tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83756176803842282382024-03-12T18:28:09.285-07:00Decadent Philistines Save the WorldOne Family's Journey to Live More Healthfully, Eat More Sustainably, and Act More CompassionatelyAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.comBlogger362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-54257385702634736862015-12-29T09:00:00.000-07:002015-12-29T10:30:43.678-07:00Mini Marshmallow Brownie Pies - the MarshbrowpieOrange and chocolate are a flavor marriage made in heaven. With a buttery crust, these bite-sized delights aren't as sweet as s'mores pies made with graham crackers. And since they're made in mini muffin tins, you can grab - and eat - a handful.<br />
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Earlier this month, the <a href="http://www.ghirardelli.com/">Ghirardelli Chocolate Company</a> held a social media contest. Participants simply had to make something chocolatey and yummy and use the hashtag #SweetestSecret.<br />
After a looooooooong semester of school, work, physical therapy, and general parenting/wife-ing, I needed to relax, and an afternoon spent with Watson and Sherlock in the kitchen was definitely a great way to unwind.<br />
Now, I am good at making exactly two things in the kitchen: marshmallows and pie. I'm terrible at cookies, have no patience to make and decorate cakes anymore, and, more than anything, I just <i>really like</i> marshmallows and pie.<br />
As such, I decided to take the pie crust I had in the freezer and make mini pies. But marshmallows in pie crust? Boring. And not really a great way to feature, you know, Ghirardelli chocolate.<br />
But marshmallows on top of a <i>brownie</i> that was in pie crust?<br />
WINNER WINNER BROWNIE PIE DINNER.<br />
Literally.<br />
Ghirardelli liked one of my Instagram snaps so much that I was one of the winners of the contest.<br />
How awesome is that??????????????<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96H4Eehk5YC2UcDKg4UqBxRMjBpUPJOdD-ve5wnw01aZ0KJ41csMMTzVUKCFeNtPGyQsQYCDwz5C3ddxT7FYDYjCFJg0xyqOS-zHH5bAb4-twKqVboZ4HRtJNZr1eEmwFUCaJQV0mHCio/s1600/IMG_6438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96H4Eehk5YC2UcDKg4UqBxRMjBpUPJOdD-ve5wnw01aZ0KJ41csMMTzVUKCFeNtPGyQsQYCDwz5C3ddxT7FYDYjCFJg0xyqOS-zHH5bAb4-twKqVboZ4HRtJNZr1eEmwFUCaJQV0mHCio/s320/IMG_6438.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winning snap!</td></tr>
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For my "efforts" (can we really call it that if I was simply having fun in my kitchen?), I received a lovely package of Ghirardelli chocolate and baking supplies, and I'm so excited to use them all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhR7OgB6KPIHLabmUqOFglR50ezacTIw39Kc7BD-KaRciHw2pOpu7wyShjl_yGOJrwytNDDQOLT34ntVZRdi_nSrOM2rscexpqmLyvQ7K9FcOvBfxvrvmoC7tVCbRd_VR3BYJQ2yyIzzyq/s1600/IMG_6686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhR7OgB6KPIHLabmUqOFglR50ezacTIw39Kc7BD-KaRciHw2pOpu7wyShjl_yGOJrwytNDDQOLT34ntVZRdi_nSrOM2rscexpqmLyvQ7K9FcOvBfxvrvmoC7tVCbRd_VR3BYJQ2yyIzzyq/s400/IMG_6686.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise, from top: Williams Sonoma cookie cutters, unsweetened cocoa powder, bittersweet chocolate, white chocolate chips, bittersweet chocolate chips, a SILPAT, Williams Sonoma stainless steel spatulas, chocolate sauce</td></tr>
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<b><u>Mini Marshmallow Brownie Pies (Marshbrowpies)</u></b><br />
Yield: 4 dozen<br />
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<ul>
<li>One batch <a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/2011/09/no-excuses-pie-dough/">No Excuses Pie Dough</a> (or enough of your favorite pie crust for a two-crust pie; if you don't have a favorite pie crust recipe, you do now)</li>
<li>One batch <a href="https://lapetitepancake.wordpress.com/2013/07/07/perfect-fudge-brownies/">Perfect Fudge Brownies</a> batter (or your favorite brownie recipe; this should be your favorite brownie recipe)</li>
<li>One batch triple orange marshmallows (below)</li>
</ul>
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Note: you're going to have both leftover brownie batter and marshmallow cream, so follow instructions to prepare a pan for the brownies and a pan or moulds for the marshmallows. The brownies will be good snacks to give to people who for some reason don't like pie and/or marshmallows (yes, Virginia, they do exist), and the marshmallows are excellent in coffee or cocoa or as snacks for people who don't like chocolate (or are allergic to it, as some people are).<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">For </span>the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> pie crusts:</span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Roll out the dough (see original post for directions). Using a cookie cutter slightly larger than the diameter of the mini muffin tin, cut out small circles. If you don't have a cutter the right size, you'll find that an average drinking glass will do the trick. Cut out a small triangle so your circle looks like PacMan. </span><br />
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Using a finger dipped in cold water, seal the two sides together to make a cone shape; place into ungreased, unlined mini muffin tins.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Chill for at least thirty minutes. In the meantime, preheat your oven to 375°, and prepare the brownie batter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>For the brownies:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Prepare brownie batter according to directions. When the batter is mixed, add a </span>teaspoonful of the batter to each of the pie crusts.<br />
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Bake at 375° for 9-10 minutes. Cool for at least ten minutes before adding the marshmallows.<br />
Pour the remaining batter into a prepared pan, and bake for slightly less than the recommended time, checking frequently. I recommend breaking up Ghirardelli peppermint bark and sprinkling it over the batter so that you have peppermint brownies, especially yummy during this time of year.<br />
You want the mini pie brownies to still be soft enough in the middle so that they collapse. If they do not collapse, press down the centers a bit once they cool enough to handle.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>For the marshmallows:</u></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 1/2 tablespoons powdered gelatin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup cold orange juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon orange extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tablespoon orange zest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 cups sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups corn syrup (or rice syrup; agave nectar might also work)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">splash orange juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">powdered sugar/corn starch mixture in which to toss the marshmallows</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Additional zest, for sprinkling</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Combine the juice, salt, and orange extract in the bowl of a mixer. Sprinkle gelatin over the mixture and whisk to combine, being careful to get rid of any lumps. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">For the extra marshmallows: spray a 9X13 pan with either pan spray or coat with oil. Line the pan with plastic wrap, and then coat the top of the plastic wrap with oil. Coat completely with your powdered sugar and corn starch mixture. I've played around with how much, and what I've found works well for me is to coat completely and then tap out the excess. This makes, for me, a less clumpy end product. Set the pan aside.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><i>Alternately (and this is what I've started doing since my last marshmallow post), you can use silicone moulds, making sure to spray them with either pan spray or coat them with oil. You'll need enough moulds to make approximately 60 marshmallows (this is three Wilton baking moulds or 4 Chicago Metallic marshmallow moulds).</i></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring sugar, syrup, zest, and and a splash of juice to a boil. Continue to boil until the mixture reaches 244° (the soft ball stage). </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When the syrup mixture reaches about 235°, turn on the mixer, using the whisk attachment, to low.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as the syrup reaches the proper temperature, remove and pour into the mixing bowl, continuing to whisk on low. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gradually raise the speed of the mixer. Continue to whip until the mixture has about tripled inside (read: you're fearful it will overflow) and it starts to come off the sides of the bowl in small threads.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>To assemble marshbrowpies:</u></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Working quickly before it sets, add the marshmallow cream to the brownie pies. </span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Pour the cream into two 16" piping bags, each prepared with a tip (I use a 5). Pipe a small amount into each brownie hollow.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">If you don't have </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">piping bags</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">, you can pour a well-oiled teaspoonful of marshmallow cream into the hollows created when the brownies collapsed. </span></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
Either pour or pipe the leftover marshmallow cream into a prepared pan or moulds.</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lightly dust orange zest over all the marshbrowpies. Follow that by sifting the corn starch-powdered sugar combination over the top of all the marshmallows, making sure that you can't see any of the shiny mallows under the snowy powder. Allow to sit, uncovered, for several hours or overnight.</span><br />
To remove, simply use your finger or a knife to pop each one out. Remove any excess dusting powder, and sprinkle with leftover zest if you like.</div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">These will stay in an airtight container for about a week (or however long they last before being eaten).</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Of course, you could make almost any flavor of marshmallow here. I have also made these using salted caramel mallows. But I do think that the boldness of a citrus pairs so well with the chocolate that it's worth starting with.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Thanks so much to Ghirardelli for the #SweetestSecret fun, and of course for the wonderful gifts. The contest was a great way to end my semester and get back in the kitchen, and all of the goodies will be used with glee.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Disclosure: While I do use Ghirardelli chocolate for all my baking, my only "</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">earnings</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">" was the items that I won in this contest (all of which are pictured above). I have not been compensated for my enthusiastic use of Ghirardelli in this post or any other posts that may encourage use of their products, although I still encourage use of their products, because it's really good stuff.</span></span></i></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-79753838840218035982015-12-23T09:00:00.000-07:002015-12-23T09:36:00.181-07:00Smoky Mountain ClustersMellow brown sugar marshmallows and creamy vanilla caramel sauce are the perfect accents to the smokiness of the pecans, almonds, and cashews in this homage to the pride of Nashville. This is <i>definitely</i> not your daddy's Goo Goo Cluster, but it's a smoky, sweet morsel that will surely cause Santa to add you to the permanent Nice List.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was a young pup, my dad brought home the most magical, delicious, and </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">exotic</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> treat from Tennessee after attending a conference in Nashville. It was a </span><a href="http://googoo.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Goo Goo Cluster</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - a marshmallow nougat, topped with caramel and peanuts, and covered in chocolate. He also brought home a few Goo Supremes, which replaced the peanuts with pecans (it wasn't until the early 1990s that the peanut butter Goo Goo was released).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They. Were. Divine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So divine, in fact, I decided to leave one for Santa in lieu of the regular cookies and milk that year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Santa appreciated it so much that he left me a note telling me how much he enjoyed the Goo Goo Cluster and how it was a rare treat for him, since (at the time) they were rarely found outside of the South.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Basically, Santa told me I was a <i>BAMF</i> for leaving him such a treat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've never forgotten how </span>that felt.