Don’t worry, I’m not talking about me or anyone I know.
This morning, my oats were mugged.
Creamy perfect oats with super crunchy hemp granola and ooooobviously the Roasted Maple Cinnamon Almond Butter. I used about 1/2T along with a little Artisana Cacao Bliss. I would have preferred double the AB and none of the cacao bliss! Still delicious but I wanted more gooey AB!!
I haven’t eaten ANY peanut butter since I made this AB on Sunday. I know that’s only 3 days, but I normally eat some PB every single day. I feel like I’m having a nut butter affair….I’m so sorry peanut butter. It’s not you…it’s me!!
Long schpoooooooon.
I had a killer workout day! Speaking of workouts, I was trying to keep the “track my training” page updated, however, the main reason was to track my 1/2 marathon training, which I’m no longer doing. I kept it going because I thought maybe it was better to have more detailed info on my workouts on a separate page because my posts are long enough 
However, it’s just easier to put it in the post. So you’ll have to deal with hearing about my workouts. [they won’t usually be THIS long, hehe]
Swimming was on my brain today, so I walked to the gym [.75m] and hopped in the pool. I usually go the pool without a specific workout in mind. I just swim for like 30+ min. I just recently started counting my laps, which is SO hard to keep track of. I need a button to push, haha. Last week, I swam 1400m [80% freestyle] in 33min. I loved it!! The first 750m I was somewhat tired but then the 2nd half I really got into a groove.
Today, I structured my workout a little more. My body was a bit sore from biking so I wasn’t sure how this would go…but here was the plan:
- 250m kickboard – legs only
- 250m swim with buoy – arms only
- 250m breaststroke
- 250m backstroke
500m650 freestyle- 50m kickboard cool down
I did it!! 1700m in about 43min. It was a bit slower pace mostly from the legs + arms only laps, which were also the hardest!! I didn’t feel sore really, but my arms and legs felt tired. Breast and back went smoothly and once I got to freestyle I really got in a groove. I was in such a groove that I went 150m further than I was planning on and could have kept going. It seriously just felt really natural and smooth…very exciting!! There were 2 reasons I didn’t go further. 1 – they were reeling the lanes in for open swim 2 – Chris and I were planning on going to the rock gym
Awesome workout. I was so proud + excited after this!! You are now probably wishing I posted this on the other page…bahaha 
I walked home and got to making a this!
My smoothie got mugged too!
Purple Protein Slurple
- ~1/2c blueberries
- ~1/2c cherries
- 1/2 banana
- 1/3 avocado
- 1.5T hemp seeds
- 1 serving Amazing Grass Green SuperFood
- 1/4c Living Harvest – vanilla spice hemp protein powder
- 1c plain almond milk
- 1/4c pure grape juice
All of the fruit was frozen, so I didn’t need to add any ice. This had awesome texture!! I topped it with Galaxy Granola and ate it with my new spoonula. It’s like a paddle-spatula-spoon. My mom bought it for me when she was here and I love it
Perfect consistency.
I scraped the blender CLEAN and the mug. SO delicious + SO filling. I also had some leftover roasted veg from yesterday. YUM.
And thennnnn…we went to boulder at the gym. I was definitely feeling a little tired but was so pumped to get back to the rock gym. It’s been a whole week!
We bouldered for about an hour. SO fun.
A few action shots from one of the problems we tried to conquer today…maybe next trip!
There is a huge reach at the end that neither of us could boost up to. Grrrr
Can’t wait to get back on the bike tomorrow!!
Dinner. I wanted to use some herbed pasta I got at the market recently along with our market fresh asparagus. My thoughts were to combine the veg + pasta + make basil pesto.
I ran into 2 problems:
- Pine nuts were $34.99/lb!!!!!!!!!! That was for organic but the non-organic were still $10.99/half-pound. No-can-do.
- I forgot to buy parmesan cheese.
What to do??
- sub walnuts for the pine nuts
- make vegan pesto
It worked..and worked well!!! I think it was the best pesto I’ve ever made.
[not the best lighting..will re-photo tomorrow!]
Vegan Basil Pesto!!!
- ~2.5 loose packed cups of basil
- ~1/4c olive oil
- 1/2c chopped toasted walnuts
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2t salt
- 1/4t black pepper
- 1/3c nutritional yeast
- ~1/4c veggie broth
Yields ~1c
- In a small pan, toast walnuts over low heat until slightly browned. Watch them, they burn fast!
- In a food processor, process garlic cloves for ~15sec.
- Process nuts with garlic and scrape down the bowl.
- Add basil, salt and pepper and process until combined. You’ll need to scrape the bowl a few times.
- Add nutritional yeast, and turn processor on.
- Stream in olive oil + veggie broth until the desired consistency is met, again scraping the bowl down a few times.
