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Cooking 101: The Muffin Method

May 23, 2010 by Hillary 22 Comments

I had a FUNday SUNday. You too? It started off early, around 8:00am – just like I like it – with a quiet house all to myself… perfect for muffin’ makin’! After drooling over Allie’s recent recipe, I made a special trip to the store yesterday to pick up a few ingredients so I could mimic her muffins. I’d been wanting to use the remaining bit of quinoa I had in my cupboard from the last time I cooked with it, and Allie’s recipe sounded right up my allie alley.

Coconut Carrot Quinoa Muffins

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I have always loved making muffins… mainly because the process is a piece of cake. It’s usually one of the first techniques you’re taught in an elementary foods course. If you do not know how to make muffins “properly”, I’ll show you the way…

Cooking 101: The Muffin Method

1. Whisk the dry ingredients together with salt, sugar, leavenings and any spices in a large bowl.

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 c. any flour [I used 1 1/2 c. whole wheat + 1/2 c. all-purpose]
  • 1/3 c. shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

2. In another bowl or a large liquid measure, combine all the wet ingredients – dairy, eggs, liquid fat, and any flavoring.

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3/4 c. shredded organic carrots
  • 1/2 c. unsweetened organic soy milk
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/3 c. agave-honey syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2T oil
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla

3. Pour the wet on top of the dry and fold them gently together. Minimal mixing is key. Fold in any additional ingredients at this step (fruit, nuts, etc.).

Fold In:

  • 1 c. cooked quinoa
  • 1/3 c. toasted chopped pecans

4. Scoop your batter into well-greased (or paper-lined) muffin tins.  Fill the cavities 2/3 to 3/4 full.

Sprinkle with raw sugar.

5. Bake according to recipe directions.

This batch took approximately 26 minutes @ 350*.

  • A well-made muffin has a medium grain and is slightly moist, tender, and light. It has a somewhat pebbled appearance and rounded top.
  • An overstirred muffins has a peaked top and tunnels [excess air is beaten into the batter, stretching the gluten matrix].

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My muffins weren’t as moist as Allie claimed hers to be, but I liked them nonetheless. They’re just barely sweet and I love the added flavor of the quinoa. What’s your favorite type of muffin? Are you a hearty bran, apple cinnamon, or peach blueberry kind of person?

* * *

After my a.m. baking, I washed + vacuumed my car, threw a load of laundry in the washer, and then my roommate treated me to a Starbucks iced coffee before we went shoppin’! My caffeine sensitivity resulted in a coffee buzz all day. Or perhaps it was also the afternoon mocha almond fudge gelato : ) I wish I had captured a photo of the dish of deliciousness, but alas, the camera missed the trip. I promise a picture of the Italian indulgence at some point, as I’m sure there will be many more visits to Powell’s Sweet Shoppe…

Sunday shopping was a success. Hello, watermelon birthday dress!

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Then it was time to exercise, so I can be looking fine on June One Nine ; )

Treadmill Time:
  • 10 minutes @ 6.4mph – 1.0 incline
  • 10 minutes @ 4.4mph – 6.0 incline

[repeat set]

  • 5 minutes @ 4.0mph – 3.0 incline

+ 15 minutes abs, arms & legs

Dinner

028Dr. P California Veggie Burger a la toasted English Muffin + Mustard, Avocado, and Organic Lettuce
Quinoa [Where’d you come from?] + Salt & Pepper

I declare quinoa my new favorite grain – mmm.

Dessert

037 2 Kiwis + 2 Strawberries + Agave-Honey Syrup

040

Editing photos is entertaining.

This post has taken much too long to write/edit/design. I hope you enjoyed your muffin making lesson.

Night!

Chef Hillary

P.S. Inspirations are updated.
P.P.S. Remember, you may use the code NUT15 to receive 15% off a box of custom Element Bars!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Applesauce, Avocado, Carrots, Coconut, Dr. Praeger's, Greens, Kiwis, Muffins, Pecans, Quinoa, Soy Milk, Strawberries

I Spy Springtime!

February 16, 2010 by Hillary Leave a Comment

The weather forecast did not disappoint today. It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood! I woke up before my alarm from sunshine pouring through my windows – a pleasant surprise in the middle of February.

My Organic Chemistry lab did not last the full 3 hours today, so I was excited to have the rest of the afternoon to play outside. It was ideal weather for a run, but I thought the smarter thing to do was to give my body one more day of rest. I hope to be back in motion manana!

Since exercise wasn’t an option, I had to come up with another activity to procrastinate studying for my O. Chem exam that involved soaking up some of nature’s best Vitamin D. Easy enough: give Little Blue a bubble bath!

All sparkle ‘n’ shine!

***

I worked up quite the appetite washing my little blue rig. I knew exactly what would curb my hunger…a recipe I came across in my PB&Co Cookbook last night while trying to read myself to sleep. It’s a refreshing & simple snack for a “Spring” day.