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year, when Husband made a large batch of smoked mixed nuts for office gifts, my wheels got to turning as to how to use the leftover. It only took seven seconds for me to decide to try my hand at this favorite childhood treat and memory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And you can bet that I'll be leaving a few of these for Santa this year, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Smoky Mountain Clusters</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(inspired by the Tennessee original and one of my favorite candies in the world, Goo Goo Clusters)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yield: 4 dozen*</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 pint smoked nuts (you can use pre-made, like Blue Diamond)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 pint Caramel sauce (I use <a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/2011/02/a-little-saucy/">this recipe from Comfortably Domestic</a> when I make caramel sauce; for this project, I added a sliced vanilla bean and its caviar to the sugar mixture and an additional Tbsp vanilla with the cream; I also cut out the salt)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 batch brown sugar vanilla marshmallows (below)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 1/2 bags <a href="http://www.ghirardelli.com/discover/candy-making">Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers</a> (if you can't get these, you can sub 2 1/2 bags semi-sweet chocolate chips with a tsp coconut oil)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I recommend that you prepare the caramel sauce and the marshmallows the day before you plan to make these so they have time to set (and so you have time to clean; some people might think this is a messy project, but I prefer to think of it as creative), although you </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">can </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">do it all in the same day if you make the sauce and mallows early enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>For the marshmallows:</u></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 1/2 tablespoons powdered gelatin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup cold water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 cups brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups corn syrup (or rice syrup; agave nectar might also work)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">splash water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">powdered sugar/corn starch mixture in which to toss the marshmallows</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Combine the water, salt, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a mixer. Sprinkle gelatin over the mixture and whisk to combine, being careful to get rid of any lumps. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Spray a 9X13 pan with either pan spray or coat with oil. Line the pan with plastic wrap, and then coat the top of the plastic wrap with oil. Coat completely with your powdered sugar and corn starch mixture. I've played around with how much, and what I've found works well for me is to coat completely and then tap out the excess. This makes, for me, a less clumpy end product. Set the pan aside.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><i>Alternately (and this is what I've started doing since my last marshmallow post), you can use silicone moulds, making sure to spray them with either pan spray or coat them with oil. You'll need enough moulds to make 80 marshmallows (this is four Wilton baking moulds or 5 Chicago Metallic marshmallow moulds; you will have leftover mallows using either method, which are great in coffee and cocoa).</i></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bring sugar, syrup, and and a splash of water to a boil. Continue to boil until the mixture reaches 244° (the soft ball stage). </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When the syrup mixture reaches about 235°, turn on the mixer, using the whisk attachment, to low.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as the syrup reaches the proper temperature, remove and pour into the mixing bowl, continuing to whisk on low. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gradually raise the speed of the mixer. Continue to whip until the mixture has about tripled inside (read: you're fearful it will overflow) and it starts to come off the sides of the bowl in small threads.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Using a large spatula liberally coated with pan spray or olive oil, pour the marshmallow cream into the prepared pan, carefully spreading it out evenly. Take a pause to lick the spatula before throwing it in the sink.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're using moulds, pour the mixture into two 16" piping bags, each fitted with a plain tip (I used a 5, although I'd prefer a bit smaller). Pipe the marshmallow cream into each mould.</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sift the corn starch-powdered sugar combination over the top of the marshmallows, making sure that you can't see any of the shiny mallows under the snowy powder. Allow to sit, uncovered, for several hours or overnight.</span></div>
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Marshmallows in moulds will be ready much sooner, although I still prefer to let them sit overnight.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once the marshmallows are set, invert the pan over a large cutting board. Use the plastic wrap to easily remove the marshmallows from the pan. Using a serrated knife, cut into one inch cubes, tossing each in more corn starch and powdered sugar before storing in an airtight container for about a week (or however long the mallows last).</span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><i>Marshmallows in moulds can be manually popped out; even though it might not look like it, they will retain their shape; toss in the corn starch and powdered sugar mixture before storing</i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">*I used moulds for this project, which is how I got 4 dozen of them; if you make the marshmallows in a large pan, your yield will likely be different.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnOlgo7ZcFsdPRjL09qOxeDM36sgBU9v3Fbsu9dmFrIghBmLBgWiSosk2Gis6DVw_x3pTr_3HOErND-VMwkUpQNcmbV0jf50u8inm0CPmej_sIAOtTy1J999gIlA7c56A0rdp4ymwaWSX/s1600/IMG_6670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnOlgo7ZcFsdPRjL09qOxeDM36sgBU9v3Fbsu9dmFrIghBmLBgWiSosk2Gis6DVw_x3pTr_3HOErND-VMwkUpQNcmbV0jf50u8inm0CPmej_sIAOtTy1J999gIlA7c56A0rdp4ymwaWSX/s400/IMG_6670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>To assemble:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Apply a tsp caramel sauce to the top of each marshmallow, and cover with smoked nuts. Pop these in the freezer while you melt the chocolate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Melt the chocolate wafers in a double boiler over low heat (don't boil the water) until smooth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once the chocolate is smooth and melted, work in batches of 8-12 marshmallows at a time (keep the rest in the freezer until you're ready to coat them). Using a fork and a spoon, dip the bottom of the marshmallow into the chocolate, and then spoon chocolate over the top, ensuring that the entire marshmallow is covered. Place on a wax paper covered cookie sheet, and chill in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep refrigerated; share generously.</span><br />
<a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-57990309505748734442015-12-11T09:00:00.000-07:002015-12-11T09:00:00.986-07:00Post-Surgery Life: Six Months Later*taps mic*<br />
Anybody out there?<br />
HEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! Long time no blog!<br />
This fall has been insane. Between work, my classes, and PT, along with all of HRH's activities, has left me little time to sit and blog. I'm a year away from graduation.<br />
But that's not really why I dusted off the laptop.<br />
<br />
Today marks six months since my hip surgery. Six months ago, my orthopedic surgeon poke two holes in my upper thigh and shaved down my ball joint so it didn't rub against my socket anymore. It was actually a fairly quick surgery, as surgeries, go, and I was home later that day and back at physical therapy the next day.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Calx7STsPaNpkSorPwnYBXPMccBxezWppOWCRwfMKihhtQI1jfdH2K1ojX5FmSt6sNP1R0MwwfY_pQyhMx1zwG0KXo9kAUgFWFtZF1IgvVX7tvnlBFKrPQe3YtC4VNMtM5JbkPXUaBWf/s1600/IMG_4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Calx7STsPaNpkSorPwnYBXPMccBxezWppOWCRwfMKihhtQI1jfdH2K1ojX5FmSt6sNP1R0MwwfY_pQyhMx1zwG0KXo9kAUgFWFtZF1IgvVX7tvnlBFKrPQe3YtC4VNMtM5JbkPXUaBWf/s320/IMG_4087.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sexy hospital gown is sexy. It's the lighting, really.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And I have worked my tail off at therapy in these last six months. My ortho said it could take between six and eighteen months to fully recover, but after almost two years of Not Running, I'd like that recovery to be closer to six.<br />
Lately, we've stepped up the plyometrics and abdominal work. I haven't done plyos since I was in high school track, so that's been…challenging. I have the grace of a sprinting basset hound, so hopping over even the shortest hurdle surely causes laughter to those who may be watching (I know this because they don't wait until my back is turned). Even so, I'm keeping at it, since I am continuing to make progress, upping weights and leveling up.<br />
And, if you've followed me on Instagram (which is about all I can muster blogwise of late), you'll know that the most exciting news is that I have actually been able to run.<br />
Twice.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmbCJJy6rkItkP0J30Cq7DG1vGbXXedYJAaYL6hjEhqQ8K6_UIZxi-7AKHzK6tQ81VOLs8ujfa7GuoEU5QOopZ13o7TZN8C5zwQo8cjW01pIWUduqoMs0ZbpQQMHAEyy0jMLORnKjFG3a/s1600/IMG_6350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmbCJJy6rkItkP0J30Cq7DG1vGbXXedYJAaYL6hjEhqQ8K6_UIZxi-7AKHzK6tQ81VOLs8ujfa7GuoEU5QOopZ13o7TZN8C5zwQo8cjW01pIWUduqoMs0ZbpQQMHAEyy0jMLORnKjFG3a/s320/IMG_6350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Let's go, Mom! Chop chop!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think technically I'm still "jogging," but a run is a run is a run.<br />
Here's what I've been allowed to do:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Warm up well (Zooey and I walk for at least a mile before attempting anything faster).</li>
<li>Jog in place for a few seconds.</li>
<li>Lean forward.</li>
<li>Go.</li>
<li>Make sure that everything is loading correctly.</li>
<li>If it's not, stop and start again.</li>
<li>Run no farther than 1/2 mile under threat of severe chastisement from all my therapists.</li>
</ul>
<br />
So that's what I've done.<br />
Twice.<br />
Holy cats, running is hard!<br />
We can start with everything to which I'm trying to pay attention. Before I got hurt, I (made the mistake of) ran somewhat mindlessly. That isn't to say I didn't pay attention<i> at all</i>; I just let my mind wander, especially if one of my favorite jams came on my playlists. Running was a way for me not to have to focus on something - work, class, other people - so I admit that I probably ignored my form. So now to pay attention to my foot strike (which I did before…usually) along with knee position and how much I am leaning and where my arms are and how long my stride is and whether I'm kicking my heels up instead of lifting my knees appropriately…it's…it's a lot. HRH is currently working on perfecting her butterfly stroke, and she struggles timing her arm movement with her dolphin kick, and I know exactly how she feels.<br />
Like I said, sprinting basset hound over here (If you can't get that visual, <a href="http://i.imgur.com/gYPpsF2.gif">here you go</a>).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkK1Lr19u7O8E8kmnTyKqXg9o6tKI-8TV5TqObtdlt1XmIJBpG3aV2QI5JGEFOnXRE1HFpHm9JPrfPn46zL1lIh3F4P7V1o5Fp7vfLODmzrKiVhAjVscYc1-ZcSk0qGF7j7Qu-zBsLLEEK/s1600/IMG_6447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkK1Lr19u7O8E8kmnTyKqXg9o6tKI-8TV5TqObtdlt1XmIJBpG3aV2QI5JGEFOnXRE1HFpHm9JPrfPn46zL1lIh3F4P7V1o5Fp7vfLODmzrKiVhAjVscYc1-ZcSk0qGF7j7Qu-zBsLLEEK/s320/IMG_6447.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean, the only difference is that my ears aren't as floppy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also need to talk about how I could NOT get my breathing under control. You'll be surprised to know that after almost two years Not Running, Not Cycling, and Just Learning To Swim Again, my endurance is at a record low. So even though I felt on my second run that I had the loading under control, I had to stop and walk a bit to catch my breath before starting again. Sucking wind is a look I'm going to need to get used to for a while.<br />
Am I ready to start Couch to 5K yet?<br />
No.<br />
Even though I downloaded it.<br />
But I'm getting stronger, and the fact that I have been cleared to do a bit of slow running as I basically learn how to run all over again is exciting. We are at the minimum marker for "full recovery," and while I know that I still have a ways to go before I announce to the world that I'm training for my first marathon, I'm starting to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.<br />
And hey, I may never be fast, but at least I'll be able to put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the forward motion. And for that, I am grateful.<br />
<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-64792606990642491702015-08-24T09:00:00.000-07:002015-08-24T09:00:03.098-07:00What Makes it GreatOn Friday, I saw the PA at my ortho's office for a checkup. The last time I was in, the ortho said that this visit would be a deciding factor about when I'll be able to start cycling, running, and swimming again.<br />
My range of motion continues to improve, and Jeff, my PA, was really pleased with how my muscle strength was coming along as well - I'm actually getting quad definition again, which means my muscle atrophy is receding, and my left leg is starting to become more equal in strength as my right. This is key for getting the go ahead for all activities.<br />
That said, I'm not quite ready to put my improved joint to the test, and it may be a few more months before that happens.<br />
The most important thing is having 100% range of motion back so that I can, basically, learn to run properly again. If I start before that, I'll likely have to compensate somehow, which will, of course, create a greater risk of re-injuring myself. Additionally, I need to start back with one exercise at a time so that I don't overdo it. Since part of my surgery included repair of the <a href="http://www.gla.ac.uk/t4/~fbls/files/fab/tutorial/anatomy/hipt.html#T2">hip capsule</a>, Jeff wanted to make sure that was fully healed, which can take a little longer even if I "feel great and can't wait to start moving again."<br />
So what does this all mean?<br />
