The vacation is over, Monday is here. Ho HumThinking smileEye rolling smile But we did get a lot accomplished over the weekend.

  • The lawn was mowed but doesn’t look like it since the rain seems to give it a “turbo-grow” boost.
  • The cars were washed but won’t look like it when we drive them since the roads are wet and dirty.
  • Vacuuming done and floors washed although won’t stay clean since Shane will track loose grass and dirt in from the outside.
  • Vacation clothes were washed and dried with another basket to be washed from the weekend (it’s ENDLESS!)
  • A partial cleaning of the sun room completed with a few extra do-dads tossed out and a lot more do-dads to BE tossed out (I’m SUCH a pack-rat).

Chores: Repetitive. Short term. Unrewarding. Energy taxing.  Necessary.  I want a Jane Jetson lifestyle…

jetson cleanign

Shane and I did have a really good run on Saturday.  I was going to do a longer run of 15 miles but decided to go up some hills. Sherman Drive was the first. Tilden the second. Ran a rewarding down hill then up into the golf course.  I had to walk a few times since those hills were short but steep.  I stopped 4 times to give my running buddy water.  Shane ran 11 miles and I went one extra for a total of 12 miles.  The rain held off and it ended up being a good morning for enjoying the great outdoors.

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This week is kind of a taper week since the Hall of Fame Half Marathon is on Sunday. (The link). My plan is:

  • Monday: Run 30 min. *Maybe do some tempo …Strength Train. Run 40 minutes with Shane (weather permitting since it’s suppose to rain).
  • Tuesday: Bike 45 min. Strength Train. Run 30 minutes  as above.
  • Wednesday:  Run for 1 to 1 1/2 hours  and maybe do the Parkway training run. MAYBE! it’s at night and my energy is pretty well spent at night.
  • Thursday: Elliptical for 45 min. Strength. Jog/walk for 30 – 40 with the pup.
  • Friday: Run 40 – 50 minutes.
  • Saturday: Long walk
  • Sunday: Half Marathon – time goal? -of course but we’ll see how all the body parts are feeling come Sunday and THEN I’ll let you know. Be right back

Ajo Blanca with Roasted Grapes and Olive Oil (Ajo = garlic)

This white, creamy soup would fool anyone.  You expect to see heavy cream in the ingredient list but there is none. Instead, you’ll find healthy multi grain baguette and ground nuts. There is something sweet about this chilled soup.  Seriously, it tastes sweet. Curious? Read on.

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*Recipe by Chef Instructor Scott Samuel at the Culinary Institute at Greystone

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Serves 8 – 10

  • 4 stale multi grain baguette slices
  • 2 cups water, divided
  • 1 cup white wine (a Riesling or sauvignon blanc)
  • 3/4 cups blanched almonds
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 5 TBS Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 TBS sherry vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 lb seedless green grapes
  • *More sea salt, cayenne pepper.
  • Red grapes to garnish

Roast the grapes:

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Preheat oven to 350 F.  Put the grapes in a bowl and pour about 2 TBS olive oil over the top. Sprinkle on sea salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Stir to coat. Spread on a foil lined baking sheet and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the grapes release juice and pop. Remove and allow to cool.

The soup:

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Put baguette slices in a bowl and fill with 1 cup water. Let sit for about 5 minutes.

Put the almonds and garlic in a food processor and pulse until you get a fine ground nut powder. Squeeze water out of bread and add to processor. Process until smooth.

Add the wine to get a smooth texture, add more water if you need to.  Keep the processor going and slowly pour in 5 TBS olive oil.  Add the vinegar, salt and thin with water if needed. Chill until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, ladle the soup into individual bowls, add some green roasted grapes and garnish with red grapes.

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SERIOUSLY DELICIOUS!

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