…plus, it’s got a protein punch:

1 cup soy milk

1 banana

2 T PB&Co Bee’s Knees

1 T Honey

Ice

***

Dinner

Salad a la: organic baby lettuces, avocado, red onion & balsamic — thrilling.

Roasted Potatoes a la: olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper + a dollop of “Daisy” (2% Greek)

I’d love to stay, but I must not procrastinate any longer. Did I mention I have my 1st O. Chem exam TOMORROW!

Wish me luck (I’ll need it!),

~ Hillary

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Avocado, Bananas, Garlic, Greek Yogurt, Greens, Honey, Peanut Butter, Potatoes, Red Onion, Soy Milk

Breakfast for Two

January 31, 2010 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Good morning! Well, my Sunday is so far so good! I got up at a decent hour – 8:30 am is pretty darn early for a college student on a Sunday, wouldn’t you agree? Well, that’s because I had breakfast on my mind! The thought of breakfast is what gets me out of bed each morning. It is my absolute favorite meal of the day, and I had plans for a double breakfast today.

Breakfast #1

2 Van’s Low-Fat Waffles, Dollop of Greek Yogurt, Drizzle of Agave & Fresh Blueberries

Breakfast #2

After Breakfast #1, I got to baking Blogger Banana Bread (Muffins). I did not add chocolate chips or pecans to this batch, but instead, walnuts, a dash of cinnamon and sprinkling of raw sugar on top.

Enjoyed with a C ‘n’ C iced soy latte. If only I had a stainless steel straw like Tina : )

I wish mornings lasted longer. Must get going with my day…

~ Hillary

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Agave, Blueberries, Greek Yogurt, Lattes, Soy Milk, Waffles, Walnuts

Zen

January 29, 2010 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Hey hey. Happy Friday! I’ve had a rather peaceful day here — always a good way to start off the weekend. After my classes this morning I went to the gym and took a yoga class. It was a lot different from the hot yoga I did last week, but worthwhile nonetheless. It was all about deep stretching…and boy, did I need it! It was extremely calming – a perfect way to end the week. I didn’t break a sweat, so I’m hoping to do that at a spin class tomorrow morning. I think I’m really going to get into these group exercise classes this semester : )

I’ve been home since doing laundry, picking up, and maintaining the yoga zen with Mr. Amos Lee. I made a Carrots ‘n’ Cake iced faux latte this afternoon – mmm! This one’s for you, Mom:

Kona Drip Coffee + Soy Milk + Agave

Thanks for the sweet comments about yesterday’s vent. Ya’ll are great about turning my frowns upside-down. Off to a b.ball game tonight with the roomies…

Take care!

~ Hillary

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Agave, Lattes, Soy Milk

My Handsome Date

January 20, 2010 by Hillary Leave a Comment

I apologize for the Debbie Downer post yesterday, but we’ve got to be real here…not everyday is a great day. Today started off on the right foot. I whizzed on down the street to my old dance studio for one last bumping DanceFit class before I return to my other house, my other life.

Upon my sweaty return, I had a predetermined breakfast date with Mr. Oatmeal. It’s been awhile, no? This morning’s classic date was pure love:

  • 1 cup water
  • 2/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup blueberries
  • 1/3 cup soymilk (added after cooking)
  • a few raw walnuts
  • dash of cinnamon for warmth

***

Question: I am looking to purchase my own domain name for a reasonable price. However, I do not want to buy the full web-hosting package. Suggestions?

Happy 20th Day of January! (Where did the month go?)

~ Hillary

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Blueberries, Breakfast, Oatmeal, Soy Milk, Walnuts

Last Days At The Lodge

January 18, 2010 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Monday = a new day, a new week, a new to-do list…and a holiday for some today! I jumped on our treadmill first thing for a 40-minute walking workout. After two long runs this weekend, my legs asked if they could go easy today.

  • 10 minutes @ 3.6 (incline: 10.0)
  • 10 minutes @ 3.8 (incline: 10.0)
  • 10 minutes @ 4.0 (incline: 0)
  • 10 minutes @ 4.2 (incline: 0)

While on the dreadmill, all I could think about was the Blogger Banana Bread I made yesterday, so of course I toasted up a piece for brex.

I got the recipe from Kath, but gave it my own twist with a few substitutions. I had to resist a 2nd piece – it was that good!

***

A week from today I will be sitting through a full day of classes – bah. I still have to figure out what is the best timing to leave town during this storm. Until then, I plan to enjoy my last days at the lodge (I heart Amos Lee).

Merry Monday,

~ Hillary

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Bananas, Dark Chocolate, Pecans, Soy Milk

Grand Finale

December 16, 2009 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Today has been a finale-filled day. First of all, I’m happy to announce I have completed yet another semester of college – yippee! 5-year plan – 5 semesters = 5 to go…

After my ridiculously difficult biology exam, I finished up my Christmas shopping with my roommate (finale #2).

I am currently watching the true FINALE of the night…So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Results Show! I have been a dedicated fan since Season 2, and have gone to tour shows of both Season 3 and Season 4 (two memorable nights).

