A New Obsession

How was your weekend? We got hit with some snow this weekend here in Wichita so didn't do a whole lot, but it sure was a nice quiet weekend, sometimes those are the best. I worked pretty late Friday so we grabbed some Chipolte and took it easy. Saturday I did some cleaning then ran to the Natural Grocers open house (snagged lots of free samples, score!), went to my parent's house to watch the WSU game (where I got some cuddles in with Wyatt, definitely the highlight:) and then had another lazy night. I was in the mood to bake and had some leftover pumpkin in the fridge that I needed to use up. I got some donut pans for Christmas that I had used, so I thought what a great idea! I began my search on pinterest for some healthy pumpkin donuts. I found this recipe for paleo pumpkin donuts and had all of the ingredients on hand.

Voila'! Pat asked what they were? Do they not look like donuts??? lol. Okay I will admit they weren't the best, definitely not the real thing and not sure if I'll be making them again, but fun to attempt I suppose.

The snow was starting to melt quite a bit today so we ventured out a bit more, went to church, had a yummy lunch date at Whole Foods I opted for a sandwich and Pat picked pizza (o.m.g they seriously have the best food ever), also picked up dinner for tonight while there- sushi made with rice paper instead of brown rice, looks super yummy. We did some running around and now enjoying the rest of the afternoon. I am looking forward to some nicer temps this week, and hello March!

But back to my point of this post, you guys- have you tried cauliflower crust pizza?? I will admit I attempted it quite a while ago and was very disappointed. However, I have been seeing it more and more so I thought why not give it one more go? This time around I learned the trick in making this crust successful- which is to make sure you ring out the access water in the cauliflower before baking. It truly makes a world of difference.

I used THIS recipe from Heidi Powell (love her), and reduced the recipe in 1/2 and then used shredded parmesan instead of mozzarella because that is what I had on hand. It was perfect! Like I mentioned, if you try this recipe it is extremely important not to skip step two and ring out the extra moisture. If you don't the crust is very soggy and mushy.

We divided this pizza into 4 servings- 1 serving has 103 calories- 3 g. of fat, 14 g. of carbs, and 7 g. of protein, not bad. This is excluding the toppings. When I find a new recipe I love, I tend to become obsessed with it and cook it every single week, as to why I have made this pizza the last three Sundays. Anywho we have switched up the toppings. This particular pizza had muir glen pizza sauce, spinach leaves, red pepper, jalapeno, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, and some low fat mozzarella sprinkled on top. I will also add that Pat loves this, which when he likes something "healthy" it is rare and something to not forget:)

Enjoy!

A Review..

Hope you all have had a great weekend..we woke up to snow here in Wichita this morning. I will say I'm over winter. Honestly, I actually don't think it has been as cold and snowy of a winter that it typically is. I am however looking forward to daylight past 6pm, evening walks with Pat and Buddy, sunshine, dinner on the deck, working in the yard, etc. Ahhhh....only a few more months!

As I mentioned HERE I was invited to a Sneak Peek Open House this morning for the new Natural Grocers opening this week in west Wichita. I was so excited for this event! I also could not be more excited that we finally have some organic/natural food options in west Wichita. Even more exciting is that it is literally seconds away from my house. I know this will be my new go-to for essentials. 

We started off with a store tour which I loved. After this we got to sit in on a presentation about the background and beliefs/values of Natural Grocers as well as sample a Paleo lunch (which was very tasty I might add). One of the things I love about Natural Grocers is that they do not carry anything that has artificial sweeteners or flavorings, which is awesome. This saves you the step to even have to search the nutrition label for these things. I also just so happened to sit right next to the owner of Lotus Leaf (one of my top five places to eat in Wichita). I loved getting to chat with her for a bit. If you haven't been to Lotus Leaf, I highly recommend it. Not only is the food super tasty, but they also serve natural/organic homemade meals with the best high quality ingredients. 

All that were in attendance received a packet of great information including: a list of ingredients that Natural Grocers does not carry in any of their products (and reasons why), background on the company, coupons, event list, calendar, and a giftcard. After learning a bit more about the company I am even more inclined to shop there and will encourage others to also. I am looking forward to taking part of many of their upcoming events, particularly the event this Saturday, The Organic Fair from 12pm-4pm, check it out!

It was great meeting others in the community as well. I did meet another blogger who was extremely inspiring. She not only runs, but competes in ultra marathons, yes you ready that correctly, ultra marathons. She has even done a 100 mile race. I was in total disbelief. I have a teeny tiny inkling to want to attempt a full marathon (ran my one and only 1/2 in 2012). After talking with her it gives me encouragement and reminds me that you can do anything you set your mind to. Check out Jennifer's blog over at http://youknowyoulovemexoxojennifer.tumblr.com/.