Since I have finished up my part-time work at Contech, I had have a little more time to spend focusing on my cycling. I have always wanted to spend more time learning how to make meals that regular people will enjoy as opposed to my regular human garberator customers (me), so I have been experimenting with energy bars and tasty dinners these past three weeks. Living in Portland, there is a big bike commuting culture which ties in with the city's green image. Of course a major part of that type of lifestyle is living local and buying local. Although I can't say that I have been buying only local foods....I'm on a tight budget and I like to eat avocados (last time I checked, Chile doesn't count as buying local), I can say that I have been eating seasonal! So lots of squash, potato and onion. After experimenting periodically with acorn squash last winter, this year I've tried out some of the other types available. My new favourite by far is Spaghetti Squash. I've managed to come up with one tasty dinner and one awesome breakfast burrito recipe. Squash provides a lot of fibre and it also fills you up so I hope you enjoy. Tomorrow will be my new NITRO energy bar recipe; they are so rich that I can only eat them on certain training days but wow, do they ever get you home!
Dinner #1: Spaghetti Squash w/ herb
I got this original recipe off the
food network and the legendary Emeril Lagasse but of course who just does the regular, ya gotta make it your own! So first cut the spaghetti squash lengthwise. Leaving all the seeds in, place the two pieces "cut-side" down in a casserole dish, filled with 1/2 inch of water. Place in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes then flip both pieces for an extra fifteen minutes. Let it cool a bit, then remove the seeds. Then remove the squash from the shell and place in a bowl, add herbs of your choice (basil, parsley).
Melt some butter in a skillet at medium heat, add chopped onion, ginger, garlic. Once sauteed, add the squash to the skillet. Shortly there after add your choice of hard vegetables (chopped broccoli, cauliflower). Add 1/2 cup (maybe more) of vegetable broth and place a lid on top. Let it cook for 3-6 minutes (until most of the vegetable broth has been steamed into the vegetables), then serve and enjoy!
If the taste is not quite right, vodka spaghetti sauce is a great addition.
Breakfast #1: Spaghetti Squash Breakfast Burrito
Prepare the spaghetti squash as in the dinner meal except stop before you add the hard vegetables. In the morning, melt some butter in a skillet. Add the squash, two eggs, chopped green onion and a little bit of cheese if you want (personally I hold the cheese). Also add some BBQ seasoning. Scramble the skillet as if you are making scrambled eggs. When the egg is cooked, toss the mix into a pesto burrito wrap, add a little bit of real mayonnaise and you are all set!
Green eggs and Ham!
I just got back from a great ride with a training partner of mine, Austin. It was warm today! 55 degrees and a bit wet but it didn't even matter because of the heat. Yes I said heat! In January. I had a breakthrough ride today also with a bunch of intervals and some tempo at higher than normal wattage. This is great news and I am stoked as I have tough days planned for both Saturday and Sunday.
Tomorrow I will let you in on my Nitro Bar recipe. Enjoy your weekend!
I cleaned up the Machine yesterday. New brake pads, shifting cables/housing, fender and a full clean made the whole thing feel lighter today.
Also, Dunco and Jack have been pressing out some flash beats. They have put together four mixes that I have been grooving to all week (
Sexy,
Heavy,
Set 3,
Boner Jams)
Labels: Toque Toast