Minneapolis Taste Buds

We're leaving Minneapolis tomorrow to run the Las Vegas Half-Marathon on December 2, assuming we get out of here before the snow arrives. I've been running my long runs each week with much success and have enjoyed some really nice Fall weather. My run on Monday when it was 5 degrees and windy was the only exception. My left foot is starting to hurt again though, even when I'm just sitting here. I'm hoping my body lets me finish this race and then I can cut my mileage way back to fully recover before picking a race to run in the Spring. Everything else is feeling great. The folks at Run 'N Fun in St. Paul helped me find the right knee-saving shoes for my rediculously flat little feet. The lungs feel fantastic . . . just that darn foot that is worrying me. I ran 6 miles at the Y on Wednesday and it wasn't bad. Just getting the laces tied comfortably is tricky. I've done more non-running activities this week to stay active, but to give the foot a rest. This sho

If there were ever a weekend to not do a long run, this was definitely a good one if you live in Minneapolis. Mark and I started a long run about 10:45 am. A crazy 1:45 + later I rolled through the finish. I was secretly hoping Mark would get worried and come pick me up. The weather just killed me. Felt pretty wretched the whole route and had to walk a fair amount of it. It was really humid and rained for about half the run, and then the sun came out, which was even worse. There were people and about a zillion kids everywhere out for a bike event, forcing me to run in the mud to get around them and their flailing umbrellas. Insert audio of me growling & swearing here. I even yelled at a guy who didn't stop for me in a crosswalk. Very unlike me. Normally I just curse people out in my head. Can you say cranky? Oh well. I know I shouldn't complain so much. I just really can't wait for fall to actually arrive. I am glad I got a long, hilly run/walk in for the week. I got a

Even though it's been 90 degrees out all week I can tell Fall is on its way. The young maples are starting to turn and the bees are angry because they know they'll freeze to death soon (one stung my running friend's head this morning). I can't wait to turn off the A/C and bundle up in the down comforter. That will have to wait a few more days according to Kare 11's weatherman, Sven. Fall is my favorite season and it makes me crave hearty soups and stew-like meals. The green crockpot I have is definitely older than I am. It's been in the family for decades and has seen many a Boeuf Bourguignon. Yes, I had to check the spelling of that meal in my handy Rival Crock-Pot cookbook. It's good to see crock-pot cooking coming back in style. Cooking Light's September issue featured Beef Daube Provencal , which I made last week, and I may buy a new cookbook dedicated to slow cooking. We bought a half-cow this summer (we filled our entire deep-freeze) and have a who

I tried to meet Mark for lunch, but the Saturn wouldn't start. Had a few lights appear, but she was stuck in the garage. My hero of a husband came home and saved me. After a nice push down the driveway with the butt of my SC2 hanging out into the middle of the street we gave her a jump. And by "we" I mean Mark. Naturally I first pictured a few tragedies: 1) Me rolling uncontrollably down the driveway into oncoming traffic 2) Mark and Amy blowing up both of our cars as he revs the engine and I turn the key to mine Disaster averted, and back to Steve's Tire & Auto we went. I just bought tires there a couple weeks ago. I think I may have them over for a BBQ soon now that we're on a first-name basis and they have all of my money. Oh well. We went to al Vento for lunch and a glass of house white wine, a crab cake, and a beet salad later, I'm feeling much better. Wasn't quite what I had in mind for my day off, but it'll do.

So I'm definitely doing a half-marathon. Well, 2 actually. My running friend and I signed up for the Women Run the Cities 10-Miler and the Monster Half , plus the hubby and I are postponing our anniversary trip this year until December. We're heading West for the Vegas Half Marathon on December 2. I'm nervous, but am pretty sure I'll be able to finish. I'm not exactly in it to win it or anything. I need to get my rear in gear after a long weekend away from running, but the 92 degree heat + humidity just makes me sleepy.

