Lehigh Valley Magazine Post

Exciting News!  I just posted my first article as a Contributing Blogger on Lehigh Valley Magazine’s website.  For this, I have been chosen to submit articles several times throughout each month in the categories of Food & Dining and/or Fitness & Health. 

Are you a runner who wants to make a comeback?  Do you have an ambition to train and race again?  If so, check out my tips for returning to running.

To see the article, click on the link below to be redirected to their site and find my post titled "Making a {Running} Comeback."

Lehigh Valley Magazine

I would love to hear some feedback!

In addition, I ran eight miles yesterday on my own.  I missed my pal, Lauretta, since she is on the other side of the state doing some racing and wine tasting!   

Friday was an absolutely beautiful day compared to today's miserable cold rain.  I covered eight in 59:32, which equates to a give-or-take pace of 7:26.  The first half of the run was a little shaky, but I got my second wind and was good to go.  

Fred and I are about to head to Wegman's.  Cream of Asparagus soup today since it's a perfect day for soup.  Yum!  Recipe coming soon....


Have a great Saturday!


Tracy

Meeting Giada!

After a few hours spent in a Wegman's grocery store, I finally was able to meet Giada DeLaurentiis.  Crazy?  Yes.  I know.   

Around 4:00 pm I lined up to get my ticket where they assigned letter blocks.  I was in group F and from what I learned, there were about 20 people per block. 

This process took about 20 minutes and once I was in the store, I decided a skinny vanilla decaf latte was in order.  Would you believe....no line for coffee!

The original voucher...

There were displays of Giada's old and new books located around the store. 

Wegman's also had a tasting station featuring a few of the recipes from the book.  

Peanut Butter Cookies with Blackberry Jam.  Delicious!

Vegetables in Red Curry over Rice.  Very good! 

Giada's arrival!

The signing...

That's me in the pink...

I think my daughter was even more excited to meet Giada than I was.  Giada asked her a few questions such as her name, age and if she likes to cook.  We told Giada that we watch her show all of the time.  She was very friendly and Payton left there on "cloud nine."  Who knows...maybe we have a budding chef in our future?  

As for running, I plan on getting out there for a 9 mile trek on my own.  I'm thinking that I'll probably have to muster up some motivation to do a long run after school, but on the bright side...it's Friday!!

Enjoy your day!

Tracy

A New "Food Find"

Morning!  It's finally Thursday, March 29th and today I will meet my food idol, Giada DeLaurentiis!  

After school I will be heading up to the Allentown Wegman's for her book signing and I will be sure to bring along my camera.  More details on that tomorrow. 


On to the post of the day...


Last weekend I picked up these Baked Lentil Chips in the organic section of my local grocery store.  As you can see, the bag is a little wrinkled and tattered because my husband got a hold of them.  He's not very delicate with food handling and he loved them!  :)

These chips are high in fiber, low in fat and gluten free...all good things in a snack.  I like to dip them in hummus, top them with a Laughing Cow spreadable cheese wedge, or just eat them plain.  They also have a wonderful crispy, airy texture. 

Take a look at all of the good ingredients...

These chips come in a variety of flavors including Rosemary, Roasted Pepper, Cucumber Dill, Parmesan Garlic, and Cracked Pepper.   They also have other available items such as crackers, multi-grain chips, veggie chips, and Wingers (which I think is like a chicken wing-flavor chip). 

The Mediterranean Snacks website includes recipes, snaking ideas, and their own blog.  

Mediterranean Snack Foods

I always like learning about new products that are not only delicious, but also healthy for my family so I thought I would pass this little snack on to you.  I hope you enjoy them!

Do you have any new "food finds" to share?  I would love to hear from you!


Have a great Thursday!


Tracy

Night Out on the Town

Happy Wednesday!

Once the school dismissal bell rang yesterday, the second half of my day began...

First, I got a quick run in with my friend, Katie.  She wanted to do about 3 and I wanted to get in 5, so we started our jaunt together.  Here we are just before departing from school.

It was warmer than I thought and I hate it when I overdress for a run.  It's a pet peeve of mine.  Katie was smart to bring shorts! 

After the run, I raced home and got a quick shower before heading out to an open house at the Marriott Courtyard with my husband.  Fred was invited to attend this event since he houses far away teams that are in town for sports tournaments and games.  Of course...I was his date!  

I particularly thought this area was cool.  Marriott opened up the lobby to encourage guests to hang out in the evening, rather than be stuffed alone in a quiet hotel room.  The decor was very modern, bright, and inviting.  Notice the bright orange?  Yep...the color of the moment!

After the hotel event, we decided to head out on the town for a nice dinner since we were "childless" for the evening.  Fred and I wanted to try something new and different.  You know...step out of the box and experiment with a new restaurant.  Our final destination...Lee Gribbens on Main in Emmaus.  