Notes: If you like a chunkier basil pesto that is not fully smoothed, then use your “pulse” button to get the consistency you want. If you don’t have an opening that allows you to stream in liquids, that’s okay. Just add them a little at a time, scrape down the bowl, and keep adding until it’s how you want it.
Also: I used veggie broth to lighten this pesto up a bit. It was still packed with flavor and was not watered down from the broth at all. However, you could certainly use all olive oil if you want.
I sautéed the asparagus with 1 large chopped leek for added flavor. LOVE leeks!
The parmesan cheese was NOT missed one bit. You honestly couldn’t tell. If someone served this to me and said they used parmesan I wouldn’t have 2nd guessed it. Chris really enjoyed it as well
Dinner was laaate..8:15…crappy kitchen lighting! The asparagus was awesome. Even cooked in pasta, you could tell this was super FRESH. I cooked the pasta and saved some of the cooking water to help spread the pesto throughout. FABulous!! The best part is I have over HALF of the pesto left and I have a great idea for it tomorrow!!
Has anyone made the Maple Cinnamon AB yet?? I know a few of you have…let me know if you try it out! Also, if you try out this pesto…soooo gooood
Before I make this post any longer…I’m off to bed!
Night!
Ashley
p.s. To answer a reader question asking if I’m training for a TRI….While I would love to be, I am not currently training for a triathlon. My feet are not ready to start running yet…but participating in a tri will definitely be in my future. Trust me, I’ll let you know
PDF 
Hehe, don’t you find swimming totally addictive!? I swum loads last summer (the pool is a 20min drive away though, no time anymore
) and I used to say ‘ just 10 more laps…’ – I’d end up doing about 2500m!!
LOVE your oats. LOVE your smoothie. LOVE your pesto! You eat fabily
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Yes, addicting!!! haha, thanks girl
[Reply]
Love this post!!!
Saved the pesto. Want to make the AB at some point too. And that’s a PURPLE SLURPLE!
Also have been thinking of using Matt’s beer mug for oats soon!!
And ALSO have been thinking of swimming today b/c of my leg injury!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:49 pm
[Reply]
Your swim sounds awesome! Wish I had somewhere to swim – none of our gyms have pools in them! Your arms and back look amazing! Hot hot hot.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:49 pm
LOL..Let’s see some of your muscle photos…I’m sure they are quite impressive!
[Reply]
I would be having a love affair if I had that AB in my pantry too! PB is great, but when a new and exciting nut butter comes into your life, it’s exhilarating!
I’m contemplating training for a Duathlon this summer. I like the idea of biking/running but the swimming scares the daylights out of me. Good luck girl!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Good luck if you sign up!
[Reply]
your latest purple slurple looks amazing. as does your spoonula. where did you get it?
that pesto look awesome. I have too many to-try recipes since I started reading your blog.
If I ran into you in a dark alley, I might be scared of you and your back muscles. and then I’d ask if I could have them. pretty please.
roasted maple cinnamon almond butter = i will love you forever. and ever. and maybe longer.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:51 pm
I will post a link to the company. Picked it up in Boulder for $3..loves it! LOL about my back muscles…We can share them
Thank you for loving me!
[Reply]
oh and your “not the best lighting” comment makes the rest of us tuck our tails in shame. we wish our best photos could look as good as that.
perhaps a post on how to take good pictures??? and actually use the settings on fancy cameras?
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Aww, well I didn’t want to make you feel like thaaaaaat!!! A post on how to take photos? Yikes….that sounds scary…maybe soon!
[Reply]
I bookmarked this post because I’ve tried pesto once and it happened to be over some pasta and zucchini that was rock hard so I didn’t really get to enjoy it. I can’t wait to give yours a try!
[Reply]
Holy Muscles! You have a really toned back and arms, lady!
[Reply]
You’re 3rd party comments about peanut butter were hil-freakin-larious!!! D.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Glad I can make you laugh in the AM
[Reply]
I used to use a golf stroke counter to count my laps. Or if you don’t want to spend too much money, string some beads to a cord or something. Move one bead over for each lap. It makes swimming more fun!
Love you blog, BTW!
[Reply]
Jen Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 7:39 am
that should be “your” – I’m an English teacher so I’m a little obsessed with grammar.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 4:11 pm
What a good idea, and thanks SO much!!
[Reply]
Your pictures are beyond amazing. I want to eat everything you’re making!!
[Reply]
Don’t you love having such an active day? I think it makes the day so much fulfilling!
Speaking of swimming, I used to swim everyday last summer while in Quebec because the college (I was in a French immersion program for 5 weeks) had a beautiful olympic pool.
I swam started with 1500m and then worked up to 2km. In the end, I was able to swim 2km in about 40 min.! Some days my body just felt so darn heavy while other days, I swam like a fish! I would say, if you feel you can give more, do more because you never know how your body might feel the day after!