After another crazy weekend in Chicago, I need to get back on track. We went to my very first game at Wrigley on Sunday. Ever heard the catchy, but annoying Cubs song? It's been in my head for days now. Go Cubs go . . . Cripes - there it is again. Mark was able to reunite with the Starbucks apple fritter for 2 consecutive days, and we had a lot of quality time with our friend, Jackie, who took care of us and fed us well. I have today off to recover and to try to salvage our very thirsty garden in this sweltering heat. Meeting Mark for lunch, and then I think I'll workout and plan a nice dinner for us. It will be hard to beat sister Beth's fabulous Labor Day feast of grilled salmon and succotash though. Last week I made a great recipe from the September issue of Cooking Light that my dad and I just loved - Beef Daube Provencal . I'm not afraid to make it again this week.

I've been running regularly for almost 2 years now. It happened by accident, really. I was walking at Lake Nokomis after work one night and it started getting pretty dark. I started running and felt suprisingly good. The husband got me an ipod for our anniversary and that's when I really started running. Today I did the Boston Scientific 10K with my new running friend (we met at the Mississippi 10-Miler) and we ran at a very good clip. We're considering doing the Monster Half in October and the husband and I may do one in Vegas in December. My main troubles with running have been on a mental. I seem to be getting over that though. Doing the 10-miler in May really made me feel like a half isn't that big of a stretch. If I'm going to do the 1/2 in in October I need to get myself on a training program. I just found this link on another blog that should help me plan some new routes: mapmyrun.com Saturday my running friend and I are going to start at Minnehaha Park, head

I had my sister and cousins over tonight for a laid back dinner. Chips and corn salsa, Gorgonzola and strawberry salad, brats and veggie burgers, and raspberry swirl were on the menu. The husband took our dog to the Hound Dog Pet Hotel for doggie daycare, so I didn't need to worry about her while I was working and getting everything ready. Corn Salsa Recipe 5 T. olive oil 3-4 ears of fresh corn, cut off the cob 2/3 c. chopped green onion 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 c. finely diced red onion 3 T. fresh lime juice 1 T. minced jalapeno chilies w/seeds 5 minced garlic cloves 1 large tomato, chopped Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Add corn and saute until lightly browned. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds longer. Remove pan from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Cool. Add the remaining 3 T. of olive oil, tomato, and remaining ingredients to the bowl. Toss to combine. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Refrigerate and serve wit

Last night we went to another fantastic wine dinner at al Vento with some friends. The theme was wine and food from Portugal. al Vento's wine dinner's are a great deal at just $40 per person for 4 courses and 4-5 glasses of wine. At each wine dinner event, al Vento's owner and a local wine rep talk about the food and wine pairings, and guests have an opportunity to order the featured wines at significantly discounted prices. We'll pick up our order at Lyndale Liqours this Friday. We typically make dinner reservations at al Vento and many other restaurants around town using http://www.opentable.com/ . Each time you keep a dinner reservation you made on Open Table, you earn points towards Dining Rewards (cash you can use at OpenTable restaurants). When making an Open Table reservation for al Vento's wine dinners, make sure you note that you're planning to attend the wine dinner in the comments section. Visit al Vento's website or sign up at al Vento to recei

I was asked to bring dessert to the 4th of July BBQ at my sister's house and decided to bring a family favorite, Raspberry Swirl. The recipe card credits my aunt with the recipe though she doesn't remember ever making it. The Swirl makes a perfect summer dessert and doesn't require much oven time (just 6-8 minutes for the graham cracker crust), which is great on hot days. Raspberry Swirl Recipe 3/4 c. graham cracker crumbs 3 T. melted butter Combine these 2 ingredients and press into a greased pan Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes until just slightly browned 3 eggs separated 1 8 oz. package cream cheese 1 c. sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 1 c. heavy whipping cream 1 10 oz. package frozen raspberries - partially thawed 1* Beat egg yolks until thick. Add cream cheese, sugar, salt and beat until smooth and light. 2* Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. 3* Whip cream until stiff. Fold egg whites and whipped cream into cheese mixture. Pour cheese mixture on top of the graham cracker c

We have 2 sour cherry trees in our backyard. Who knew they could grow right in the city? My husband and I pretty much picked the trees clean this year in an effort to keep our dog from ingesting anymore of them. She has a digestive disorder and any little thing she eats that isn't part of her diet (aka expensive prescription dog food) can trigger some ugly tummy troubles. The cherries freeze very nicely and make lovely hostess gifts for those who like to bake pies. My sister, the chef , used to work for an Uptown restaurant where they made cherry pie and cherry preserves. From last year's batch my sister made cherry pies, cherry sorbet, and cherry crisp. Beth, when are you inviting us over for more cherry-based desserts? Notice how we don't seem to cook with our own cherry tree crops . . .

