Cupcakes & Salads

If baking has become a relaxing stress reliever, does that mean I am getting old? I don't know. But I can definitely see why so many people cook, bake and blog. I could do this all day.

I've been having somewhat of a...cupcake obsession.

I guess it started a couple weeks ago when I made some Margarita Cupcakes. Oh. Em. G.

I can't do more than pictures for you here.  Just make them!

 

My first attempt at making Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes failed. NOT BECAUSE OF THE RECIPE. Because my experiement with the recipe. They were going to be for a friend's 1 year old's b-day par-tay that we didn't end up making it to. I made them with almond flour instead of all purpose...an unplanned and fatal move for the cupcake. I didn't realize I was out of all purpose flour and had just bought (the really expensive) almond flour to experiment with a couple other low carb recipes. I even googled substitution rules, thinking I was avoiding the upcoming disaster. This one:

The only precaution I took was adding more baking powder. As the "cupcakes" were bubbling and overflowing, they smelled awfully good. Seriously. So I decided to scrap out this mixture into a bowl and taste it. I ended up with what I would call somewhat of a very tasty almond crumble crisp.

I would have to refine the recipe to avoid another volcanic overflow of the muffin pan, but I thought "maybe I'm on to something here...." Just not cupcakes.

Round 2 with all purpose flour worked much better. 

Wa-la! Delicious. Except the frosting was kind of off. Probably because I used coconut oil instead of shortening, and it wanted to melt. Delicious flavor, though. 

My obsession has apparently also applied to my choice in dog treats. I got home after buying these and thought 'what is up with the cupcakes?!'

Ok, let's get healthy. 

A friend recently sent me an article with a bunch of healthy living tips and reminders, one being "Decorate Your Plate." I'll be honest, I didn't have the article in mind per se when I threw this salad together, by it is super colorful and healthy and delicious. I made it 5 times this week. Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, green onion, sliced almonds, some (ok maybe too many) sunflower kernels, chickpeas, BLUEBERRIES and some lite balsamic dressing. I'll be honest...it's pretty amazing. Add chicken or salmon.

And the workout recovery drink I've been making for post-Insanity....COLOR! I stole it from here. But the color really is energizing.  

Yesterday I did a local 4-mile road race, and then I ate another cupcake. I guess I'm not completely over it. Ok the race isn't REALLY relevant to the cupcake. But I did run really. hard. After, I went wedding dress shopping with a friend and we went to this bakery recommended by her boss. SNICKERS!

Jrae's Snickers Cupcake.  Token Oreo cake pop.  

Today was my rest day for Insanity. But I have regularly been thinking about engaging my core more in everyday activities, I found myself doing squats as I knelt down to wrap the vacuum cord up this morning and I just started doing the Heisman in the kitchen while waiting for water to boil earlier this evening...a healthy kind of addiction, Shaun T-brainwash I think. Loving Insanity and feeling fantastic. Thanks, Shaun T.

I love the colorful fruits and veggies, but I LOVE cupcakes and Insane workouts. Be healthy and enjoy life. Balance.