For now, I can continue walking and adding distance/time each week (I'm currently up to just under 1.5 miles). I need to continue with my PT twice a week, but as I need to move my hip as much as possible, I do need to do my exercises more often, so doing them in the pool and at the gym are highly recommended. If I keep this up, I should be able to start either cycling or swimming, in <i>very</i> small doses, next month, once I'm three months out from surgery.<br />
Running, which is naturally the most jarring to the hip, will require the ortho's approval, so that's at least another six weeks, when I see him again. That means my goal of starting Couch to 5K near the end of September, in order to participate in a November race, isn't obtainable.<br />
Of course I'm disappointed, but I also understand that I need to be healed and have that appropriate range of motion. My overall goal is to run this year, so even though I won't be finishing my first 5K in almost two years in November, I still have until December 31 to <i>just run</i>. So for now, I'm doing all that I can to get there.<br />
Some people think that running is hard. Swimming and cycling can also be hard. But right now, waiting is probably the hardest thing I have to do. I see a runner out on the canal and wish that Zooey and I were out there, too. When I go to the gym and see someone doing lap after lap in the pool, I want to just be able to go fifty yards. I look longingly at RuPaul, who sits all but abandoned in the garage, and tell her that we'll get out of there someday, but not today.<br />
Waiting is hard. But at least I'm waiting for something. And something is progress.<br />
<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-22817063976232245322015-08-05T06:25:00.001-07:002015-08-05T06:25:07.584-07:00Small Victories: WalkiesThere are these two terriers in our neighborhood that Zooey has claimed as her mortal enemies. She FUH-REAKS OUT when they walk by our house. When we have encountered them on walks, chaos has ensued. I've decided that she sees them as some sort of prey she needs to tree, because every time she picks up their scent, she goes the same kind of crazy as when she's gone on raccoon hunts.<div>
Even at 100% strength, when she goes into full coonhound huntress mode, it's a struggle to stay upright, and that was everyone's concern when I started walking her again.</div>
<div>
For the most part, our walks have been great. I think both of us are happy to have that time again, me because Walking is better than Not Walking and her because obviously I'm the cool parent who lets her do things on walks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head 'em up, and move 'em out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
This morning, though, she picked up a scent and whoa, buddy, were we off.</div>
<div>
Yes, it was those two terriers again. </div>
<div>
Maybe I should start calling them "those white raccoons on leashes." </div>
<div>
Anyway…</div>
<div>
Zooey was hell bent on catching up to them, but the most amazing thing happened.</div>
<div>
I didn't fall when she pulled.</div>
<div>
In fact, I was able to hold on to her leash (albeit with both hands) and make sure she didn't drag me anywhere.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barking at those white raccoons is exhausting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The last little bit of our walk <i>was</i> much faster than I'd intended, and I'd like to offer the neighborhood a "you're welcome" for being able to serve as a backup alarm so no one was late to work (I guess Zooey needs to take that credit), but it was the first walk that included unplanned instability - as opposed to the stability exercises I do at PT - and I managed to stay upright.</div>
<div>
Ideally, I'd already be thinking about 10K an beyond, but in reality, I'm looking forward to the day when I can do a full minute of running intervals while walking. That means I need to find the joy in making progress toward that goal. And while the last year and a half has been frustrating, I'm making progress back to the running and cycling that I love, this time hopefully stronger and better able to meet my goals.</div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-69533932746058049322015-07-27T09:00:00.000-07:002015-07-27T09:00:14.539-07:00Green Means GoFriday I had my six-week follow-up with the ortho. While I'd been in to get my stitches out and see the PA, this was the first time since the day after surgery I've seen the surgeon.<br />
It was all good news. He was very pleased with my progress and my range of motion.<br />
<br />
<b>But more importantly, he said it's time for me to move more.</b><br />
<br />
This week I'll be asking my physical therapist for some strengthening exercises I can do in the pool. I don't think I'm up for doing laps, even with a kick board, but I can definitely add in resistance work in a low-impact environment.<br />
Right now, I'm only allowed to use the stationary bike, but I can add resistance and time to that. But when I see the PA in four weeks, it is a "definite possibility" that I'll get the go-ahead to get back on RuPaul. I'll content myself to hopping on the stationary at the gym when I'm there to hit the pool now.<br />
As far as a running timeline, my goal to start the Couch to 5K program in late September, so that I can complete a 5K in November, was met with a positive response as well, and my ortho said that as long as we have no set-backs between now and then, he sees no reason for me not to plan that out.<br />
For now, just walking less than a mile is still challenging, but my goal is walk Zooey three times a week (every day is too much at the moment) and little by little build myself up to walking far and long enough to start adding the running component on September 20.<br />
It's been a long year-plus, but I'm starting to see finish lines again.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-22535424084897185122015-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:002015-07-20T09:00:01.624-07:00Walking a Mile (Almost) in My ShoesThough I've done almost zero running for over a year, I've been trying to keep a regular walking (and when it's cooler, hiking) regimen with Zooey. Just because girlfriend is 7 doesn't mean she is slowing down, and so we walk.<br />
Until my surgery, that is.<br />
Obviously, walking any dog while on narcotics and crutches would be a terrible idea; as such, since the morning of my surgery, Husband has taken over dog walking duty. Even after I was cleared to drive, I wasn't stable enough to walk a dog who might pull unexpectedly. And certainly a fall is NOT what I need right now.<br />
Last week, though, my physical therapist said I could walk Zooey. As long as Husband went with us in order to make sure nothing tragic would ensue. With HRH headed out on a trip with her grandmas this weekend, it was perfect timing. We could take Zooey on her regularly scheduled morning walk without trying to bring a 6-year-old along as well.<br />
Friday was my first foray, and we went on what is basically a normal weekday walk route (on weekends we tend to take Zooey through the park down the street). Even though we cut it a little short, I was exhausted. I was out of breath and needed to stop every once in a while. When we got home, I couldn't ice my hip quickly enough.<br />
It's amazing how quickly we lose any endurance, really.<br />
But that doesn't mean I wanted to keep Not Walking Zooey, so Saturday I got up (after sleeping in, another perk of HRH being on holiday without us) and took her for a shorter loop around our neighborhood.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, Zo, you wanna go for a walk? ME TOO!</td></tr>
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Without Husband chaperoning.<br />
It's not that I don't like spending time with him, but it was exhilarating to exercise a little more physical independence again.<br />
Yes, I brought my phone and RoadID with me. I'm independent, not reckless.<br />
Over the course of the walk, we encountered two kitties, one dog who JUMPED his fence to try to get at Zooey, a beagle on its walk that Zooey really, <i>really</i> wanted to meet, and a woman walking two black fuzz balls that may have been long haired chihuahuas. But not once did Zooey pull or jerk me. She was, for the most, a model of a canine good citizen.<br />
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<br />
We walked .95 miles. I took 2,047 steps.<br />
It wasn't even a mile.<br />
It certainly wasn't a marathon.<br />
It was just far enough for me to start getting tired, so that route will serve as my starting point as I work to build endurance. I need to be able to walk comfortably (and maybe a little more quickly at some point) in order to being the Couch to 5K program. Sure, when I started running I didn't follow a plan and just kind of went with what felt right, but this time I'll be starting from an even weaker fitness level, so I'm going to do it carefully, under the guidance of my ortho and my physical therapist. My goal is start the program on September 20, which will allow me to complete it for a 5K in November. We'll see what my ortho has to say when I see him next week.<br />
Until then, I'll be out walking with Zooey.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-30960374503659300202015-06-29T08:00:00.000-07:002015-06-29T08:00:03.269-07:00ProTips - Surviving Hip Surgery*blows dust off blog*<br />
Well, hello there! I haven't written anything, except essays for my Restoration Comedy class, since February. But, if you follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/Dec_Philistines">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://instagram.com/decadentphilistines/">Instagram</a>, you probably know that I recently had arthroscopic hip surgery.<br />
I'll probably write a post about the process by which I got to surgery at some point, but for now, I'd like to leave you with a list of the wisdom I've gleaned to get anyone through the lead-up and the weeks after surgery.<br />
<br />
<b>Get as Strong as Possible Before Surgery</b><br />
Leading up to surgery, I was at the gym several times a week, either swimming or doing the PT exercises I'd been working on before I scheduled the surgery. It was good to move, especially in the pool, but I think that it's helped me bounce back, if you will, more easily.<br />
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<b>Have Nausea-Friendly Foods Prepared</b><br />
The anesthesia used in surgery can often cause nausea in patients, so it's a good idea to have food that you can eat without seeing it again later. I made some beef stock (popularly called bone broth on the interwebs these days) in the slow cooker in case I couldn't stomach anything, and we always have Pellegrino on hand (ever since Husband discovered Costco carries it, he can't live without it). It was also something that Husband could heat up quickly after we got home from hospital, and since I hadn't had anything since about 10PM the night before and got home around 5PM, I was hungry. I'd say I was hangry, but I was too doped up to be truly angry about it. Fortunately, I was able to get through the entire process nausea-free, but the beef broth was pretty delicious anyway, and it's supposed to be good for healing, so there's that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16YCa0sXNdwsD1D0BxZH3itB3ag6xr0fn2WBCGRYgxfvhYRWtgDJRDBiyrgmcGSKZmuvoyf1rWqyjqNM7weFzduRINgBCIDLXJhFeE8t1I-ymGOzSiGu07nYDFLqLhwvnHfhj7snfyiWf/s1600/IMG_4087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16YCa0sXNdwsD1D0BxZH3itB3ag6xr0fn2WBCGRYgxfvhYRWtgDJRDBiyrgmcGSKZmuvoyf1rWqyjqNM7weFzduRINgBCIDLXJhFeE8t1I-ymGOzSiGu07nYDFLqLhwvnHfhj7snfyiWf/s200/IMG_4087.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>Take Selfies in Your Hospital Gear</b><br />
Not only are you gonna look BANGIN, but it'll help distract you from being ravenously hangry, which you will be by the time you are instructed to change into your gown and other sexy hospital clothing. And a little more seriously, doing stupid things like that will help ensure a positive mood when you head to the surgery room.<br />
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<b>Bring Your Kid to the Hospital So Your Spouse Can't Come Back to Recovery and Take Pictures of You Before You Fully Wake Up</b><br />
Children aren't generally allowed in the recovery area. HRH spent the day with Husband waiting for me, and because of being on daddy duty, he was extremely disappointed that he didn't get a snap of me with my tongue lolling out or some such. The Struggle is painfully real for him.<br />
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<b>Have Protein on Hand</b><br />
The nurses who prepped me for surgery were adamant about my protein intake post-surgery. I swear they gave me the list of tuna fish, eggs, chicken, and peanut butter about a billion times (super fun to talk about food when you haven't had food in 12 hours, bee tee dubs). "Take your pain killers with food, but it MUST BE PROTEIN IF IT ISN'T PROTEIN TERRIBLE THINGS WILL HAPPEN." OK, so that might be a wee bit embellished, but they did what they could to stress the importance of downing protein with my pills so that I would not get sick. And I'll tell you what - it was really all I wanted for the first few days anyway. I took down a rotisserie chicken like a hyena, and I ate all of the peanut butter and almond butter in the house.<br />
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<b>Have a One-Story House</b><br />
This one miiiiiiiight be tricky if you've already got a mortgage, but the stairs were an obstacle I didn't want to tackle for the first few days, and I even though I've been (for the most) walking sans crutches for the last few days, I only stopped using them on the stairs yesterday. It's slow going, so if you DO have a multiple story house, have someone be a gopher to grab that one thing you need on the other floor. HRH was actually awesome in this job; she was great about running upstairs to get my iPad, or downstairs to grab my water bottle.<br />
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<b>Stay Ahead of the Pain</b><br />
This is something that the nurses also urged me to do, but it was my step-mother-in-law, a nurse, who told me to set my alarm so that I took my pain killers at regular intervals. And that's exactly what I did, even in the middle of the night. I had a little container of peanut butter and saltine mini sandwiches, and when my alarm went off, I struggled to sit up, had a few sandwiches, took my pill and drank a bunch of water. While I did have some discomfort, the worst I hit on the pain scale was a 5 (focusing more on the pain than anything else), and that was one evening right before bed. Setting your alarm for 2AM may not sound like the most fun thing to do, but the pain killers kept me pretty sleepy, so I had no issue falling back asleep, and I've taken many naps over the last few weeks, so I haven't felt deprived of rest.<br />