Your basil pesto and almond butter all look SO GOOD. I was actually trying to find a cilantro pesto recipe sans pine nuts(for the same reason) and cheese but haven’t gotten one yet. Have you ever made cilantro pesto?
Ashley, I think your photos are just darn beautiful!
Have a great day!
[Reply]
Shut up! You’re joking about the cost of the pine nuts, right? That’s highway robbery…
I love, love the color of your purple slurple. I have actually been looking for dresses that same color. Ha!
[Reply]
Yeast for parm, awesome idea! I love pesto! In my recipe I broil some fresh cut tomatoes in the olive oil first then blend with the basil and nuts, roasted tomato pesto! I make a huge batch then keep single portions in the freezer.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Awesome idea!! I love sundried tomato pesto…the freezer portions are a great idea!
[Reply]
I LOVE fresh pesto, I can’t stand the stuff in a jar. My mom, aunt, and her best friend have a pesto making party when basil peaks in the summer and we pluck basil leaves and makes pesto the whole day. And sample it too! I’ll definitely blog about that one come summer! Your pasta looks so good and cheesy even with the vegan-ness!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I never thought I’d be cooking so many vegan recipes…but I’m loving them!
[Reply]
The oats look extra delicious this morning!
It’s like you read my mind… I fell asleep dreaming of making pesto last night
[Reply]
I’ve made Maple Cinnamon Almond Butter many, many times!! Great flavor combo and makes the house smell incredible. I made the “mistake” of giving some to a friend as a gift and now she’s addicted. She brings me Costco bags of almonds regularly so I’ll make her more!!!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:54 pm
That is tooooo funny…I was thinking of giving some out to friends but now maybe I won’t
[Reply]
that pasta looks AMAZING. i love pest. definitely going to make this. you always have the best recipes.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Much appreciated.
[Reply]
i so wish i had access to a pool! i love swimming but just don’t have anywhere to go that’s convenient…
i need that pasta dish…HOLY YUM!
[Reply]
Crazy recipe jackpot! I love it…the oats, shake and pesto all have me drooling. As do your arms! My gosh girl, you are an animal!!!!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:55 pm
hahaha, yaay
I like making Mama happy…and thank you!
[Reply]
Wow, I want to eat all of this! I think that Pesto may be the first recipe I make with our basil that is growing! I agree with Teri about the photos and maybe a post about that?…
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Maybe soon..I’m still really SO new that I feel like I can’t give good advice yet….but maybe some basic things!! Once I finally get my protein post up, I’ll think about a photo post, lol.
[Reply]
I haven’t tried the maple cinnamon AB yet…I only made my first batch of regular almond butter last night! Just almonds roasted with a little canola oil and salt. I might slowly work up to more complex flavors with sweeteners and spices. Baby steps, baby steps.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Yes, baby steps!
[Reply]
You should also try using raw cashews in your pesto. Delicious! I never use pine nuts since they are so pricey and I adore the cashews. Also, with Arugula in season right now we have been enjoying vegan arugula pesto! delish…
can’t wait to make the almond butter!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Perfect idea!!! As is arugula pesto! yummmm
[Reply]
Hi! Can you please do a recap of how you cook your eggs? I’ve been searching all over your site for the way you do your “pour and poke” method and I can’t find it!!!
Thanks!
Katie
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Ask and you shall receive…I need a little protein kick this afternoon, so I’ll document when I make them and post about it tomorrow. I’ll also add it to my recipe page.
[Reply]
I love eating my oats outta a cup : )
Your smoothies always looks so smooth – haha. Must be the avo?
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 4:06 pm
The banana helps but the avocado is KEY!
[Reply]
swimming is the BEST workout! I wish I had better access to a pool!
I LOVE that blue spoon, where is it from ( I am a bit obsessed with spoons)
your oats in a mug look amazing!
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 21st, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I will find out where it can be ordered online and alert the blog world
[Reply]
Is that nature’s path hemp granola by any chance?? I love that stuff.
The pesto looks great! I actually rarely put pine nuts in mine either, I don’t really miss the taste (or calories)!
[Reply]
Wow great work on the swim!
And that pasta…..looks DELICIOUS!!!
[Reply]
Dang, I need to find a gym with a pool! I think I’m growing gills, I have such a desire to start swimmng!!
PS. Your almond butter makes me drool!
[Reply]
oh em gee. spoon. me. want.
[Reply]
Ashley Reply:
April 22nd, 2010 at 1:07 am
Doh! I’ll put that in friday’s post!!
[Reply]
[...] basil I had brought from V’s was used to prepare vegan pesto for dinner. I used Ashley’s recipe as a guide, but used the traditional basil and pine nut [...]
[...] herbs…specifically basil, from V’s overflowing mini garden. This was Ashley’s great vegan walnut basil pesto with nutritional yeast. Instead of using the limited supply of the salt from Slovenia, I bought [...]