This picture above was taken from the internet and it doesn't do the place justice.  Neither do the photos below since they were taken using my Blackberry.  Trust me...the food was outstanding!  

Here's the very fuzzy "Specials" menu.

Each table was adorned with this cute little plant, along with their daily drink specials.  Fred and I were on the boring side and settled each with a glass of red wine rather than with a fun drink.

When Fred and I go out, we like to each order something different and then share the entrees.  About half way through, we switch!

Fred ordered the Beef Stroganoff that was featured on the "Specials" menu.  The beef tenderloin tips were cooked to a medium perfection and the sauce was flavorful, but not too heavy.  It was served over pasta. Yum!

I took a chance and ordered the Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry over Rice.  The tender chicken pieces and al dente vegetables were mixed in a brown sauce that was sweet at first, but then ended on a rather spicy note. 

We were pleasantly surprised with both dishes and would definitely make a return trip to this restaurant.  In addition, both meals were served piping hot and remained that way all the way through.  Delish!

We ended the evening relaxing with Willsey and watching the very funny movie, Chuck and Larry.   

What's up for tonight?  Hopefully a quick run after school and a banquet for Via, an organization we both support.  

I know, I know, I am am due to post a new recipe.  This has been a crazy week and one will be coming soon.

Make it a great day!

Tracy

  

The Need for Speed + A Gift Idea.

Happy Tuesday!  How are you this morning?


Today I have a recap of my speed workout from the weekend, plus a cute gift idea that could be given to anyone...

First, the other day Jesse and I did a pyramid-type miler's workout on the track.  

On the docket: 3 x 200, 2 x 300, 1 x 600, 2 x 300, 3 x 200, plus a fast 300 at the end.  Basically, we wanted to do all of our intervals at a pace that is faster than what I would run a 1500.  It was a beautiful, sunny day but the wind was horrible on the third turn.  We made the most of it and here's what we did... 

Work-out: 

1.5 mile warm-up + drills

3 x 200-- 35.14, 35.85, 34.64 (1 minute rest in between each) 4:24 - 1500m pace

3 minutes rest

2 x 300-- 54.12, 54:65 (1 minute rest in between each) 4:31 - 1500m pace

3 minutes rest

1 x 600-- 1:57  (4:53 - 1500m pace)

3 minutes rest

2 x 300-- 54.62, 55.11 (1 minute rest in between each) 4:34 - 1500m pace

 3 minutes rest

3 x 200-- 35.35, 36.21, 34.57  (1 minute rest in between each) 4:25 - 1500m pace

3 minutes rest

Last 300 -- 52.87  (70.5 through 400m, or 4:24 1500m pace)

Mile cool-down

My legs definitely felt better than when we ran last week's mile repeats...thank goodness!  


On another note: I have a quick and cute birthday gift idea for someone of any gender or age.  Both of my girls were recently invited to separate birthday parties and they both happened to be for boys.  My question...what the heck do I get a 7 and a 10 year old boy for their birthday?  The light bulb finally went off and I came up with this... 

I purchased these plastic popcorn baskets at Target (2 for a $1.00) and filled them with paper grass at the bottom.  Next, I added some candy and a gift certificate to the local movie theater.  Once assembled, I wrapped it all up in cellophane and secured the package with a pretty bow.  Voila!  A perfect gift for a movie lover of any age!   Hope you can use this idea in your future. 

Ok, I'm off to get ready for school.  Make it a great Tuesday!


Enjoy!

Tracy

                    

                     

{Wine} March Madness - Eastern Tour

Hello!

A few weeks ago I posted about our wine tasting experience at some of the local vineyards here in the Lehigh Valley.  As the "Sweet 16" basketball games were being played throughout the weekend, Fred and I decided to venture out to do some March Madness of our own...via wine!

Here is the previous post...

Wine Tasting - Western Tour 

First stop: Franklin Hill Vineyard in Bangor, PA.

For the final weekend of March Madness, they were featuring desserts.  We had a sampling of chocolates, biscotti, fruit, and brownies made with their wine.  

We tasted a variety of wines on their list ranging from dry whites to sweet reds.  They also had a new meritage of three grapes that were melded into one wine titled “Three.”  We found this wine to be a delightful combination and came home with two bottles, plus two bottles of their Pomegranate Peach.

After the tasting room, Franklin Hill had a separate space with dips and spreads for sale.  They had lots of good snacks available for tasting, including this yummy quesadilla topped with a spicy salsa. 

Their vineyards are beautiful.

Our second stop was Amore Vineyard in Bath, which is literally a few miles up the road from our home.  Fred initially purchased our “passports” from Amore so we were able to bring home our tour gifts, a very cool wooden cheese board for each of us.  

