Chili and Cornbread Muffins

When you’re feeling up to running 10 miles in 6 degree weather, you go with it!


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Usually when I start a run, I know exactly how far I plan on going, but today I wasn’t quite sure, so I went based on how I was feeling. Actually, I was feeling good and considered going further, but my muscles were getting really cold!

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Last night for dinner I made Craig’s favorite chili!


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This recipe is really easy, but it does require you to be around to watch it cook for about 4 hours.

Craig’s Chili

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey

1 medium onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 cups celery, chopped

2 (28 oz.) cans diced tomatoes

2 (10 oz.) cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 Tablespoon chili powder

1 (15.5 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15.5 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15.5 oz.) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 package chili seasoning mix

shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onion (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a skillet, brown turkey; drain and set aside.

2. Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, and celery and saute briefly.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes. Add cumin and chili powder, to taste, and cook for about 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

4. Add the beans, browned meat, and chili seasoning.

5. Partially cover, and let simmer for 3.5 – 4 hours.

6. Serve with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.


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After running, I enjoyed a hot bowl of chili and a Cranberry-Pecan Corn Muffin.


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I actually made these muffins for Christmas dinner, but forgot to share the recipe–probably because I wasn’t that excited about the recipe.

I actually made two different kinds of muffins for our Christmas dinner, the second one being: Berry Cornmeal Muffins.

I liked the Berry Cornmeal Muffins better–probably because there was less cornmeal in them. I didn’t get any pictures, but the recipe can be found here.


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Cranberry-Pecan Corn Muffins

(based off this recipe)

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups yellow cornmeal

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1-1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt

3/4 cup applesauce

1 egg

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. In a large bow, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt.

2. In another bowl, combine the yogurt, egg, oil, and honey. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

3. Fold in cranberries and pecans. Fill muffin tin with liners or coat with non-stick spray; fill three-fourths full with batter.

4. Bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.

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I’m not quite sure what the rest of my day holds for me, so only time will tell.


A Belated Christmas Gift

Let’s get started with week #2 of Christmas break! :)

There was no sleeping in for me this morning though! Both Craig and I were up at 6:00 a.m. to hit the gym. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill while Craig rode the stationary bike.

We we got home, I made breakfast for Craig and myself while Craig got ready for work.

I had a bowl of Cheerios with soymilk.


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I also had half of a bagel with peanut butter that went unpictured.

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Since I missed hot yoga last night, I was really itching to go to a class. I decided to go to a Bikram class at Anchorage Yoga this morning.


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I have never been to this style of class before, but after reading the description, I was excited to try a new style. (Last time I took a Hot Yoga class.)

Overall, I don’t know if I liked it as much as the hot yoga class. There were some poses I have never done before, so the unfamiliarity of them caused me to struggle a little bit. There were also a few poses that were uncomfortable and hurt various joints/parts of my body, but then again maybe they were supposed to hurt?!?! Camel pose anyone?

With all that being said, I loved the good sweat and for the first time in my life, my muscles don’t feel so incredibly tight. I know running makes my muscles really tight!

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After yoga I hurried home because my stomach was empty!

I refueled with some cottage cheese and pineapple. I figured the protein and sodium from the cottage cheese would be a good option after a sweaty workout.


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After a bit, I prepared myself a more adequate lunch.

chicken salad sandwich + veggies


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This chicken salad features Greek yogurt instead of mayo!!

I followed this recipe from Iowa Girl Eats. (Love her blog!)


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And some veggies on the side.


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Craig brought this macaroon home for me yesterday and could not stop raving about how good it was. He definitely wasn’t fibbing. This baby was coconuty, chewy, and delicious! So good!!


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Check out my belated Christmas gift that I got today!


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j/k – We didn’t buy this; our landlord did because our previous one was ancient!


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And speaking of presents, I haven’t shared what Craig gave me for Christmas! :)

Marmot Ouray +0 Sleeping Bag


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(Source)

This sleeping bag is rated to 0 degrees!! It isn’t that we go camping in the winter, but since the summers here in Alaska aren’t very warm ( highs in mid-50s to 60s; 70s if we are lucky), I freeze when we go camping!! Hopefully this will solve my problem–at least during the night.

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Question

What was your favorite gift you received?


Staying Busy

I didn’t have much planned for the day, but I managed to stay busy!

Even when I don’t have much can do, I can always find things to do. It is really hard for me to sit still. I don’t have ADHD; I just like to use my time wisely and be productive.

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After a full 9 hours of sleep, I was craving some good old oatmeal for breakfast this morning. I had a dollop of peanut butter on top, but I think I’m burning out on peanut butter. What is your favorite nut butter to have with oatmeal? I need some new ideas! I also had half of an apple.

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After Craig got up, I suggested taking a walk since it was actually kind of sunny out!

What was I thinking!!! We froze in about 20 minutes–even despite our multiple layers!

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Craig being a goofball.


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Then we decided to play Sequence.


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Craig was sad because I beat him!! :)


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12:30 p.m. rolled around, and I was hungry!

spaghetti squash + carrots + grilled turkey sandwich + blue chips


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There was more than just lettuce and meat on the sandwich; there was also cheese, tomato, mayo, and mustard on it.


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And a cookie for dessert–sent from my mom! :)


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It is a tradition in my family to go shopping the day after Christmas and seek out the after-Christmas bargains.

Now normally, we would get up at the crack of dawn to go, but I wasn’t willing to waste sleep over it, so I ventured out later in the day. Trust me, there were still plenty of deals to be found!

Target was actually the only store I went to to find Christmas specials. I found a serving platter, wrapping paper, gift tags, and decorative tin all for 50% off!

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This evening I had every intention of going to yoga, but somehow I got sidetracked at home and arrived a few minutes late. I was really bummed, but actually just more mad at myself. :(

I saw there was another class this evening, but when I read the class is designed for those at an intermediate level, I knew there was no way I could go to that one either. Bummer!

Instead, I did 30 minutes of yoga through Yoga Download at home. While it isn’t the same as doing yoga in a studio–and in a hot room–it had to do for tonight.


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I just finished a green monster smoothie and am going to lay low for the rest of the evening!

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Question

Are you a busy-body, or can you rest and take it easy?