy, recipe. Maybe you can make your friends and family say “Awesome!” after serving this heart healthy dish.

My small cup of extras with celery "utensils"

Spicy Smoked Tomato Salmon  

(Serves 4)

2 bags frozen fiesta blend mixed vegetables; an Asian blend with edamame works too
6oz can boneless-skinless salmon in water; choose no-salt added if available
1 tbls cumin
1/2 tbls each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne; I add more to my own dish for extra heat
3 tbls dried or 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
2 tbls dried oregano
Pepper to taste
  

Steam all veggies in the microwave or stovetop and open can of salmon. Drain excess water from the salmon and add to cooked veggies in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well to ensure an even coating of Drew’s dressing; add a bit more if you need. Scoop and serve immediately or put in a container for a healthy lunch to put fast food to shame.
  
Optional extras: Mix 4oz of creamy goat cheese with the veggies for a smoky and tangy delight; replace some of the dressing with spicy brown mustard; try your own favorite dressing (just make sure to check for unwanted ingredients like sugar).
  
Kelley loves this meal too, so it’s not going away anytime soon; always want to keep the wife happy!
  
Do you have a meal you like to bring to gatherings just because it’s something you approve of and will eat?