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<b>Bring Your Crutches Out in Public, Even if You Stop Using Them at Home</b><br />
The crutches will bring you attention/sympathy, yes (although so far I've not gotten any free stuff like my friends got when we were kids….that feels pretty discriminatory; adults like cookies, too), but more importantly, they are a visual cue that "I am slow, and I need my space" to other people, and you're still going to get tired more easily. The other day we went to a birthday party for one of HRH's friends, and I had one crutch, just in case, and I did get tired, so I was glad to have the support.<br />
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<b>Binge on Netflix</b><br />
THIS IS YOUR TIME TO DO THIS WITHOUT ANYONE BEING JUDGY ABOUT IT!<br />
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<b>Insist on Doing Stuff</b><br />
Obviously, if you're going to be taking narcotics for pain, as prescribed by your doctor, you're not going to be permitted to drive. I was housebound for two weeks to the day before I was cleared to drive. Before that, the only time I really left the house was for PT, which I started the day after surgery and go to three times a week. Husband came home from work, took me to PT, took me home, and went back to work. But I got really tired of the view from the couch, so I insisted we go to the farmers market last weekend, and even though I got really tired, it was so great to get out for just a bit. Otherwise, I may have actually started to get out the painting supplies and start painting the walls.<br />
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<b>Have a Sense of Humor</b><br />
My favorite hashtag on Instagram is #donttakeyourselfieseriously. While I take things like this surgery seriously, I need to be able to laugh about things, and I think it's important to do so in order to continue to have a positive attitude. I'm not saying I haven't thrown myself any pity parties in the last year, because I have, but since scheduling the surgery, I've been pretty positive about the whole process. I mark my feelings and milestones with random memes, and I named both my crutches (Click and Clack) and my sutures (Statler and Waldorf). The one thing I am sad about is that I was never able to use the phrase "bitch, I will crutch you."<br />
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<b>Be Religious About PT</b><br />
I go to PT three times a week, and I've already been able to "level up" on a few exercises (thanks to Past Allison's foresight about her pre-surgery workouts), but with the exception of a few days on which I was so tired I could barely get up, I've done my exercises, which includes pedaling on a little pedaler twice a day for 20 minutes each, every single day. At one point, surgery meant an overnight stay in hospital, but I was home that evening and at PT the next day. My ortho told me he wanted me moving as much as possible, so I take the time to complete it so that I can be running again sooner instead of later.<br />
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<b>Prepare to be Humbled by your Body</b><br />
Physical therapy is probably the most humbling experience. The human body is amazing in how strong AND how weak it can be, and exercises that look like they should be easy are proven difficult. So check your pride at the door at PT in order to heal. Follow your doctor's protocol, and proceed only as appropriate.<br />
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<b>Celebrate the Small Victories</b><br />
I'm almost three weeks out, and I've got a long recovery ahead of me (three months minimum), but I already feel better. I'm no longer dependent on crutches. I am off the pain killers and am able to drive again. The discomfort I feel is the post-surgery discomfort, not the pain I had before. I've gone from doing glute squeezes to bridges. Progress in tiny steps is still noticeable, measurable progress.<br />
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I'm sure there are other, better lists of ways to prepare for and get through hip surgery, and not everything on this list may work for every person who goes through hip surgery. Some people may want to not take a make-up-free, hospital gown-laden selfie. That's OK. But hopefully I gave a little insight to the reality of surgery and post-surgery that can help others heal as quickly as possible.<br />
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Have you had surgery before? What kind? What additions do you have to this list?Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-64559619676219929102015-02-16T07:23:00.001-07:002015-02-16T07:24:18.578-07:00Physical Therapy - Week Eleventy BillionHey-hey, kids!<br />
It's been a while. End of semester research, final exams, Elf on the Shelf, beginning of semester, a kid with strep throat, and a major masters-related meltdown have happened since my last post, and my life has kept me busy enough that I've barely even thought about posting, much less had an opportunity to do so.<br />
Let's catch up, then.<br />
We left our intrepid hero eagerly awaiting the results of her MRI, wondering if surgery would be in her future.<br />
But unlike weekly dramas, the results there were completely anticlimactic.<br />
Based on new X-Rays and the results of the MRI, the ortho determined that I do not have a labrum tear. There is "normal wear and tear" for a woman "my age" (since I'm now at the age to hear phrases like that, I guess), but nothing that's indicative of the reasoning for my hip pain.<br />
That's technically good news. I'm not going to have surgery, which, even if arthroscopic will be invasive and a shock to the body.<br />
But at the same time, I admit that I was pretty disappointed. With a diagnosis of a torn labrum and surgery, there is a timeline of healing to which I can cling.<br />
What I have is pretty much a shrug and "let's just keep doing PT until you heal."<br />
Because, you know, insurance companies are totally cool with just doing PT forever and ever with no end in sight.<br />
At the same time as the "beats me" determination, my allowed number of PT sessions did run out, so it's been a few months of filing paperwork, waiting, going again, and then filing more paperwork. Currently I haven't been in since December, which means I've been on my own to do my exercises and try to heal up.<br />
So, SURPRISE! I am Still Not Running, and my hip still hurts.<br />
I think I may have some leads, though. Based on what the ortho saw - or, rather, didn't see - on the MRI, the medical "team" (ortho, PT, chiro) are leaning towards a hip flexor strain. And yes, a muscle strain can take months to heal, especially when one is trying to retrain the body to use all muscles like they're supposed to be used.<br />
It is 100% frustrating to not be able to run still, after nearly a year. Running has been my main form of exercise, and not moving has taken a toll emotionally as well as physically. At this point, I'm game to try just about anything to get me back on the road; I am looking into some different massage therapy (not covered by insurance) that could help release tension in the muscle's insertion point, which isn't as affected by stretching as the middle part of the muscle. I'm ordering an adjustable standing desk so that I can spend more of the day standing (this is probably not going to be covered by insurance, either). And I've started to add more yoga in again. I've even been doing some pain-specific relaxation and am considering pricing acupuncture to have another means to work on healing.<br />
<a href="http://tenaciouslyyours.com/">Kat</a> sent me this when she knew I was struggling with the whole Not Running Thing. It's taped to one of my monitors at work.<br />
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So for now, it's time to stand up again.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-67940363814915172012014-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:002014-10-06T06:00:11.317-07:00Physical Therapy - Week 21 (PLUS the MRI)As far as PT goes, we're just keeping on keeping on.<br />
I haven't done the Sproing in about two weeks, but I'm still working on ladders, and Stephanie keeps hinting that she's going to change/add stuff, but we are both kind of stuck in our holding pattern until I talk with the ortho, which is this Thursday, right before my PT appointment.<br />
Which means that I got the MRI.<br />
For those of you who have never had an MRI, they….are not super fun.<br />
Since the MRI was of my hip, the good people at the magical photography tube location needed to inject some contrast dye into the area in order to get a good look.<br />
Fun fact: not all medical personnel think that your joke about confusing the word "shot" is funny. Whatever. It was hilarious.<br />
As far as the injection went….oof. There were actually two. There was the surface numbing injection, which was lydocaine, and then the interior injection of the dye. While the surface numbing worked so I didn't feel the actual poke of the second, it was still disconcerting to feel the dye go into the body. It actually makes me a little queasy thinking about it.<br />
However, my ortho ordered some cortisone as well (I mean, there were gonna be in there anyway, right?), so that was a pleasant surprise. We had talked about injections not being an acceptable long term solution, but the hope is that this can offer me some short term relief as we talk about the actual long term plan.<br />
And then it was time for the amazing magical tube (TWSS).<br />
I was told I could keep my shoes on. And while I only really did keep them on to grab this AMAZING selfie:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure this look is hitting the runways this fall.</td></tr>
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I was really glad I did, because while my torso was comfortable during the procedure, my feet were freezing. I can't imagine how I would have felt had I kept my shoes off.<div>
Now, I'm not a claustrophobic person. But OOF that tube is small (again, TWSS). The tech suggested I turn my head so I could "see out," which was OK, but I was almost to the point that I wasn't able to see into the room. I ended up just closing my eyes and trying to entertain myself while sounds of machine gun fire whirled around me. There were a few moments when I was scared by the noise (they warned me it would be "loud" but didn't specify) and was convinced that the machine was backfiring and I'd be trapped in there forever. I did my best to NOT hyperventilate or panic, and I did manage to make it through the entire ordeal without squeezing the Panic Ball of Panic that I was handed, "just in case you need us."</div>
<div>
The cortisone has yet to take effect in the hip; I was told that it would be 3-7 days before I really felt any relief (and you can bet that I'm counting down). But I did experience one side effect - a weird taste in my mouth. I have a salty palate normally, but everything tasted overly sweet after the shot (I read that there can be metallic tastes, so this was surprising). Even water tasted sugary. Thankfully, that seems to have abated, which is good, as one of the things that tasted awful this weekend was my favorite beer (The. Horror.).</div>
<div>
What does that mean for PT? Who knows. We are making sure I don't over-exert myself, and we have stopped doing some stretching that could exacerbate a torn labrum, if that's what it is. By Thursday, I should know what's up, which means I may or may not have a few new exercises to discuss in my next post. </div>
<div>
Stay tuned for next week's post, same bat-time, same bat-channel.</div>
Decadent Philistineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463256993586566721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-77677660289313562872014-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-29T06:00:11.847-07:00Physical Therapy - Week 20I've now been in physical therapy for five months.<div>
I celebrated by only going once last week.</div>
<div>
Just kidding. I had a workshop that conflicted, and since the workshop was required and I don't get paid to go to PT, I obviously spent all day in the workshop.</div>
<div>
But even if I had gone to PT, there wouldn't have been much to report. Until I get the MRI results back in a few weeks, we're basically keeping the status quo: Astym®, stretching, various exercises, and the Sproing (once a week only on that one).</div>
<div>
The goal now is to continue to strengthen instead of getting me back to running. Of course, MY goal is to run again, but now that we know PT isn't going to do that alone, we need to make sure I'm in the best shape I can moving to the next stage.</div>
<div>
On deck this week: my MRI. I'm not sure the medical staff will approve of pictures or humor me by taking any, but I'll try. I hear hospital gowns are in for this fall anyway.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-46953836113658780452014-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-22T06:00:04.803-07:00Physical Therapy - Week 19With my two literature courses in full swing, it seems that getting one post per week about my physical lameness is all I can handle.<br />
Last week wasn't much to write home about, in terms of PT. Since I had my ortho appointment Wednesday, we took it easy on Monday, adding nothing and reducing reps when possible (which was also good since I was extremely achy that day). That way, I could go in to the ortho with no flare-ups.<br />
Friday wasn't any different, either. I was glad I was still able to run on the Sproing, even if we haven't changed anything about it over the last month.<br />
Like I said. Not much to write home about.<br />
The bigger news is the ortho appointment. Since I was obviously stronger but with the same pain, my ortho sent me over to get new x-rays so we could take a fresh look at what was going on.<br />
Apparently there's a lot going on.<br />
I have hip displasia.<br />
I have deep sockets, which led to pincer impingement (FAI).<br />
