It’s Friday, and it’s usually time for another kitchen adventure. I was very excited for this week’s adventure: homemade pie. Just in time for the 4th of July! I’ve never made a pie crust for scratch, and I’ve heard it’s quite difficult. However, I’m in a never-ending quest to become semi-Martha Stewart, so I wanted to give it a whirl.
However, instead of baking a pie on Thursday, I found myself practically glued to the couch with a sinus infection. I barely had enough energy to take the dog for a short walk, let alone make a pie. So, instead, I felt sorry for myself and waited for the pity party and violins to show up. Woe is me.
It never happened…and Cole glared at my all day, as if to say, “If you’re going to just sit there, don’t be useless. Play with me!”
For the past two days, I’ve done nothing but watch useless reality television, search for meaning in nostalgic 90’s tv shows and experiment with smoothies and soup. We’ll get to Felicity at the end, but first, let’s talk smoothies and soup.
Soothing with Smoothies
Right now my throat feels scratchy and slightly painful. I have one of those very annoying dry coughs that has successfully kept me up late into the night since Tuesday.
So, my main objective has been to soothe my little throat with warm and cold liquids. We all know that smoothies are a big thing in the healthy living blog world. I like to whip up a good smoothie every now and then, but not as much as all of my favorite bloggers. So, the past few days, I caught up on smoothies.
Here’s what I made:
Blackberry Peach Smoothie: 1 cup almond milk, 1/4 cup nonfat greek yogurt, 1 cup frozen blackberries, 1 cup frozen peaches, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1-2 tbsp honey
Remembering the days of glory
I served the smoothie in my age division winner’s cup to remind myself of past glory days…2 months ago. I know, I’m so dramatic. But, this smoothie was definitely my favorite over the past few days – the flavors worked together perfectly, and the cinnamon and honey tied it all together.
Chocolate Berry Spinach Smoothie: 1 handful of spinach, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1.5 cup almond milk, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp sugar
You’re ugly but you taste so good.
The cocoa powder definitely masks the spinach (wanted some iron to help me get well!), and if you like chocolate, you’ll love this smoothie. It is, however, very ugly. That’s why a put it in a wine glass, because I can’t drink wine for a while anyway. Sigh.
Avocado Smoothie (adapted from Tina): 1/2 avocado, 1 banana, 1-2 cups ice cubes (depending upon how thick you want it), 1.5 cups almond milk, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp cinnamon
Deliciously satisfying.
The avocado and banana fused together to make this one satisfying smoothie. I had this for breakfast yesterday, and I was full for a few hours.
Kitchen Pantry Soup
When 5:00 rolled around last night, the last thing I wanted to do was go to the store. But, I really wanted soup, hot n’ sour soup to be exact.
Unfortunately, none of the ingredients in my kitchen would lend themselves to this type of soup, so I improvised.
Check out the ingredients:
Here’s how I made the soup:
- Bring 6-8 cups of chicken broth to a boil and add in 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickness.
- Add in seasonings including 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (make it as hot as you want), basil, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper.
- Throw in 1 cup quinoa, 1 cup cooked chicken, 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/2 cup onions. Boil covered for 20 minutes.
- Mix in cooked sweet potatoes and allow to boil for 10 more minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups spinach and allow to wilt before removing from heat.
This was no hot n’ sour soup, but it absolutely hit the spot. It was very hearty and full of nutrients, and the sriracha sauce made me feel like my sinuses were being cleared.
Steamy and satisfying. Mmmmmm.
Finding Myself in Felicity
While I ate my soup, I watched my favorite 90’s television show: Felicity. I was SO happy when this show was added to Netflix.
Felicity first aired during my sophomore year of high school, and I remember being hooked on the first season. Then, like half of the show’s viewers, I lost interest when she cut her hair during the second season. Or, maybe my precious time was already occupied between student government, cheerleading, 90210 and Dawson’s Creek. Priorities people.
Anyway, I rediscovered this hidden gem post-college and post-breakup from my college boyfriend. I watched all four seasons in less than 2 weeks. Clearly, my newly single social life was booming!
Since then, I’ve watched the series repeatedly during big “life changes,” so it’s definitely made an appearance since my big move upstate! My BF is THRILLED about it.
For some reason, there is something incredibly addicting about watching this clueless, yet endearing girl following her high school crush across the country to attend school at NYU. In the beginning, she’s so awkward that you cringe at half of the things she does, but by the end of the show, you admire her and how she’s adapted to her life in NYC. I think the reason the show had such a cult audience is that most of us can see at least a part of ourselves in Felicity.
Oh, and then of course, it does help that she gets the guy: I heart Ben Covington.
What a dreamboat. Those eyes.
Somehow, after a few months of living here, yet again, I’ve made my way through all four seasons. And I still cry at my favorite episode where Ben chases Felicity to the airport. No shame, people.
The medicine has finally kicked in, so I think I’m going to take the pup for a quick jog before starting my day (he has worn me down with his glaring stares!).
YOUR TURN:
What’s your favorite 90’s show? Do you still watch it now?
Come on people, plenty to pick from: 90210, Saved by the Bell, Dawson’s Creek, Boy Meets World, 7th Heaven, My So Called Life, Full House…
I loved Felicity, but I was a Noel fan. I never understood the draw of Ben.
I think it was the whole brooding bad boy thing…only he wasn’t a bad boy. He was just a misunderstood guy with a big heart. And then he decided to be a doctor and he was all smart. But Noel was a catch too! I would have gladly taken either of them 😉
Going off your homemade pie crust recipe, I have a confession ;). I’m known as the queen of pies since I make them all the time, and have to admit that I have never ever ever been able to make a better crust than the refrigerated pre made ones. Sigh! If you’re looking for a recipe for an apple pie, I’m your girl!
I’m sorry about your sore throat, hopefully it goes away soon! At least it’s a great excuse to down tons of fresh smoothies ;).
I would love an apple pie recipe! I’m feeling better so I think I’m going to try that pie soon. I doubt my pie crust will taste as good as the pre-made ones, but I want to give it a try!
Yes, I made SO many smoothies last week. I’m done for a while now 😉
As much as being sick is no fun..I love being able to just relax and do nothing sometimes. Feel better!
Agreed. It was nice to let myself relax and stop pressuring myself to always be on the go. But, I think I literally watched every show known to man, from Cupcake Wars (all of season 4) to Real World (all of the St. Thomas season). I think I’ll be good not watching tv for a month!
I hope that you start to feel better SOON!
And some of my old favorite TV shows?? Definitely 7th Heaven, Beverly Hills 90210, Full House, and Clarissa Explains it All!
Oh Clarissa Explains it All?! I totally forgot about that one. Great show! Nothing beat 90210 for me back in the day though. Luke Perry was my dream guy haha
I LOVED Felicity!
The Avocado Smoothie looks delicious!
I love finding others that realize the greatness that was Felicity ;-). Yes, the Avocado smoothie was a winner – very filling too. Great for breakfast before a long workout.
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