Hump Day Foodie Guest Post

Welcome to Wednesday! It's officially hump day, whether we like it or not.


Today Katie, from Making Food And Other Stuff, was amazing enough to write a guest post for RunLoriRun. Katie, besides making crazy good lookin' foods, spends her time many crafty items she sells here, is working on her PhD in Biology (wow), and is just a great person to know (in the blog sort of way). She's one of the nicest, most creative, and witty writers I've met.

And onto the good stuff...

Guest post?!?!  Really, are you sure?!?  That was my reaction when Lori contacted me about writing this post.  I am both honored and scared.  Will her readers like me?  Can I be my usual, sarcastic self?  Do I need to “keep it clean”? 

Well, I’ve come to realization that writing without sarcasm is nearly impossible, and certainly not fun for me.  So, you guys get the real Katie, no holds barred.

I like food.  I like to eat.  I like to eat food.  (Not to be confused with eating dirt, which I also do fairly consistently when hiking, biking, backpacking, skiing, etc.  I am a big-time klutz.)  My food, however normal it may be in blog-land, is not seen the same way in my family.  Here’s how things play out (repeatedly):

Family member (FM): “What is that?!?!”  (This is usually said in not so much a curious way, as a you’re-not-really-going-to-ingest-that sort of way.)

Me: *Rolls eyes in exasperation*  Kale (deadpan)

FM: What the hell is kale?

Me: It’s this.  (Holding up a leaf of kale)

FM: Yeah, but what is it?

Me:  It’s kind of like spinach.

FM: Oh.  (Walks away, uninterested.)

However, I have spread the love of healthy eating to some members of my family (or at least that’s what they tell me to shut me up).  In fact, I even got one of my brothers to eat a green smoothie (with copious fruit and yogurt included)!  A couple of them have even bought and made spaghetti squash of their own accord! 

Speaking of green smoothies, I have become a HUGE fan.  I admit that I was completely skeptical of those who espoused the green smoothie/monster as being an essential life-force (I am paraphrasing) and giver of energy.  But I can honestly say (and I am scientist, people, so my word means something) that...well, I like ‘em.  I’m not sure that I’d be willing to testify in a court of law that they give me extra energy, but they taste mighty good, and come summer, you better believe I will be making them multiple times a day.  Already I make them at least once, usually twice a day. 

I have two basic formulas:

1.     Morning smoothie formula:

·      ½ banana

·      Protein powder

·      Spirulena

·      Chia seeds

·      Some other kind of fruit

·      Celery or carrot

·      Greens (kale, spinach, romaine, etc.)

·      Lots of ice and water (a couple cups of water and 6-8 cubes)

·      Guar and Xanthan gums

This “formula” (told you I’m a scientist) makes about 2 big 12 ounce glasses full.  Nice and thick-like.

If I remember correctly, this one was banana, celery, spinach, mixed frozen berries, and the other usual suspects.  The spirulena makes it this awesome green color.

2.     Nighttime smoothie/pudding formula:

·      ½ -1 whole avocado (depending on how hungry I am)

·      Greens (kale, spinach, romaine, etc)

·      cocoa powder

·      Some kind of sweet root veggie (butternut squash, beets, kabocha, etc.)

This might be the grossest looking green smoothie photo ever posted on the internet.  And it tasted phenomenal.  It was kale, steamed butternut squash, avocado and carob powder.  Topped with maple syrup, cinnamon, and seeds.

Looks can be deceiving, kids.  If I saw someone eating either of these a couple years ago, I would never have guessed that they are not only good, but also sweet.  I am now wise to the ways of the green smoothie/pudding and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thanks Katie!