There is more bony coverage from those deep sockets.<br />
Having my legs/hips in certain positions, then, can cause a tear in the labrum (the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket).<br />
Certain positions like cycling and running.<br />
JOY.<br />
The x-rays were able to indicate a labrum tear only, so in order to have a positive diagnosis, I'll be getting an MRI in a few weeks. That being said, based on my symptoms and the fact that PT hasn't led to any relief, my ortho is pretty certain that's what it is.<br />
Since the odds are in that vein, I did ask about treatment.<br />
There are two options:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>modify my lifestyle and manage the pain</li>
<li>arthroscopic surgery to mend the tear along with possible lifestyle modifications</li>
</ol>
<br />
Obviously, not being able to run or cycle ever again is not an option, so I am readying myself more and more for the latter. It is possible that cycling will be out as an option for longer than running (or perhaps forever), but if I can make a recovery and start running again, surgery will be worth it.<br />
In the meantime, we're continuing the course of therapy so that I can be ahead of the healing game if I do have to choose Option 2.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-44966835702803808072014-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-15T06:00:03.027-07:00Physical Therapy - Week 18Not much changed last week.<br />
Since I have an appointment scheduled at the ortho this Wednesday, Stephanie didn't want to change or add anything in order to avoid possible flare ups beforehand.<br />
So, we did Astym. We stretched. We foam rolled. We did ladders and ran on the Sproing.<br />
I also had an adjustment on Friday, and I cracked so much that I sounded like bubble wrap.<br />
So, the good news continues to be the same. I'm getting stronger, and I'm able to do much more than I was able to when I started.<br />
Additionally, the pain from the run has subsided so I'm no longer constantly wanting to ice, heat, or guzzle anti-inflammatories.<br />
But there's still the bad news: I do still hurt more than before the run, and I'm back to Not Running.<br />
While I'm terrified of what the ortho will have to say Wednesday, I also know that I'm a little closer to having some resolution.<br />
And as long as that resolution includes - some day - running and cycling again, I'll be OK with it.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-33966678327297866292014-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-11T18:02:00.049-07:00Physical Therapy - Week 17Being able to run again was exhilarating.<br />
I was on top of the world.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="200" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//giphy.com/embed/3yF7jn6zIJK9y" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="300"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/3yF7jn6zIJK9y">(source)</a></span></div>
<br />
I was a little sore and achy after my first half-mile run, but it wasn't the pain that I'd felt before.<br />
But last Tuesday, the day after my second run, my hip was <i><b>screaming</b></i>.<br />
Honestly, it was like I'd never set foot in physical therapy. It wasn't a muscle soreness; this was pain in my bone.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/13w5HmyiuaZ224">(source)</a></span></div>
<br />
My goal to run twice last week, then, was dashed.<br />
With HRH's schedule including two days of soccer practice plus swim and ballet, there was no way I was able to get in before my scheduled Friday appointment, so I iced and rested and took it easy when I swam (hooray, at least I swam again).<br />
Friday, I was still sore. And basically terrified that I'd undone four months of hard work.<br />
Thankfully, if Stephanie was really concerned, she hid it well. After an intense Astym® session, she instructed me to take it easy and be careful, and I did. I didn't NOT do any of my exercises, but I dropped the reps on a few and went slowly on most, with multiple staff members watching me to make sure I didn't suddenly drop on the floor.<br />
At least I was able to run on the Sproing again, even if it was an alternating walk-run for a mere five minutes.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/m07USOzLdOm2c">(source)</a></span></div>
<br />
Plan for this week: No Running, and we'll see how I feel come this Friday.<br />
If I'm not in pain, we'll continue working, but maybe a little more slowly. If I'm still in pain, then <strike>it might be time to panic</strike> we've decided that I will call the ortho and express….<i>concern</i> about the progress I'm <b>not</b> making with the pain even though I've made considerable progress in my muscle strength.<br />
Of course, I'm a LITTLE more than concerned. I'm feeling much stronger than I have in ages, even before my hip pain began in the first place. And gaining muscle strength in my glutes and surrounding muscles has helped my overall strength, so I'm certain that when I hit the starting line of my next race, I'll be stronger than I ever have been as a runner.<br />
But at the same time, this pain hasn't abated, and knowing that the next steps are injections (which, why even bother; they don't fix anything) or surgery, I'm nervous that I'll have to go a more extreme route.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="200" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//giphy.com/embed/W6Fy98L9aotkQ" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="300"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/cartoonhangover-cartoon-hangover-coco-doctor-lollipop-W6Fy98L9aotkQ">(source)</a></span></div>
<br />
And since I've never had any surgery more major than the removal of my wisdom teeth, I'm staying awake playing Worst Case Scenario in my head.<br />
So….paws crossed that a week of rest and a bit of a reboot at PT is all that I need.<br />
Otherwise, I'll probably need a hug.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-55143051201751056852014-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-01T06:00:06.377-07:00Physical Therapy - Week 16Last week was so promising, as physical therapy went.<br />
But losing Holden threw a wrench into my whole week, so Friday I canceled my appointment so I could take the day to grieve.<br />
I'm not sorry for that decision. I cried a good chunk of the day, so it was good that I was home or with Husband to just let all the feelings out as they came.<br />
But before that - and the emotional eating of all the Cheetos in the land - I was set to have a good week.<br />
How good, you ask?<br />
Stephanie told me I could run.<br />
OK, so technically she said "jog." And only for about a half mile.<br />
But it was running, not on the Sproing, nonetheless, so I chalked it up to victory.<br />
We ran at the middle school near our house; it has a dirt track, and Zooey happily loped alongside me as we logged the slowest half mile in memory (I didn't haul out the Garmin, but I'm pretty sure tortoises could have passed me). She didn't want to stop, but I'm glad we did, because later my hip was achy for some time before calming itself down.<br />
I'd planned to do another run on Thursday but knew Wednesday night that wasn't happening. But Zooey and I've gotten out a few times for a walk, and I'm ready to start truly moving again.<br />
Since the rehab center isn't open for Labor Day, I won't see Stephanie again until Friday, so in the meantime I'll do my home exercises and attempt to have two slow runs as well as my first swim since my lessons finished (with everything that happened with Holden, I haven't hit the pool, either).<br />
Hopefully my nearly two weeks "off" won't reverse my progress, but if it does, I'll roll with it.<br />
After all, each day that I'm moving, I'm still moving forward.<br />
With a coonhound on my tail.<br />
<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-63835759953442679142014-08-29T17:43:00.000-07:002014-08-30T22:48:01.211-07:00The Price We Pay for LoveCats are jerks.<br />
They are jerks because sometimes they pee on your bed, or your dog's bed, or your kid's princess bean bag.<br />
They are jerks because they can't be bothered to accept your love when it's convenient but insist upon it when it's not.<br />
They are jerks because if they throw up, it's always on the carpet or a comforter.<br />
But mostly, they are jerks because they leave us before we are ready for them to go.<br />
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Holden left us Thursday morning. </div>
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He was 16, or thereabouts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
His decline was swift; I brought him to the vet the previous Thursday because he'd stopped eating. After some blood tests, a liver infection was determined, and we picked up a prescription of antibiotics as well as some canned food for him to enjoy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
He ate two small meals but then refused anything else. Then he peed on my bed and the couch in short succession.</div>
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In a panic, I took him in again on Tuesday, and we had a urinalysis done as well. His urine was extremely diluted, but there was no infection, and there was no fever. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
He'd lost half a pound since Thursday.</div>
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At that point, the vet knew it wasn't just an infection, but she gave us an appetite stimulant to see if that, combined with some force feeding in the meantime, would bring him back around.<br />
But even in this attempt, she wasn't optimistic. Having seen him Thursday and again Tuesday, she saw such a change that she….she just knew.<br />
We had the discussion.<br />
But I really really really really really really really hoped that things would change.<br />
But they didn't.<br />
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Have you ever force fed a pet? I don't recommend it. It's heartbreaking. And not only did I have to force feed my baby boy the stinkiest food on the planet; I also had to force two pills down his throat.<br />
It tore me up.<br />
When he continued to refuse food, I knew.<br />
He was tired, and it was time.<br />
We decided to let him go Friday. That decision to wait was a little selfish; I know. But we still had a small hope that the appetite stimulant would, in some miraculous way, bring him back.<br />
Hope springs eternal, after all.<br />
Thursday morning, he couldn't walk. I ran into the bathroom, where Husband was showering, and let him know, and he called the vet.<br />
But Holden, who always hated car rides, had no desire to make one more trip. He lay himself down, and I knew that his time was close. I petted him, and I told him that if he needed to go, I understood.<br />
A few minutes later, he was gone.<br />
I was holding on to him. I held him as he came into our lives, and I held him as he left.<br />
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Holden was my first Christmas present from Husband when we were first dating. Underneath the Christmas tree at his uncle's in Pinetop in 2000, I opened a package that contained a gift certificate to the <a href="http://www.azhumane.org/">Arizona Humane Society</a>. He knew I loved cats, having grown up with them (Punkin, Scooter, Tiger, Blackie, Fanny, and Roy, throughout my first 18 years), and that I wanted to have my own cat as an adult.</div>
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So, over the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend in January, 2001, we took a field trip to the Humane Society, planning to bring home a cute little kitten.</div>
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But alas, there were few kittens that day, so we meandered through the adult cages.</div>
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In one of the bottom cages, two golden, beseeching eyes looked up at me, begging to get out.</div>
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We took him to the private "preview"room, and it was all over. </div>
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I was smitten.</div>
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A gorgeous, orange white creamsicle of a cat.</div>
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We were told he was three years old and had been relinquished because "he pees on things."</div>
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And he was all mine.</div>
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And he did pee on things. Everything, it seemed like. But then our vet at that time diagnosed him with urine crystals, which, common in neutered males, is extremely uncomfortable. After changing his food to a low calcium prescription diet, he barely peed inappropriately (except for when he got pissed about Zooey coming into our lives, but I'll let that one go - new puppies can be traumatic for a cat).<br />
We had almost-fourteen almost-pee-free years together.<br />
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Wherever we went, Holden went with us. He was our first little family member.<br />
When we moved to Michigan so Husband could complete his master's degree, Holden came with us. He learned to live in sometimes-harmony with my in-laws' cat Pepper and Akita Chili (who rolled him exactly once).<br />
When we moved back to Arizona, he came back and happily took to being an "only child" once again, likely relieved that the damn Akita was no longer in his midst.<br />
When we moved into our house, he claimed his space quickly.<br />
When we brought Zooey home, he was pissed but at the same time relieved that the upstairs was (until Zooey stopped peeing on the carpet because she couldn't tell that it was Not Grass) his domain.<br />
When HRH was born, he claimed her, and her room, as his.<br />
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While he was loved by all members of our family, including Zooey, he was always My Cat. He knew, somehow, that I was the one who chose him and helped him find freedom from his little cell at the Humane Society. I was the one who cleaned his toilet. I was the one whom he woke in the mornings to feed him.</div>
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He was my boy. And I was his human.</div>
