Run-n-Rockin' Mango Jalapeno Chutney

2014-06-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

The official first day of Summer was this past weekend. What better way to start off the season with a Half Marathon!? Sun was shining, the sweat was dripping.. the music rocking. Race 2 of 3 of my planned Half Marathons this year with the Rock n Roll Marathon Series was this past Saturday. Am I the quickest..NOPE. Am I even close to winning anything in an age category - NOPE. But when I crossed that finished line - just shy of my personal best time - all the hard training, the sweat and the sore muscles was all put into perspective and more than worth it. Running is not easy (well for me it's not)...but this weekend, I felt like I achieved something phenomenal, just for me. I live by the motto "Everything in moderation". Though I've had to make some adjustments in my own diet/lifestyle, i really haven't changed much. I'm finding myself however making more healthy choices at home. This week's recipe isn't any BIG-n-fancy main course. It's not some melt in your mouth indulgent sweet treat. I figured it was about time to share something a little more on the lighter side. This has become a staple -go to recipe - for that mid week meal in my household. Yet it's fun enough to be a starring addition to a weekend special dinner or social event. Mango Jalapeno Chutney is the perfect add on to that summer dish. It's easy. It's YUM. A sweet ripened mango is paired with the ZIP of a jalapeno (or 2!) and the flavors just burst onto your taste buds. It is a fantastic side kick for Fish Tacos. Or drizzle it over BBQ Prawn Skewers. Heck, a dab of cream cheese on a whole wheat cracker with a spoonful of the the chutney would make the perfect appetizer for happy hour on a patio!

The Rock N Roll Seattle Marathon was amazing. The event itself is fantastic. From the Health and Fitness Expo, to the race day events, music line up and just the thousands of people - runners, volunteers, etc that make the event happen. WOW. This is my 2nd event in the Rock n Roll Series, as Portland was last month, and they just appear to keep getting better. Next up is Vancouver, BC in October! Can't wait!! Just a little shopping was done.. nothing major.. haha... I did come home with one new "toy" for the kitchen. (am I the only one who gets excited about kitchen gadgets?!) Before I go into any details.. I will say, I am not getting anything from writing this... I just HAVE to share, as if you are trying to watch your diet (moderation aside).. but yet.. especially in the summer months... get cravings like I do for something sweet...cold...and delicious, this puppy is for you! Instead of running out and buying ice cream. Do yourself a favor and get a Yonanas Machine.

This baby takes frozen - fresh fruit (no addition of sugar or anything) and turns it immediately into a creamy smooth ice cream. Those bananas that sat on your counter a day or 2 too long?...the ones you stick in your freezer with the intent on making banana bread or muffins? Ya.. who needs muffins when you can have healthy yet delicious ice cream! Who doesn't love ice cream?! OMG.. YUM. Take a look at the link. I picked mine up at Walmart. Think it's even on "roll back" You will NOT be disappointed.

It was a beautiful sunny kick off to Summer in Seattle this past weekend. I came home exhausted and possibly a smidgen sun kissed...albeit a little stiff from the run. But you will not hear me complain. In fact.. already working on my training schedule so that in October, there will be no excuses. I'm going to try and beat my own PR. I've got this. I know I can. Never Give up....and all that other motivational stuff.

Anyways.. back to the easy peasy recipe... nothing fancy. Just big on flavor, a homemade condiment where you know ALL the ingredients in it. (and can pronounce them!) You can adjust the "zip"/ spice level by adjusting how much jalapeno you put in. Myself.. a good kick in butt of spicy fresh flavor is always the way to go.

Mango Jalapeno Chutney

1 cup chopped fresh (or frozen) mango
2 jalapenos - finely diced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup red pepper, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, diced
2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 cup sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced

- Place all ingredients into a medium saucepan, and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently

- Bring mixture to a boil and let simmer until reduced, and mixture starts to thicken (about 10 mins)

- Remove from heat, and let cool.

You can make this in advance, just store covered in the fridge until ready to use. Myself - as I said above.. love serving it with fish tacos, prawns...whatever I have on hand. I won't judge if you just eat it by the spoonful. It's that darn good. :)

Until next time..... CHEERS!

