Union Square: Parsnip Pancakes & Honor Boston

Another weekend…doesn’t time fly?!

I subscribe to RunBlogRun because the site has writers who offer great tips and stories all about running, my passion, my demon. Recently, Larry Eder offered an article called “On honoring Boston Marathon Memories” which really dug deep. Here is some of the most meaningful words to me, but I recommend you get on over to RunBlogRun and look for the article.

…”The facts are this: the most iconic marathon in our sport, Boston, was the focus of an attack by determined sociopaths who understood some things about the marathon, like, what time it was held and where people would be. ” … “They did not understand the spirit that makes one train in minus twenty degrees or after putting three kids to bed, and a long day at work.

Boston is unique in the sport, as you have to qualify (well, most do), by reaching a time that is challenging for most in their age groups. Boston marathon, for the normal runner, is like a baseball player making it to the World Series. 30 million runners in the US in 2014, and 26,000 will run Boston. You figure it out.”

…”Running is another part of the multicultural world that some detest. In our sport, we accept you as you are, run fast, run slow, walk, there is a place for you. In fact, we celebrate the unique and goofy. That is the sport of running. In Boston, however, we celebrate the people who represent our sport, those who train the hardest, run the fastest for their age groups, and who influence many in their local communities to continue to run and explore their limits.”

I collect articles like this. They motivate me. Such articles remind me how very fortunate I am to be able to run. So when the going gets tough, as it usually does, I can take my thoughts out of the present and remember those words and be grateful just to be on the road, moving forward.

Has any book or article that you have read reminded you how lucky or blessed you are?

Celebrate Good Fortune and HEALTH with Parsnip Pancakes

Another good one from one of my favorite cook books: Union Square Cafe Cookbook.

Serves 4

1 1/2 lb. parsnips, peeled
1 small white onion
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/8 tsp red pepper
pinch of nutmeg
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
3 TBS olive oil

Bring 2 qt water to a boil. Add parsnips and a little salt. Boil for 3 minutes just to soften.

In a food processor, shred onion and softened parsnips.

Put the onion and parsnips in a bowl, add the egg and mix. Add the flour and just stir until blended. Add the seasoning (red and black pepper, salt, nutmeg).

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Drop mixture into pan to form about a 3” round pancake. Cook 6 – 7 minutes per side. *May have to cook in two batches. Keep warm in a 200 degree oven until all are cooked.