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Last night, I dreamed that it was a few days ago, and I brought Holden a can of food. Instead of refusing it, he perked up and ate it all, regaining the vigor he had lost.<br />
You can make of it what you will; I know it's his way of saying he's OK now. He's not in pain. He's happy. He's comfortable. He's free.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vUus1nrdXH6j_D1rmX2BnCaPxv_YamIJV6eKlaRzS9VhWEriDPalOacmJJDwtDjax2qO8DiAp8FkE7fKe5x7pDJ0VNnMjZ-j7ctvxTt6QcRyJqoq4pnFw1-0tRel31R4LXeAPp3MM0W4/s640/blogger-image-1171051759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vUus1nrdXH6j_D1rmX2BnCaPxv_YamIJV6eKlaRzS9VhWEriDPalOacmJJDwtDjax2qO8DiAp8FkE7fKe5x7pDJ0VNnMjZ-j7ctvxTt6QcRyJqoq4pnFw1-0tRel31R4LXeAPp3MM0W4/s400/blogger-image-1171051759.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Run free, my sweet boy. Thank you for the years of love that you gave to us. You were the first member of our little family, and we our house will never be the same in your absence. </div>
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I will never forget you. </div>
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Grief is the price we pay for love.</div>
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And despite the pain, I'd do it all over again.</div>
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I love you, Kitty Man.</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 202px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3720px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 202px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3720px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Decadent Philistineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463256993586566721noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-84752463175503230382014-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:002014-08-25T06:00:06.770-07:00Physical Therapy - Weeks 13, 14, & 15Now that the school year has begun for both HRH and me, the schedule that I had is out the window.<br />
Who knew kindergarten could be <i>so</i> exhausting?<br />
For now, at least, I think I've got my new PT schedule under control, even though it means that HRH has to tag along with me sometimes.<br />
Over the last few weeks, I've continued to make progress. I'm still run-walking on the Sproing once a week and doing ladders the other day. Additionally, I've been promoted to fire hydrants (so named because you look like a dog taking a leak on said item), and last Friday, Stephanie had me start doing side to side hops with the mini hurdles.<br />
I'm still not ready to actually run.<br />
But I'm getting closer.<br />
The hops - both the ladders and the new hurdle exercise - are actually a major stepping stone in my progress. For one, I can balance without falling over (the same cannot really be said when I'm doing medicine ball lunges), and even more key: <b>I do not have pain when I land</b>.<br />
I'm not completely free of pain. But that I can be airborne for a second and not feel a knee-buckling pain in my hip is certainly a reason to rejoice.<br />
I'm getting close. Dare I register for a fall race?<br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-72021393633721077462014-08-21T06:00:00.000-07:002014-08-22T07:24:09.711-07:00Horchata MarshmallowsI dream about horchata.<br />
It may be my spirit animal drink.<br />
I've raved before about the amazing <a href="http://insidenanabreadshead.com/2013/09/24/homemade-horchata/">horchata</a> that Jeanne's husband TCP made for us during our big <a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/search/label/OKMH">OKMH meet up</a> in Houston earlier this year, and I could truly wax poetic on how drinking it basically tastes like fairies are dancing on my tongue.<br />
It's seriously that good. Make it. You're welcome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02h84kuC32ZQAXY7Z_w5ne1cy_fpLlPAN9VLTwwx_ku3OG32TsPjhEt10VDD1fCSuQIx0D-eZHBGkBdpAquBF3FWQRwDoAj3fNi6TNc3Y6WqwWASGKph-bvDUEIWDWq2BvjrKtRLp8Sw6/s1600/IMG_0342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02h84kuC32ZQAXY7Z_w5ne1cy_fpLlPAN9VLTwwx_ku3OG32TsPjhEt10VDD1fCSuQIx0D-eZHBGkBdpAquBF3FWQRwDoAj3fNi6TNc3Y6WqwWASGKph-bvDUEIWDWq2BvjrKtRLp8Sw6/s1600/IMG_0342.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
But instead of waxing poetic, I channeled my enthusiasm into making yet another treat inspired by this most delicious of concoctions. Because <a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2014/05/horchata-ice-cream-with-mocha-mallow.html">horchata ice cream</a> just wasn't enough.<br />
I do not regret my decision.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuFykyYx1DAbBL7QrPrp00eLVUB-sUxT9VKJD0qAr3PTHBB-FY4Z9VWkDpvG0OmEMA1wX3BQRFLXfwLzi6LB4HaIWPJFrAz0cj_AcobppQhsZYBLHN3FY0JyNbr5wsy_mjhaWBbGeAl64/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuFykyYx1DAbBL7QrPrp00eLVUB-sUxT9VKJD0qAr3PTHBB-FY4Z9VWkDpvG0OmEMA1wX3BQRFLXfwLzi6LB4HaIWPJFrAz0cj_AcobppQhsZYBLHN3FY0JyNbr5wsy_mjhaWBbGeAl64/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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These marshmallows are <b>so good</b> that I told Husband to get the ones I didn't ship off to <a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/">Kirsten</a> (and I had to seriously think long and hard about shipping them instead of keeping/eating them) out of the house.<br />
Which he didn't do.<br />
So I ate them.<br />
I do not regret my decision.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyAYGZ-QBxoZ04SyFQHqM7raaHreu-6IoyJAO6DjGOtL1sgaEeDje5Wir4zgdbYmz9Si8YYkv5TcIf8TyYcJTWA-f20i-qFc55oyGCDIvnvE7XuToo_b_9bvmtvtjvapIPKS10Mhi1axU/s1600/IMG_0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyAYGZ-QBxoZ04SyFQHqM7raaHreu-6IoyJAO6DjGOtL1sgaEeDje5Wir4zgdbYmz9Si8YYkv5TcIf8TyYcJTWA-f20i-qFc55oyGCDIvnvE7XuToo_b_9bvmtvtjvapIPKS10Mhi1axU/s1600/IMG_0341.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<u>Horchata Marshmallows</u><br />
adapted from <a href="http://pastrychefonline.com/marshmallows/">Jenni Fields's Pastry Chef Online</a> and inspired by <a href="http://insidenanabreadshead.com/2013/09/24/homemade-horchata/">TCP's Horchata</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
For the horchata starter:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup long-grain white rice</li>
<li>2 1/2 cups gently boiling water</li>
<li>1 3" Mexican cinnamon stick (canela)</li>
</ul>
For the marshmallows:<br />
<ul>
<li>4 1/2 tablespoons powdered gelatin</li>
<li>1 cup cold horchata starter</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1 tablespoon Mexican vanilla extract</li>
<li>3 cups sugar</li>
<li>2 cups corn syrup (or rice syrup; agave nectar might also work)</li>
<li>1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)</li>
<li>splash water</li>
<li>powdered sugar/corn starch mixture in which to toss the marshmallows</li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Combine the rice and boiling water in a blender (you may want to allow the water to cool just slightly before you turn it on, or things could go….awry); blend for 90 seconds. Add the canela; cover the blender jar and allow to sit on the counter overnight or up to 48 hours. Strain liquid through a fine mesh sieve (discard the rice and canela) and refrigerate until completely chilled before beginning the marshmallows.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Combine the horchata starter, salt, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a mixer. Sprinkle gelatin over the mixture and whisk to combine, being careful to get rid of any lumps. Set aside.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Spray a 9X13 pan with either pan spray or coat with oil (I use my Misto and olive oil). Line the pan with plastic wrap, and then coat the top of the plastic wrap with oil. Coat completely with your powdered sugar and corn starch mixture. I've played around with how much, and what I've found works well for me is to coat completely and then tap out the excess. This makes, for me, a less clumpy end product. Set the pan aside.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
Bring sugar, syrup, and cinnamon (and a splash of water) to a boil. Continue to boil until the mixture reaches 244° (the soft ball stage). </div>
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When the syrup mixture reaches about 235°, turn on the mixer, using the whisk attachment, to low or medium low.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
As soon as the syrup reaches the proper temperature, remove and pour into the mixing bowl, continuing to whisk on low/medium low. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
Gradually raise the speed of the mixer. Continue to whip until the mixture has about tripled inside (read: you're fearful it will overflow) and it starts to come off the sides of the bowl in small threads.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
Using a large spatula liberally coated with pan spray or olive oil, pour the marshmallow cream into the prepared pan, carefully spreading it out evenly. Take a pause to lick the spatula before throwing it in the sink.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
Sift the corn starch-powdered sugar combination over the top of the marshmallows, making sure that you can't see any of the shiny mallows under the snowy powder. Allow to sit, uncovered, for several hours or overnight.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
Once the marshmallows are set, invert the pan over a large cutting board. Use the plastic wrap to easily remove the marshmallows from the pan. Using a serrated knife, cut into one inch cubes, tossing each in more corn starch and powdered sugar before storing in an airtight container for about a week (or however long the mallows last).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoengzI-1kGtFir5CMNX1oXSQN1zM6g5zIjK-nOWqro6S2VAtAS4baDLJnrjEo8scgCZ3ReqVzXvIOjlJek87Uil5_4K5GKLq9BCKY-m_jD14mGPBZR_xfroEkN6eZW6iGIXQKu5gT2KOU/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoengzI-1kGtFir5CMNX1oXSQN1zM6g5zIjK-nOWqro6S2VAtAS4baDLJnrjEo8scgCZ3ReqVzXvIOjlJek87Uil5_4K5GKLq9BCKY-m_jD14mGPBZR_xfroEkN6eZW6iGIXQKu5gT2KOU/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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Some serving suggestions (if you want to be more refined than cramming them straight into your mouth):<br />
<ul>
<li>These are excellent in coffee.</li>
<li>They would be just as excellent as a topper to Kirsten's <a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com/2012/12/23/last-minute-christmas-gifts-mayan-hot-cocoa-mix/">Mayan Hot Chocolate</a> (this would also be a great gift pairing….if you can handle giving them up).</li>
<li>They would be fantastic over ice cream.</li>
<li>Ghirardelli now makes a cinnamon crunch chocolate square that would likely be a perfect mate in a s'more.</li>
<li>I imagine they would also be great in coffee that had a splash of Frangelico. Probably. I haven't tested that theory….</li>
</ul>
However you take your mallows, I encourage you to enjoy them with friends, since friends make life sweeter than any marshmallow can.</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 204px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2555px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 204px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2555px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-26291234331114601042014-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:002014-08-01T06:00:07.464-07:00Physical Therapy - Week 12Now that the school year is starting up again, I'm struggling to schedule some consistent times during which I can go to PT, so in the next few weeks, I'll be therapist hopping.<br />
This week I worked with both Stephanie and Brian. I know I've mentioned it before, but while I feel somewhat like I'm being disloyal to Stephanie when I have to work with another therapist, I really like working with Brian as well. They're both really effective but have some different approaches, so my hope is that this will help keep me from getting into a "rut" of doing "the same old thing" over and over each day. That's especially vital to me right now, as I've just started realizing that my hip isn't in a constant state of pain or discomfort.<br />
Therapy works, y'all!<br />
Of course, I can't do every exercise each day, so just going in to the rehab center will continue to strengthen my hip with activities like the Sproing, which I used again this week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Morgan for taking these pictures of me being ridiculous on the Sproing.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25bb_tmvKJdgMXtk6_aD5Iln9n7yJstUav9U6Z57RfseZrAol3-0EKDRwm7_FjCMO98b8bBP2IAlpP_tWtbkT_rhe6BcJz5D005_g1JaDpCWrOoeIJiFO9BlMBYq3NTcFrLZB9E8EZ5Re/s1600/IMG_8567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25bb_tmvKJdgMXtk6_aD5Iln9n7yJstUav9U6Z57RfseZrAol3-0EKDRwm7_FjCMO98b8bBP2IAlpP_tWtbkT_rhe6BcJz5D005_g1JaDpCWrOoeIJiFO9BlMBYq3NTcFrLZB9E8EZ5Re/s1600/IMG_8567.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0BZ7Sg1CTatE_xkEeVOIGRLyqD7JapZ4PoTWZSnxCJoWixy7dg2dT13BJwjmlx97DpdgrwGR6cfAs1PPQHjenIpak-WGmCxVQ_arcQNAUsISGnHcui6hs4d3d_M8656rKv3xHwsKaY0T/s1600/IMG_8568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0BZ7Sg1CTatE_xkEeVOIGRLyqD7JapZ4PoTWZSnxCJoWixy7dg2dT13BJwjmlx97DpdgrwGR6cfAs1PPQHjenIpak-WGmCxVQ_arcQNAUsISGnHcui6hs4d3d_M8656rKv3xHwsKaY0T/s1600/IMG_8568.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I felt like those little kids who are attached to the backpack-leash.</td></tr>
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After we changed things up last week, I woke up on Saturday and couldn't believe how sore I was.<br />
But it was my thigh muscles - NOT MY HIP - that was sore.<br />
This is what we call progress, kids.<br />
In fact, Stephanie was thrilled to hear that my discomfort manifested in muscle soreness instead of "the usual" hip achiness. It was really only this week, then, that I've realized that my hip isn't in a constant state of pain/discomfort; while I do feel it if I sit for too long, it comes and goes much more than it did when I first started PT a few months ago.<br />
I'm starting to see the light - do I dare start thinking about scheduling races?Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-4969336646103607142014-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:002014-07-29T17:37:55.734-07:00Strawberry Colada Ice Cream for Ice Cream TuesdaySince I've been unable to run, my physical activity has dropped off significantly.<br />