Ok…you’re probably wondering if I am ever going to mention food. I am hating on myself for the lack of photography this past week, and am embarrassed by the quick shots I have posted. Don’t think I haven’t been eating, I have been – probably more than normal actually – but I care about my photography, and I do not want this to be a blog where I post any gosh-darn photo. A bare kitchen + finals studying did not equal a fabulous week of eats. Now that that’s clear, here is the photo of the day:

2 Van’s Multigrain Waffles, 1/2 banana, real maple syrup + a glass of soy

I hope you will suffer through the next couple days of my drab eats; I promise to reward you with much holiday excitement soon!

Thank you for reading,

~ Hillary

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Bananas, Soy Milk, Waffles

Soy Power

December 3, 2009 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Hey there,

Happy (almost) Friday! I get really excited when I think about only having 1 week of classes remaining for the semester – woohoo!

Today got off to a great start with this delicious bowl of pumpkin oats. I used to think that pumpkin shouldn’t be allowed post-Thanksgiving, but it’s just too hard to resist.

  • 1 cup water
  • 2/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup organic pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 T walnuts
  • 1/2 T brown sugar
  • cinnamon

After determining the number of microorganisms in unwashed fruit and unpasteurized juice in biology lab, I walked to Starbucks to catch-up on my reading for my next class. I sipped on a lovely half-caf soy latte. The soy coated my tummy for a little while, but I needed to put something more substantial in my mouth before my next set of afternoon classes. I decided on a Pluto’s salad: mixed greens, roasted fennel, beets, oranges, red onion, pumpkin seeds & a balsamic vinaigrette + 1 piece of focaccia bread.

[My camera missed the memo this morning before heading out the door – sorry!]

On my walk back to campus, I stopped inside a store downtown that I’d been admiring, but had yet to visit – Zucchini & Vine. Making a quick tour around the premises, I came across a deli case displaying the most beautiful chocolates. Just at the time of my discovery, one of the sales clerk exclaims, “You look like you’re seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time”. I immediately replied, “Well, I do love chocolate!” She continued to ask me if I liked dark chocolate…duh…and offered me a tasting of some special chocolate chips that were stationed on top of the case. How did she know that just minutes before I was day-dreaming about a piece of chocolate to polish off my lunch? Ha…too funny!

Unfortunately the salad wasn’t substantial enough, so between round 2 and 3 of classes I put a little spring back into my step with one of these:

Uh-mazing!

  • 8 oz. chocolate soy milk
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 6 dark chocolate espresso beans

Normally I do not exercise Tuesdays & Thursdays because my schedule is packed with academics, but either the double dose of espresso and/or soy protein was screaming at me to let out some E (energy)!

When my fourth and final class ended, I briskly walked on over to the gym, slipped into my running shoes and shorts and sprinted 1.5 miles around the track, followed by 15-30 minutes of weights, and another 1.5 miles around the track – feeling good!

Dinner was simple. I didn’t want anything too heavy since the clock was nearing 8:00pm. I warmed up some TJ’s Butternut Squash soup with chevre and pumpkin seeds:

and to go along…

O.M.G…This was the first time I’ve had these tortilla chips (crackers?), and they are awesome. Give ’em a try!

Well, there ya have it…my day in a nutshell.

To healthy eating,

~ Hillary

P.S. That chocolate bar no longer exists…what did I tell ya? : )

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Bananas, Breakfast, Espresso, Goat Cheese, Pumpkin, Soy Milk, Squash, Walnuts

Almond Joy

November 30, 2009 by Hillary Leave a Comment

It’s hard to believe I actually have to go to class today. It feels like I haven’t been in ages. What classes am I taking? Ha…just kidding!

I slept like a rock last night, but I still did not want to get out from under my cozy covers this morning. So…I stayed in bed and pondered about breakfast possibilities. I am in desperate need of a trip to the grocery store, so it was slim pickings.

Oats to the rescue:

  • 1 cup water
  • 2/3 cup rolled oats
  • 4 dried apricots
  • chopped raw almonds
  • dash of cinnamon
  • splash of light vanilla soy milk

I am actually looking forward to going to the gym today – a break in my routine was much needed! I’ll let ya know how it goes…

Happy Last Day of November!

~ Hillary

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Almonds, Apricots, Breakfast, Cinnamon, Oatmeal, Soy Milk

Hi! I’m Hillary: the foodie, fitness enthusiast, and holistic health nut behind Nutrition Nut on the Run. I am so happy you’re here!

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Instagram post 2196759891750447285_212296339 The countdown is on...⁣
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It’s really happening, we’re leaving Florida for good! 🙌🏻⁣
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3 weeks from today. January 1, 2020. 🍾⁣
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The next few weeks will be semi-chaotic (can’t forget Christmas in there, too!)... moving clear across the country (again) — now that’s a way to start a new decade with a bang! 🚙 🐾🏡⁣
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Instagram post 2185202956681337487_212296339 Took a break from my mile-long to-do list to bake a batch of my favorite @ambitiouskitchen Paleo Chocolate Chunk Cookies 🍪⁣⁣
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