Friday Favs_10.10.14

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Happy Friday! It's been another roller coaster week, BUT, I'm happy to report that there have been many more ups than downs this time around so I'm excited to enter the weekend with a clear head. I'm really looking forward to dinner with friends and a little r&r. What do you all think of this fall weather lately? I'm hoping it lasts through December - seriously! It's been so enjoyable and truly New England fall-like. I'm trying to soak it all in while it lasts. And so, I present to you... some of my favorite fall moments from the past week. Enjoy and happy weekend!

Usually when I go on a Castle Island run... I put up photos of the sunset, sunrise, or a cool shot of the beach. As I was running by the first entrance to the island - this view stopped me in my tracks. So pretty!

I'm not much of a baker, but, last Saturday, Jimmy & Sarah had us over for a small dinner party and I had promised to return her pie/tart dish from our last dinner, with a dessert in it. This apple tart was SO EASY! I simply buttered the dish, pressed in a couple sheets of phyllo and folded down the edges a little. Then, thinly slice apples (I used macoun) and toss in melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Place in the phyllo and cover with a little more butter & sugar - bake on 350 for 20-25 mins and then serve with vanilla ice cream. Done! And it's a teensy bit healthier than a pie since it has a little less bread.

Here's what the table looked like at their new apartment. It felt worthy of a Bon Appetit magazine shoot!

During the run portion of #NBGNO on Wednesday, I took this photo of the sun setting over the Charles. Gorgeous! See the little fluorescent triangle in the back - it's the Citgo sign, of course!

Dedicating our run was one of the most special parts of the night. Here I am signing #StacyStrong to the wall.

This is so so so so so true.

Have a WONDERFUL weekend. xo

Oldie but a goodie! Buff chick

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Seeing that the Pats game was a night game yesterday, I wanted to make a dinner instead of having a variety of "football snacks". That being said, I also wanted it to be football-themed and somewhat healthy. I haven't made my faux fried buffalo chicken tenders (click to see my old post with the full ingredient list and instructions) in a WHILE so I thought it was the perfect thing to whip up for Rob and myself. Honestly, they taste so freaking delicious. There is absolutely no need to fry them!

Click on the link above to get the full instructions. For a quick recap - see below:

Take organic chicken breasts and cut them into strips. Dip in a little flour, then an organic egg/buffalo sauce mixture, then panko! Bake on 375 for 20ish minutes (less for smaller pieces) and then toss in the buffalo sauce.

As for the sides:

Drizzle asparagus with extra virgin and salt and bake on 375 for 20ish minutes (turn once or twice).

Do the same thing with thinly sliced onions.
While all that baking is happening, toss some arugula with shaved parmesan. Once the onions are soft or close to crispy, toss them on the salad with chopped cashews. I made a lemon vinaigrette consisting of the following: 2 parts evoo, couple-few tbs of freshly squeezed lemon juice, tbs of rice vinegar, 2 tsp of mustard, salt, pepper to taste.

What's great about this meal is that it's sneaky healthy and filling. Getting the taste of buffalo chicken sans the saturated fats and breading is such a win! Adding in the salad and asparagus provides vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, asparagus is a liver-cleanser. (which may or may not be needed on a Sunday night, amiright?)

We had leftovers so tonight, I made THIS:

To make the green beans: Flash boil them and then toss with evoo or organic butter and chopped pecans. Done and done!

What did you make last night for the game? Hope you all have a great week! 

xo

Likable Links II

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Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you are all taking this rainy day and making the most of it with some r&r! While you relax, here's some links worth reading! Have a great weekend! xo

 

1. 10 Places to Hike this Fall. No excuses! (boston.com)

2. And 6 really good reasons why you should go for that hike or give an outdoor workout a shot! (huffingtonpost.com)

3. Once you're done with your hike. How about some homemade chocolate chip cookies? (ozy.com)

4. Registration is closed for next week's NBGNO, but, if you DID sign up... Here's what you have to look forward to! (boston.com)

5. Some facts. Mom knows best. (womenshealthmag.com)

6. What to do with all those apples you aggressively picked! (nutritiouslife.com)

7. Lifting helps your brain, too.  LIFT LIFT LIFT (huffingtonpost.com)