Michelle was one of the recipients of the Oh She Glows cookbook from my Christmas Day give away. Michelle started reading this blog back in 2013 when I was training for my first half marathon – why? Because she was training for her first half marathon at the same time. Get this – it was the SAME RACE! We both ran the Diva’s Half Marathon in DC’s Wine country with similar finishing times. Michelle finished four minutes before I did, and I shudder thinking about the hills, sun, and 90 minute race delay that had us all running in less than optimal race conditions. (Remember those slanted, rocky dirt roads Michelle? Let’s not think about it.)
It’s amazing to hear from Michelle. It’s several years after that first half marathon and now we’re making the same recipes just like we once ran the same race. The connections I’ve made through this blog have been so rewarding. I love thinking of you all out there, experiencing similar challenges and thrills of running, cooking, living.
Michelle has already tried four recipes from the book – here are her thoughts and photos! How gorgeous is that lentil bowl the way she plated it with the addition of the hummus, salsa and scallions? Yum.
Thanks, Michelle! I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed seeing photos and reviews of recipes come in. I knew giving away cookbooks would be fun, but I had no idea how much! Best investment ever 🙂
Here’s what Michelle Thought of the Recipes She Tried:
Loaded Savory Oatmeal and Lentil Bowl: Finally sending you a picture of the recipe I just made from the Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon: Loaded Savory Oatmeal and Lentil Bowl. I should just call mine Loaded Savory Lentil Bowl since mine was made with only lentils. I couldn’t find gluten-free rolled oats, but I wasn’t worried because I LOVE lentils. The dish took no time at all to put together, and while the lentils were simmering, I made the Effortless Anytime Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing (I’ll send you picture of the dressing on a salad later). The lentils smelled great as they were cooking and I had no idea that such few ingredients (lentils, vegetable broth, garlic, shallot) would have so much flavor! My goal was to make the dish in advance and have some for lunch; however, as I am typing this, I am devouring the lentils for breakfast! I just added a little hummus, salsa, and scallions. Yum! Lentils sure are a nice change for breakfast instead of cold cereal.
Effortless Anytime Balsamic Vinaigrette: I made a double batch and it fit perfectly inside the canning jar I used. My husband and I just love the dressing. Such a nice change from ordinary oil and vinegar!
Cream Vanilla Almond Milk: So good! I’ve made almond milk before, but never used in Medjool dates. I really liked the sweet taste as an alternative to Stevia. I was hesitant to put in cinnamon, so I only used 1/8 of a teaspoon. Just a hint of it in the background and very tasty. I might bump it up to ¼ of a teaspoon the next time I make it.
Crowd-Pleasing Tex-Mex Casserole: I followed the recipe for the most part, but since I don’t like cheese, I didn’t use it. Next time I will try to make the casserole with the recommended cashew cream That sounds yummy! I didn’t use as much kale as the recipe stated, only because I’ve never cooked with kale before, and I wasn’t sure if I was using too much. I loved all of the spices used in the tex-mex blend…so fragrant! Attached are pictures before the oven, and after. I just ate some for lunch. Wow, this dish is definitely a do over!
About Becoming Vegan: Just so you know, I am not vegan nor vegetarian, but it sure would be easy to become one, with all of the yummy recipes in the Oh She Glows Cookbook! Thanks again for sending me the cookbook, Kelly! There are still tons of recipes I want to try. I’ve given up trying to mark the pages in the cookbook since it’s just about EVERY page 🙂
I’ve been a fan of you and your blog from when I started training for my first half-marathon (which was also your first half! We finished the race at similar times :). I really enjoy your blog and look forward to reading more about running, plant-based eating, and your adorable little boys!
To good health and happiness in 2015 and beyond,
Michelle
The lentil bowl looks great! I’ll try that out for a ski trip I’m going on in a few weeks. We all have to bring a dish.
You could easily become a vegan Kelli! I did it cold turkey (no pun intended) and have never looked back. I’m also a half=marathoner, and my daughter and I are about to start training for the Chicago Marathon. Am I crazy?
You are crazy, but that’s a good thing 🙂 Enjoy your marathon training, what an awesome thing to do as a mother/daughter pair! I can imagine the picturesque long runs together, great bonding experience! Good luck with your training and race!
I actually AM vegan – also went cold turkey (it’s hard not to when you watch Forks Over Knives and Vegucated back to back, no?) The comment you read in the post was the recipient of the Oh She Glows cookbook, Michelle, stating she enjoys the recipes despite being an omnivore. Spreading plant-eating one meal at a time… that’s a great way to start in my mind!