I still walk Zooey fairly regularly, and I am working to do my PT exercises as much as possible. But all of this together still doesn't burn as many calories as my normal running routine.<br />
It was only a matter of time, then, when Lack of Movement plus No Change in Caloric Intake took a toll on the waistline and the self esteem.<br />
In an attempt to do what I can to alter the part of that equation of which I <b>am</b> in control, I've decided to focus efforts on lowering my refined sugar, grain, and dairy intake (the dairy reduction was more to combat headaches and migraines than anything else) as well as pay careful attention to the actual amount of food I put on my plate at each meal.<br />
Of course, reducing one's sugar and dairy intake means reducing one's ice cream intake, and sometimes, a girl just wants her dessert.<br />
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Now, the great thing about ice cream, other than the way it tastes, is that its the fat content that gives ice cream that smooth texture. Coconut milk, which has the creamy texture that I was looking for, is also high in <i>good</i> fats, too, so it's a perfectly good substitute, and because the fat doesn't need to be cooked in the same way that a custard-based (read: with eggs) ice cream does, making a dairy-free ice cream was quite a simple process that only required a few ingredients.<br />
And then, of course, fruit, because I still wanted to feel virtuous even when indulging.<br />
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<u>Strawberry Colada Ice Cream</u><br />
(dairy-free, paleo-friendly, vegan)<br />
<br />
For the ice cream base:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 can coconut cream</li>
<li>1 can full fat coconut milk</li>
<li>4-6 Tbsp agave nectar (to taste)*</li>
<li>2 large strawberries (or 4 small to medium sized ones) - this is just for color</li>
<li>2 Tbsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 Tbsp vodka (optional - this will help the ice cream from setting up too hard)</li>
</ul>
For the mix-ins:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped</li>
<li>1 cup pineapple, chopped (if you use canned pineapple, you can use the crushed variety; just be sure to drain it completely)</li>
<li>2 tsp coconut oil, divided (or less - you really only need to lightly coat the pan)</li>
<li>2 tsp agave nectar, divided (optional, if you want your mix-ins a little sweeter)</li>
</ul>
Combine coconut cream, coconut milk, agave, strawberries, and vanilla in blender, and puree until smooth. Pour through a fine mesh sieve (optional), and refrigerate overnight. I recommend using a quart jar in order to utilize vertical space.<br />
Heat 1 tsp each coconut oil and agave a 6-inch sauté pan over medium heat; add strawberries and cook until caramelized. Cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate overnight. Repeat this for the pineapple (you could do them together, but I wanted to keep the color of the pineapple).<br />
Churn the ice cream base according to your ice cream maker's directions. When the mixture is just about at soft serve consistency, add the strawberries and pineapple, and continue to churn until the fruit is well distributed.<br />
Transfer mixture to a freezer-safe container; press plastic wrap down onto the surface of the ice cream, and cover with lid. Freeze for at least four hours before enjoying.<br />
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<i>*NERD ALERT - </i><i>A (not very) brief word about agave nectar: For a few years, agave nectar was seen as a "natural" alternative to sugar, being lower on the glycemic index, and as such, considered a better and even safer choice for diabetics and others who were concerned about sugar intake. However, for various scientific reasons that I won't go into here except to say that the large amount of fructose in it makes you want to eat more, even when full, agave nectar has been proven to not be a "healthier" option. I used it in this recipe because of its more neutral flavor (compared to honey or maple syrup). If the full amount suggested above (less than 7 Tbsp) is used, each serving of the finished ice cream will contain under 1 Tbsp of agave nectar, which in terms of sugar intake is slightly under the RDA for an adult (1 Tbsp has about 21 g of sugar; the RDA is 25 grams).</i><br />
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Today's post brings a close to a month of Ice Cream Tuesday posts for National Ice Cream Month. I hope you enjoyed reading the posts and recipes as much as I enjoyed eating them. In case you missed any, here they are:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2014/07/dark-chocolate-orange-ice-cream-for-ice.html">Dark Chocolate Orange Ice Cream</a></li>
<li><a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2014/07/mr-pineapple-brown-sugar-ice-cream-with.html">Mr. Pineapple Brown Sugar Ice Cream with Beer Caramelized Pineapples</a></li>
<li><a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2014/07/for-love-of-dog-ice-cream-tuesday.html">For the Love of Dog "Cool-Yer-Paws" Doggie Ice Cream</a></li>
<li><a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2014/07/not-princess-stephanies-chocolate.html">Not Princess Stephanie's Chocolate Cherry Chunk Ice Cream</a></li>
</ul>
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And don't forget to check out some of the other wonderful bloggers who have participated in Ice Cream Tuesday this month; we've all had so much fun:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://pastrychefonline.com/frozen-desserts/">Jenni Field's Pastry Chef Online</a> (today she has a <a href="http://pastrychefonline.com/2014/07/29/ginger-ale-stracciatella/">ginger ale stracciatella</a>!)</li>
<li><a href="http://comfortablydomestic.com//?s=ice+cream&search=Go">Comfortably Domestic</a></li>
<li><a href="http://insidenanabreadshead.com/?s=ice+cream">Inside NanaBread's Head</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thehungrygoddess.com/?s=ice+cream">The Hungry Goddess</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cravingsofalunatic.com/?s=ice+cream">Cravings of a Lunatic</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/?s=ice+cream">That Skinny Chick Can Bake</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.tryanythingonceculinary.com/?s=ice+cream">Try Anything Once</a> (including today's <a href="http://www.tryanythingonceculinary.com/salted-caramel-mocha-ice-cream">salted caramel mocha ice cream</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://ny-foodgasm.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results">NY Foodgasm</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dessertsrequired.com/?s=ice+cream">Desserts Required</a> (check out the <a href="http://www.dessertsrequired.com/oreo-milkshake">Oreo milkshake</a> she has today)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.creative-culinary.com/?s=ice+cream">Creative Culinary</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cookistry.com/search?q=ice+cream">Cookistry</a> (she's featuring <a href="http://www.cookistry.com/2014/07/nutella-ice-cream.html">Nutella ice cream</a> today)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/search?q=ice+cream">Food Love People Lust</a></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 204px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1944px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 204px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1944px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-89237134762416093272014-07-25T17:36:00.001-07:002014-07-25T17:36:37.457-07:00Physical Therapy - Weeks 9, 10, & 11YOU GUYS! I RAN THIS WEEK!<br />
<br />
More on that in a second, but I couldn't wait to tell you.<br />
<br />
Technically this should be Week 12, but since we were in Michigan for a full week and I did exactly one day of exercises while we were there, I'm not counting it.<br />
<br />
Since I've been back, though, things have been progressing nicely. I've graduated to some higher level exercises on the table, and we've taken a few off the rotation for good (although Stephanie told me that I can continue to do them at home). I also started with floor ladder exercises to help with coordination when I'm in motion but not necessarily forward motion.<br />
<br />
This week has been pretty exciting.<br />
<br />
I ran. Did I mention that before?<br />
<br />
OK, so it was only for two and a half minutes, in thirty-second increments, with thirty seconds of walking in between. And it was on the <a href="http://sproingfitness.com/sproing-runner/">Sproing</a>.<br />
<br />
Regardless: I ran this week. And I am filled with joy.<br />
<br />
I've also started swimming. Which is funny (both funny ha-ha and funny strange) because I've said a few times that I'd NEVER swim or consider a triathlon. I'm using the "not being able to run or cycle does strange things to a person" excuse. Not Moving can cause a person to become certifiably insane, I'm pretty sure.<br />
<br />
So now I have swim "class" on Fridays for six weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnKERHfakGlRcC2-0rDH_Ic41xFPhs16u6h3IysI9Vzj2HdxSggjWBvFI6S0l_eAuzyKFkn9-fliUtac4zOCzr7pD_R2GHIO-iYeCzQ5e2f7jjs75F3vwgfGRawBvLdTYsOXdvF72c9xs/s1600/IMG_8552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnKERHfakGlRcC2-0rDH_Ic41xFPhs16u6h3IysI9Vzj2HdxSggjWBvFI6S0l_eAuzyKFkn9-fliUtac4zOCzr7pD_R2GHIO-iYeCzQ5e2f7jjs75F3vwgfGRawBvLdTYsOXdvF72c9xs/s1600/IMG_8552.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I even bought goggles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last week: panic. Like, OMG I am going to drown panic. Thankfully, though, the coach was really patient with me and gave me some great suggestions on 1) Not Panicking and 2) getting my breathing timing down better.<br />
<br />
This week: since I had PT today, I spent the hour doing pulls in order to keep my legs from getting fatigued. It took A Lot of thought, sand sometimes I struggled to put keep what my legs, arms, and breath needed to do all together.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure how much swimming will play into my training as I become stronger and am able to run and cycle again, but I am happy that I'm able to open my eyes under water (yes, even with goggles that has often freaked me out) and time my breathing more accurately. Adding swimming to the rotation will help alleviate the pressure on my hip, so I really hope that I decide I like it enough to buy a pass to the pool. For now, it is absolutely what I need. One hour in the pool, and I'm happily exhausted.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 232px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 528px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 232px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 528px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 232px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 528px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 232px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 528px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-12687386473551071432014-07-22T06:00:00.000-07:002014-07-22T06:00:00.027-07:00Not Princess Stephanie's Chocolate Cherry Chunk Ice Cream for Ice Cream Tuesday<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">HRH, like many young girls her age, loves <a href="http://www.oliviathepiglet.com/">Olivia the Pig</a>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have all of the original book series by Ian Falconer as well as a few of the Nickelodeon series DVDs and the books from those series.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In fact, for her first Halloween, HRH wore an Olivia costume. She hated everything about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of her favorite Nickelodeon episodes/books is <a href="http://www.nickjr.com/kids-videos/olivia-princess-for-a-day.html">"Princess for a Day</a>, in which Olivia and Princess Stephanie of Poshtonia switch places; hilarity, naturally, ensues.</span><br />
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The complicating incident in this plot takes place in the local ice cream parlor, where both Olivia and Princess Stephanie enjoy some cherry chocolate chunk ice cream. Every time she reads the book or watches the episode, HRH has asked for us to make cherry chocolate chunk ice cream.<br />
Except for the part where she's not a huge fan of cherries, this is a great idea.<br />
So, I simply switched the main and supporting flavors, and now, she can't get enough.<br />
Neither can I.</div>
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Imagined when making my <a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2014/07/dark-chocolate-orange-ice-cream-for-ice.html">dark chocolate orange concoction</a> earlier this month, this ice cream combines dark chocolate, cherry puree, and chunks of both chocolate and cherries to make a rich and delicious treat that princesses and non-princesses alike will enjoy.</div>
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<u>Not Princess Stephanie's Chocolate Cherry Chunk Ice Cream</u><br />
Inspired by <a href="http://www.scoopadventures.com/chocolate-orange-ice-cream/">this recipe</a> from Scoop Adventures<br />
<br />
For the syrup:<br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder</li>
<li>1/2 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>3/4 cup cherry juice</li>
<li>1/8 tsp salt </li>
<li>1 1/2 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped</li>
</ul>
For the ice cream base:<br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups whole milk</li>
<li>1 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>2 egg yolks</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp cornstarch</li>
<li>1/2 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>2 Tbsp honey</li>
<li>2 tsp cherry extract</li>
</ul>
For the cherries:<br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted and chopped</li>
<li>2 Tbsp cherry vodka (you could use regular vodka if you want)</li>
<li>1 Tbsp granulated sugar</li>
</ul>
Additional mix-in:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup dark chocolate chips or your favorite chocolate chunks (optional)</li>
</ul>
