Let's play catch-up

Whew - this week has been crazy. I've spend a considerable bit most of my time at the hospital (hospital = work), and let me tell you, 5:45am wake-ups are not my thang. Last night however, I did manage to get 10 hours of sleep. Maybe it was due to the fact I was a walking corpse for the last few days, or I had a great time with these two ladies at a local DC food blogger happy hour.

Either way, I slept like a babe.

* * * 

I suppose a catch-up is in order, since working 13 hour days = no blogging. Sorry kids. Here are some recent [healthy] meals worth posting:

Butternut squash & Flax soup

(vegan, gluten-free, and SO EASY!)

 (Adapted from Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Diet)

Ingredients:

1 medium butternut squash, cubed

2 large carrots, peeled and diced

2 ribs celery, chopped

1 medium yellow onion, diced

4 cups organic vegetable broth (gluten-free variety if required)

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

2 T flax seeds

2 T apple cider vinegar

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 t basil

1 t oregano

1/2 t cumin

pinch cayenne

sea salt, pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Satay carrots, celery, garlic, onions in a little water until onions are soft

2. Boil squash until soft. 

3. Combine drained squash, veggies, and remaining ingredients and use mixer, food processor, or in my case blender to puree

4. Enjoy

* * *

 Chocolate protein pancakes topped with raspberry puree

Pancake mix:

1.5 scoops Chocolate protein powder (Chocolate SunWarrior is the best, in my opinion)

1/3 cup egg whites

1 T diced pecans 

1 T apple sauce, unsweetened

1/4 cup frozen raspberries

pinch baking powder

pinch sea salt

Raspberry glaze:

1/4 cup frozen raspberries, microwaved & mashed

stevia, to taste

 * * *

Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter <---Amazing savory/sweet combo

(Thanks Naomi for the suggestion!)

Quick Sweet potato cooking directions:

Stab sweet potato several times with knife

Microwave in bowl (with a little H20) for ~10 mins, 5 mins on each side

* * *

What are you dying to cook that you haven't tried? 

I reeeeally want to break out my slow cooker but am somewhat intimidated, despite the face I know you just "throw stuff in and let it cook". Any recipe suggestions?