Anyone who cooks has their favorite kitchen tools and appliances. Here are some that make cooking easier and much more fun at our house. KitchenAid Mixer I have the pretty standard version without too many bells & whistles, but it's my absolute favorite kitchen toy. Mine is white, but they now come in a variety of fun colors. Cookie Scoop My cookie scoop from Cooks of Crocus Hill is great for making the perfect oatmeal chocolate chip cookie or Brandy Chocolate Truffles. Apple Wedger I'm a little lazy when it comes to cutting apples and pears, but this tool is fantastic! We eat apples pretty much everyday now since we received the apple wedger for Christmas a few years ago. Le Creuset Dutch Oven My cute little brown dutch oven is fantastic for searing short ribs and roasts. I also make the No Knead Bread in it and it looks great on our shelf in our brown kitchen. Wusthof Knives So far I have a pairing knife and a 6" Grand Prix Cook's Knife. You can't beat a Wust

My husband was very "meat and potatoes" when we met, but he credits me with making him brave enough to try almost anything. I have my family to thank for that. My dad used to own a restaurant and did the bulk of the cooking while I grew up. My mom was also a great cook and I think I got my baking skills from her. My sister is a chef and teaches cooking classes, so she's always telling me about her latest creations and sharing her recipes. My mother-in-law cooks amazing feasts whenever we're home for a weekend or the holidays, and I've learned a lot from her. The way she creates fantastic meals for 10-20, depending on which kids and grandkids are home, is incredible. One of my favorite things about her meals is the huge bowl of fruit she always has on hand. My husband and I almost always end our meals with a bowl of fruit. It curbs my "I need something sweet" craving and gives us a little something healthy instead of a full-blown dessert. I have some oth

I was thinking about my favorite family recipes tonight and my mom's spaghetti and meatballs came to mind. The year she passed away, my dad turned 65 and my sister and I decided to throw him a surprise party. I was in charge of making dinner. I made the sauce ahead of time and put everything in my little Cavalier to drive over to my dad's house where we were having the party. As I turned off of 94 to merge onto highway 52, a big wave of steam surrounded my head. I spilled almost an entire crockpot full of sauce in the back of my car. Even after a nice car detailing the Cav still smelled fantastic! Spaghetti & Meatballs Meatballs 1/2 pound ground pork 1/2 pound groud beef 2 medium onions, finely chopped 1 T. olive oil 3-5 large cloves of garlic 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/2 cup grated Parmessan cheese 1/2 cup dry Italian breadcrumbs 1 egg 2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper Brown onions and garlic in olive oil. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and form into small balls. Brown meatb

Now that it's July our basil plants have become incredibly fragrant basil bushes so we're in homemade pizza mode. As our neighbor says, "I garden to eat," but my tomatoes got a late start so I had to stop at Lund's for some Romas . Last night we chopped a ton of basil after I took the hubby to his very first Yoga class at the Y. We keep our pizzas pretty simple, but you could add any combination of fresh veggies and herbs from your garden. Tomato Basil Pizzas One package of 4-5 pocketless pitas 3 Roma tomatoes - chopped Bunch of Fresh Basil - thinly sliced 3-5 cloves of garlic (we like a lot of garlic!) Sea Salt 2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil + extra 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese Use a garlic press to crush the garlic into a large bowl. Add tomatoes, basil, salt, 2 T. olive oil, and mix. Place pitas on a cookie sheet. Place a drop of olive oil onto each pita and spread over the whole pita. Cook at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes (pitas should start to tu