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

2014-06-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those mornings where you wake up… look outside.. sun is shining.. Birds are singing.. you can smell the coffee brewing and then wait. What is that?! … there’s this sweet, intoxicating smell of berries and cinnamon?! You sigh..and think…can life get any better?! NO!? NEVER!?! ... well. Me either! Haha. BUT… I can say… I have woken up. Rolled out of bed, took the tray of sweet-deliciousness buns out of the fridge, turned the oven on.. slipped my shoes on…took Kenzie out.. AND THEN came BACK inside.. haha pressed the “brew now” button on my Keurig, and finally placed a batch of these OH SO YUM Strawberry Cinnamon Buns into the oven. YUP –then I sighed, sat out on my balcony and thought… this isn't so bad either…

Most mornings I wake up – take Kenzie out (see routine above) – come in and either get ready for the work day – OR – brew that mug of coffee and figure out what I’m going to do for the day. Lately...it's been a focus on training for my next half marathon. Seattle's Run Rock n Roll Half Marathon. NOW.. let's be honest.. I'm not looking to break any land speeds... come in first... heck.. I'm just happy to finish. I'm doing it because of the feeling I get when I cross that line. Each race is just a little better than the last. Each race shows me..rather proves to myself.. I am stronger than I ever thought possible. I run for me. No one else. That being said.. the friends I have made. The friendships that have grown stronger through running is amazing. The Portland Half was a month ago... in 3 more sleeps Seattle... (Hellllooooo Heavy Medals...ENCORE) and then in October... Vancouver. (can you say TRIPLE CROWN!) WHEW.... by this time next year - my goal - full marathon. EEK! Of course with all the training, trying to eat "better".. blah blah blah... I still stick with the "everything in moderation" . I mean may as well have something to run off... :) SO... in keeping up with the fresh local strawberries of the season theme and cravings....I just had to bake these up. Easy Peasy..using fresh berries, with just the hint of cinnamon and all things yum. Go on... try a batch. Share. Or not. I won't judge!

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Rolls

3 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp instant yeast
1/4 cup white sugar
pinch of salt
1 egg
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup butter (softened)

Filling

1 pint strawberries, chopped
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons cinnamon

Glaze (optional)

milk
icing sugar

Rolls:

- In a small saucepan, over medium heat, add milk and butter.

- Stir constantly until butter is melted. Remove from heat, and let cool until lukewarm

- In bowl of mixer, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt.

- Add egg, water and mix using the dough hook attachment until just combined.

- Slowly add milk mixture and remaining flour until dough forms a ball and is smooth.

- Cover and let rest while preparing strawberry filling.

Filling:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, butter, sugar and cinnamon

- Bring mixture to a boil, while stirring constantly.

- Let simmer for about 20 mins, or until strawberries soften and mixture thickens

- Remove from heat and let cool for about 15 mins. Once cool - place in a shallow, freezer safe, container and place in freezer until dough has doubled in size and is ready to go.

- When the dough has roughly doubled in size, punch down, and on a lightly floured surface roll out into a rectangle shape. (roughly 1/4 inch thick)

- Spread strawberry filling over top

- Then carefully fold dough length wise in half

- Now this can get messy... so enjoy.. haha... taking a knife, slice out roughly 1 inch..or so (doesn't have to be perfect) slices, width wise.

- Take each slice, and twist.. then tie... into a knot / roll. (again.. nothing has to be perfect.. it'll work out, trust me!)

- Place rolls into a lightly greased pan.

- Cover, and let rise until roughly double in size**

**if you are making these the night before...or even wanting to cover/freeze. This is where you would cover and place in fridge overnight or freezer - before then have risen. Once you are ready to bake, remove from fridge/freezer and let rise on counter for about 30 mins. Bake as directed, adjusting cooking time as needed. If I'm using frozen buns, I typically remove them the night before, and place overnight in fridge, then in the morning out on counter**

- Preheat oven to 375F

- Place in oven, center rack, and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until tops are golden

- Mix milk / icing sugar together until desired constantly, and drizzle over still warm rolls... and ENJOY!!!!

I personally love these a bit warm still..then just seem to melt heavenly in your mouth! Also..as usual, submitting this to YeastSpotting, as a lot of inspiration comes through their site! OOOO and it's also International Picnic Day! haha Happy #internationalpicnicday everyone!

SO... 3 more sleeps. 21.6 km / 13.1 miles. whew. I'm excited. Nervous. But more so DETERMINED. Thank you in advance to all my awesome friends and family who will be supporting me. I love you.

Until next time...Cheers!!

Not Just A Chick

Run-n-Rockin' Mango Jalapeno Chutney

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls