New Find: Lemon Powder

I think I found a new kitchen staple - and it is called lemon powder. For me, kitchen staples normally need to be carefully contemplated, go through multiple rounds of tastings, and prove themselves to be a savior at any moment when lack of flavor could be the issue. I skipped a few steps, and just ordered a pound of it. #Worth it.

I went with Hoosier Hill Farm lemon powder this time.

How did I stumble upon this decision you ask? Well, I bought a new hummus from Whole Foods the other day and it had this undeniable lemony flavor. It wasn't the acidic lemon juice flavor, or even the bright pop of the zest...it was something different, it was almost sweet. Like a true detective, I scoured the ingredient label for anything I didn't recognize...and there it was. Lemon powder. Why hadn't I heard of this before?!

So the search started in that moment, and no stores in the area I was in had it, so I went to my next favorite, Amazon.com. And why start small with only a few ounces? Go big or go home!

After receiving it, I started with some hummus - because there was no better way to pay homage to my finding. And I can't just be normal, so I added a little unflavored egg white protein powder to the mix for a protein packed hummus.

Gather these things:

- 1 can garbanzo beans

- 1/2 scoop unflavored egg white protein powder - feel free to leave this out, I was just feeling fancy

- 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon powder

- Seasonings of your choice - I used salt and garlic powder

- Water, just enough to get the consistency you like

- A splash of lemon juice

Directions:
- Add all ingredients to your food processor or blender
- Blend until you like the taste and consistency
- Eat!!

I wouldn't recommend anything except an unflavored protein powder, I have tried vanilla before - not okay. It turned out way too sweet and I couldn't bear to eat it. I love Jay Robb's unflavored egg white protein powder. I got this 2 lb pack from Mike for Valentine's Day. He get's me :).

I like to add my spices little by little, and taste as I go. The worst is a ruined hummus, and having to sadly watch it get dumped down the drain.

Perfect snack to take to work. A little protein, some carbs, and definitely an amazing lemon flavor! Since this I have made homemade gummies, a lemon pie protein shake, and a lemon beet smoothie. At this rate, it probably won't last me long!

Ode to Chagrin Falls

Witty, satirical, sassy. All adjectives that sometimes (ok usually) describe me. I love dry humor, and I love a little harmless societal mockery - just every now and then, when I'm truly in rare form. Some people bash on facebook, others vent to friends and overly exaggerate the negatives, I choose to write.

Aside from blogging about day to day things, sometimes I like to get a bit deeper with my writing. My love for good writing blossomed as a child, where I broke my dad's heart every time he asked if he could read to me, and I would boldly refuse with an "I can read it myself!" Then I would squirm away from his lap with the book and read until my eyes started to cross. Poor guy.

AP English was my favorite course in high school, and I even majored in photo journalism for a good year or so in college. Then I found kinesiology and nutrition, and I parted ways with photo journalism. But I am still torn - I think I could have excelled at both.

About a year ago I decided to take a travel writing course, because well, I love to travel AND I love writing. Seems perfect right? I did this piece and after talking it over with one of my friends, I am taking her advice and sharing. For all those who grew up in a town that seemed a bit out of it's own league - this one's for you!


Chagrin Falls, in a Nutshell 

“Do you need room for cream?”

 I watched from my spot on the couch at Starbucks as a fit blonde pondered the question, as though the rest of her day’s happiness would depend upon this decision. A shorter, less fit friend came to her rescue, “Yes, go ahead! We power walked 3 miles this morning!” Power walking is a sacred time for the women of Chagrin Falls because it conquers 3 key tasks of a house wife; catching up on gossip, parading their athleticism to lazier friends who might be watching, and of course, sweating off last night’s alcohol.

I wondered if I deserved cream this morning. Did my heart rate raise enough while driving the snaking curves that lead into the tiny town? Not likely, but I like my coffee black anyways. I abandoned my people watching and opted to get my caffeine fix a few doors down, at a place where the coffee is fresh and not over-roasted, yet lacking a name brand, so the line is shorter.

I stroll along Main Street, taking in the sounds of the falls as they pass under the road and cascade into the Chagrin River. You can always tell if it has rained recently by the color and ferocity of the falls. I pass the infamous Popcorn Shop and the scent of hot fudge tickles my nose, my mouth instantly starting to water. The Popcorn Shop sits at the center of town and offers decadent treats like flavored popcorn, ice cream, and an assortment of candies meant to tug on the strings of nostalgia. I wondered what the power walkers would deem this kind of indulgence, probably unforgivable.