Owner Greg Amato served Chicken Medallions and Pasta Florentine, Roasted Red Peppers, Artichokes and Mushrooms in a light Garlic Wine Sauce and he paired it with Gregg’s Gregio, a dry white wine.  Their food was delicious!  

I love these little grapevine lights that Greg has hanging above his tasting area.  Cute, right?

We happen to love Greg’s Blackberry Bliss and his Red Rapture so we came home with a few bottles of each.   

After our trips to the wineries, we headed back to my parent’s home to pick up my daughter.  There, we shared a bottle of wine and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon.  

Fred and I really enjoy these afternoons.  Every winter, I look forward to our March Madness weekends for two reasons…1) Its invaluable time spent together and 2) Spring is just around the corner.  Plus, it's the perfect ending to a perfect weekend. 

Well, I hope you have a wonderful Monday!

Tracy

Recipe Recaps and Stylin Stillettos.

Hello Friends,


Before I head out to do some wine tasting at local vineyards, I have two quick recipe reviews.


Last night our friends Jolene and Sib were over for dinner and I decided to try two of the recipes from Food Network that I talked about yesterday.  


First up...the Apple and Brie Quesadillas from the magazine.  They consisted of grilled apples and brie folded in a flour tortilla and then they were grilled in a pan.  The quesadillas were topped with a mustard/maple syrup sauce and crumbled bacon.  

My husband gave them an 8/9 out of 10 because he thought the taste was as close as I could get to his grandmother's apple fritters.  Jolene decided the sauce should have been a tad sweeter so she thought a 6 was a better score for her.  Sib thought they were good and didn't really give me a specific number...he just liked them!  Me?  I have to agree with Jolene.  The next time I make them, I will add a little more syrup to the sauce (or maybe even honey). 


Next up...Giada's Sweet Peach Cake.

This cake is very dense to begin with and the designated 1 hour and 10 minute bake time seemed a little long.  Therefore, I decided to lessen my bake time to about 55 minutes and regretfully, it was still a little dry.


On the flip side, the icing was absolutely amazing and it helped to make up for the tad bit of dryness in cake.  Next time -- I will bake this cake for 45 minutes to start and then go from there.  Then, I think it may be a keeper.   


I love trying new recipes and asking people to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10.  This helps me to decide which recipes I would make again, which I would pitch, and which I would make adaptations to make them better.  That's what cooking and baking is all about, right?  




On another note, I visited Kohl's yesterday for a brief minute...just to check and see what I missed the other day and I came out with these beauties...

Now, I don't usually buy shoes at Kohl's (not that they don't have a nice selection), but I just don't find shoes that fit.  Not only are these Jennifer Lopez specials super high, they are super stylish and they have that little strap around the ankle to help them stay on my foot.  That is KEY for me.  

The brushed gold color is a perfect neutral.  Plus, they actually are quite comfortable as far as heels are concerned.  They're not my running shoes, mind you, but they will be perfect for events and dinners.  

So in the end, Saturday was a good day!  

All right...I am off to the vineyards..


Enjoy your Sunday!

Tracy

Saturday To-Do List.

Morning!

I love a relaxing Saturday at home where I have the time to get things done around the house.  

First, I normally like to do my run first thing in the morning, but my family talked me into going to breakfast at Billy's instead.  I have to admit, Billy's Downtown Diner is a favorite of ours, so I couldn't resist.  

I ordered my usual...the Sundae Parfait and a side of crispy bacon. (Please excuse the poor photo!)

So now I'm back and ready to conquer my day.  Here's the list:

Breakfast
Coffee!

Blog post – Here I am now…posting away!

Laundry

Create grocery list

Grocery shop
Run an easy 5

Laundry

Grade math quarterly assessment

Report card grading

Laundry

Wine!

Make dinner

Relax

As you can see, several items were scratched off the top since I was able to get an early start.  Laundry is always scattered throughout the day when washing and drying weekly loads for a family of four.

Here are a few things I want to make in the next week, courtesy of the new Food Network Magazine. 

I have most of the ingredients for these Apple and Brie Quesadillas so I might give them a whirl…

The Warm Butter Lettuce Salad with Hazelnuts looks delicious…

Giada made a Sweet Peach Cake on one of her recent shows and my kids were begging for it.  Ok, they twisted my arm! 

 Giada's Sweet Peach Cake

Plus, I bought four bunches of asparagus at my local farmer’s market for $1.59 a pound.  Looks like my Cream of Asparagus Soup is in our future.  That recipe will be featured in a few days.  

Well, I’m off to tackle the rest of my list.  I hope that you can accomplish what you have planned today! 

Enjoy!

Tracy