Despite it being mid-day during the workweek, the shops along Main Street entertain the attractive people who are milling about. Extended lunch breaks are common here, and they remain one of the few things that aren’t ignored…unlike the town’s speed limits or laws concerning alcohol use. Shiny, over-priced cars cruise around, their owners either too old to make use of the horse power, or too young to deserve it. 

An oversized gazebo near the end of Main Street invites me to sit and admire the well-manicured town, and it occurs to me that almost nothing has changed in 9 years. When I was in high school, Chagrin Falls was always referred to as “the bubble”. A town that is miles away from any highway, safe enough to walk to school, and, according to most of the town’s parents, free of any activity that may question their children’s actions. A town that allows teens to act older and parents to act younger, enticing all who move here to never leave.

My watch shows it’s almost time for dinner at my parent’s house, which resides only about a mile away. On the way back to my car I run into three girls from high school that are a few years older than I, we chat for a bit and then I carry on, wishing them luck with house hunting.

Mango Broccoli Green Smoothie

For those of you who don't know, I love a good green smoothie. You may have seen them on my instagram, but my little iPad camera just doesn't do nature's gifts justice! I feel like I will be testing out a lot more recipes with them since I am taking a month or so off of meat.

Why oh why? I know, Mike asked me the same question. Mainly, it's because I don't feel like I'm matching my food intake with my energy output. I had been having back problems for 4ish months, and slowly my activity levels were declining.  When I finally realized I wasn't a doctor and couldn't heal it myself, I went to see a physical therapist - they concluded I had herniated a disc in my lower back.

My activity levels went from playing volleyball a few times a week, yoga, weight training, and running, to nothing. Just last week I was told that I can walk on a treadmill with no incline...yay!!

Without exercise, I have been keeping a similar diet (just a little less because I'm not as hungry) - but I have been feeling heavy. Not gaining weight heavy, surprisingly enough I haven't gained anything, but weighted and clogged. I used to get that clean feeling after exercising, and now I just feel like everything is sitting so heavy within me because I'm not using it for anything.

So this is why I will be avoiding meat products, and sticking to mostly vegetables, fruits, eggs, and beans. If we were to put some sort of foodie label on it, I will be an ovo-vegetarian (vegetarian plus eating eggs). I already don't eat any dairy products because I have a milk allergy, so basically I am just getting rid of the meat from my current diet.

You just want the smoothie recipe already? Got it.

Gather these things:
*These are approximate measurements to my liking - always make sure you taste before you pour, and add to satisfy your tastebuds. 

- 2 cups of water
- heaping 1/2 cup of frozen or fresh mango
- 1/2 head of romaine
- 1 cup of kale
- 2ish cups broccoli
- lemon juice (I probably added 2-3 Tablespoons, but I didn't measure)

Directions:
- The order I like place things in the blender is as follows: liquids, easy to blend items (lettuces/greens), crunchy items (cabbages, raw beets, cruciferous veggies, etc),  fruits. I have found that placing the things that are easier to break down near the blades make for seamless blending, otherwise you are probably going to have those big crunchy things getting stuck.

 I ended up with this much broccoli left over, my smoothie was getting a little thicker than I normally like, so I just ate it as a pre-game to my smoothie :).

Thank god for my Vitamix. Broccoli is super fibrous and I'm not sure what other blender can make the silky smooth treat that this guy does. I don't plan to find out anytime soon either, I'm probably a Vitamix-lifer.

This recipe makes about 2 servings, depending on how big your glasses are. This one tastes like summer - I'm currently searching for all things that taste, feel, look, or remind me in some way of summer. This Cleveland winter is really beating me down!

Recipe name: Mango Broccoli Green Smoothie

Ingredients	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Trader Joe's - Mango Chunks (Frozen), 119 g (14 Pieces)	77	20	0	1	0	18
Broccoli - Raw, 150 g	51	10	1	4	50	3
Kale - Raw, 54 g	27	5	0	2	23	0
Fresh & Easy - Veggie - Romaine Fillets, 6.5 leaves (85g)	33	5	0	1	65	3
Total:	188	40	1	8	138	24
Per Serving:	94	20	1	4	69	12

Enjoy friends!