Combine cocoa powder, sugar, cherry juice, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for five minutes, and then whisk to combine fully. Set aside.<br />
In a medium saucepan, whisk together ice cream base ingredients, and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until boiling. Boil for ten seconds, and then immediately strain through a fine mesh strainer into the chocolate mixture. Whisk to combine fully.<br />
Cool over an ice bath (I use a larger bowl filled with ice water) until mixture registers about 50°, and then cover and transfer to the refrigerator to cool overnight. If you don't have a ton of horizontal room in your fridge for the bowl, use two quart jars (this makes a little over one quart).<br />
Macerate the cherries in the sugar and vodka in a covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight.<br />
Once the ice cream mixture is completely cooled, add to your ice cream maker and churn according to directions.<br />
When ice cream is just about at soft serve consistency, drain the cherries and add them, along with the chocolate chips/chunks, to the ice cream maker. Churn until well mixed, and then transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Press plastic wrap down on top of the mixture, cover with the lid, and freeze for at least 4-6 hours before enjoying as you watch your favorite Olivia episode.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-82066794676831997082014-07-15T21:46:00.000-07:002014-07-15T21:58:21.244-07:00For the Love of Dog: Ice Cream Tuesday EditionI had planned a lengthy post that would highlight why I love my dog so dang much, but between work and school, with ballet camp for HRH and a migraine sandwiched in there somewhere, I'm just gonna post some cute but less than stellar quality pics of the world's greatest black and tan coonhound and boil it down to this: your dog wants to celebrate Ice Cream Month, too, and here's one way you can spoil your pup without spoiling her tummy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Can I just eat it already, Momma?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Om nom nom"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She heard Husband open the door, so she picked it up and ran so she wouldn't have to share.</td></tr>
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Made with 99% lactose-free kefir, this is appropriate for those dogs whose tummies don't do well with wheat, which is in the popular commercial brand of doggie ice cream (or those other ingredients that you can't pronounce that you don't want to give your pup, either).</div>
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<u>Cool-Yer-Paws Doggie Ice Cream</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>1 large-ish sweet potato, roasted and skin removed (give your dog the skin to snack on)</li>
<li>1 overly ripe banana</li>
<li>32 ounces full-fat plain kefir, preferably organic</li>
<li>1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or, as we call it in Arizona, "room temperature")*</li>
</ul>
Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Refrigerate until chilled through. Churn according to your ice cream maker's directions. Upon soft serve consistency, spoon into 1/4-cup containers and freeze until firm.<br />
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I suppose you don't <i>need</i> to churn it, but I wanted to give Zooey ice cream and not just a kefir-sicle, so the churning added in some air to the mixture. It has nothing to do with me <i>maybe</i> being a crazy dog lady.</div>
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As you can tell by the photos above, Zooey had no problem with the ice cream, unless you count having to wait for it while I took a photo.</div>
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*Coconut oil turns solid below 76°, but it doesn't fully freeze; when it's mixed with the other ingredients, it helps to keep ice crystals from forming in this ice cream so that your dog doesn't have to lick her tongue raw trying to enjoy her treat. This might sound like a lot of oil, but because even full-fat kefir doesn't have nearly the fat content that cream does, this will further help the consistency of the ice cream. The oil can help keep your dog's coat nice and shiny (it's great for itchy dogs), and the sweet potato will help keep everything moving in the right direction, if you catch my drift, while the banana makes sure it doesn't move too quickly.</div>
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Decadent Philistineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08463256993586566721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-9136987320479960572014-07-08T00:01:00.000-07:002014-07-08T12:24:01.845-07:00Mr. Pineapple Brown Sugar Ice Cream with Beer Caramelized Pineapples
for Ice Cream TuesdayA few weeks ago, when I was about to churn my <a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2014/07/dark-chocolate-orange-ice-cream-for-ice.html">chocolate orange ice cream</a> for last week's Ice Cream Tuesday post, my ice cream maker died. I had just poured my mixture into the pre-frozen base and turned it on, and it made The Most Horrible Machine Dying Sound.<br>
And then it stopped.<br>
And I was left with a mixture that had already started to freeze to the ice cream base and no real good way to get it OUT before having to start over.<br>
It was panic at the disco over here.<br>
Of course, Zooey tried to help, so that was fun. Dogs and chocolate go together so well, you know.<br>
Thankfully, I only managed to lose about half a pint as I madly poured and scraped the mixture back out of the ice cream maker and into the quart jars from whence they came.<br>
And then, once I cleaned that remaining half pint of mixture off the counter top, the cabinets, the floor, and me, I sat down and thought, "Crap. What do I do NOW?"<br>
Certainly I could have made this <a href="http://www.scoopadventures.com/how-to-make-ice-cream-without-an-ice-cream-maker/">without an ice cream maker</a>, but after posting about this little adventure on my personal Facebook page, some close friends texted me and said I could borrow theirs for a while. They even pre-chilled the base so I could get back to where I was before Disaster struck.<br>
So naturally, I've gone mad with power and am making All the Ice Creams.<br>
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This ice cream is a nod to a local summer favorite: San Tan Brewing Company's <a href="http://www.santanbrewing.com/mr-pineapple-seasonal/">Mr. Pineapple</a> wheat beer. This seasonal brew is immensely popular round these parts, and people celebrate its tapping each year like it's a national holiday (it should probably be a state holiday, at the very least). The subtle sweetness that the pineapple adds to the beer is a perfect partner to the brown sugar, and when you add in pineapples caramelized in that same beer, you have a winning combination that just might make you forget that it's 110° already.<br>
It's worth a shot, at least.<br>
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<u>Mr. Pineapple Brown Sugar Ice Cream With Beer Caramelized Pineapples</u><br>
Ratios inspired by Jenni Fields's Pastry Chef Online <a href="http://pastrychefonline.com/2014/04/22/maple-buttermilk-pecan-ice-cream/">Maple Buttermilk Pecan Ice Cream</a><br>
<br>
<ul>
<li>2 cups San Tan Brewing Company's Mr. Pineapple Wheat Beer (or other wheat beer with pineapple or other tropical fruit to it)</li>
<li>1 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>1 cup half and half</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt (I use Real Salt)</li>
<li>14 ounces brown sugar (you could probably reduce this to about 10-12 ounces)</li>
<li>4 egg yolks</li>
<li>1 Tbsp cornstarch</li>
<li>2 cups whole milk, chilled</li>
<li>1 Tbsp vanilla</li>
<li>Beer caramelized pineapples*</li>
</ul>
<br>
Combine the beer, cream, half and half, salt, brown sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.<br>
Boil for ten seconds, and then immediately strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl.<br>
Add the whole milk, which you can just bring right out of the fridge when you need it. Whisk to combine completely.<br>
Cool over an ice bath (I use a larger bowl filled with ice water), and then cover and transfer to the refrigerator to cool overnight. To save valuable horizontal space, I recommend using two quart jars.<br>
Once completely cooled, add to your ice cream maker and churn according to directions. In the last few minutes of churning, mix in the caramelized pineapples.<br>
Once the ice cream has reached soft serve consistency, pour mixture into freezer safe container. Press plastic wrap onto top of mixture (don't worry; it won't freeze to it), and fasten lid before moving to the freezer. Freeze for at least four hours before enjoying.<br>
Just a note: this makes two full quarts, so you may need to pour some out for your homies before churning; otherwise, when you add the pineapple, the ice cream will spill out of the dasher. Or, I suppose you could do this in multiple batches. It's up to you.<br>
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*To make the beer caramelized pineapples, follow <a href="http://thebeeroness.com/2012/03/27/saison-caramelized-pineapple-beer-shortcakes/">this recipe from The Beeroness</a>; I used more Mr. Pineapple instead of the saison she recommended, and it.was.amazing. Just make sure that you chill the pineapples before mixing in to the ice cream, or else they will warm the mixture up too much, and you'll be churning for a bit longer than you plan.<br>
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<b>Common sense warning: </b>Even though the beer is cooked and the alcohol levels thus reduced, this ice cream still contains some levels of alcohol, so it's probably not the best choice to give your kids. Which is perfectly fine; you work hard to raise those kids, and you deserve to have an ice cream all to yourself for once. Get the kids a non-boozy flavor and enjoy responsibly.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375617680384228238.post-27607963026652523982014-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:002014-07-01T09:32:24.289-07:00Dark Chocolate Orange Ice Cream for Ice Cream Tuesday: Scoop Adventures EditionWell, we had our last double digit day for the foreseeable future a few weeks ago, so if you need me, I will be stuffing myself into the kiddie pool I bought for HRH and Zooey to share and washing down an iced tea that may or may not be of the "adult" persuasion.<br />
Oh, and pants are pretty much optional until October.<br />
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So naturally I jumped at the chance to make MOAR ICE CREAM when Jenni, our fearless leader and ice cream wrangler over at <a href="http://pastrychefonline.com/">Pastry Chef Online</a>, asked if anyone wanted to join the reindeer games for a special Ice Cream Tuesday to celebrate the publication of <i>Scoop Adventures</i><span style="background-color: white;"><i style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3;">: The Best Ice Cream of the 50 States: Make the Real Recipes from the Greatest Ice Cream Parlors in the Country</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.3;">, by Lyndsay Clendaniel. Lyndsay also writes the blog </span></span><a href="http://www.scoopadventures.com/">Scoop Adventures</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.3;">, and she's a certified ice cream devotee. Her new book highlights fifty amazing - and local - ice cream shops from around the country. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1624140343/?tag=pacheonl-20" target="_blank"><img alt="IceCreamTuesday" border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nYERbYlhcZU/U699Yl9unwI/AAAAAAAAaD4/u8BpCvlFMgw/s400/ICTScoopAdventures.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3;">Fellow fans of ice cream can now get this book; you can </span>order directly from Amazon by clicking the picture of it above<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3;">. If you so choose, you can also locate a local bookstore </span><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3;">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3;"> and order it that way.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3;">BUT!!!!! You can also enter to <b>win a copy of the book</b>! The details are below, so keep reading! Excitement and exclamation points abound!</span><br />
In choosing what ice cream to make, I needed to make sure that someone else in the family would eat it; once pants are back in fashion in the Philistine house in the fall, I <i>do</i> need to be able to fit into them, after all. Since HRH wasn't a fan of the <a href="http://decadentphilistines.blogspot.com/2014/05/horchata-ice-cream-with-mocha-mallow.html">horchata ice cream</a>, I looked for a recipe with chocolate so that she, too, could enjoy the fruits of my labor (since she didn't actually want to participate in the "labor" portion of the exercise). Thankfully, I found this fabulous <a href="http://www.scoopadventures.com/chocolate-orange-ice-cream/">chocolate and orange</a> dream of a recipe, and I knew I had to make it. While oranges are no longer in season, citrus is just A Part of Life in Arizona, so we usually have zest and juice of some sort in the freezer, although I did nab a fresh orange at the store to make the ice cream (right now all we have is lemon and grapefruit juices).<br />
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This ice cream is deliciously chocolatey, but the orange juice makes it refreshing at the same time. It's perfect for the kids as well as any adult ice cream love in the house. Even Husband, who eschews ice cream in favor of sorbet, said the flavor was great; he still only had one spoonful, though, so HRH and I had to power through it ourselves. It was rough.<br />
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<u>Dark Chocolate Orange Ice Cream</u><br />
gently adapted from <a href="http://www.scoopadventures.com/chocolate-orange-ice-cream/">this recipe at Scoop Adventures</a><br />
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For the syrup:<br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (I use Hershey's Special Dark)</li>
<li>1/2 cup freshly brewed coffee</li>
<li>1/2 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>2 tsp freshly grated orange zest</li>
<li>1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice</li>
<li>1 1/2 ounces bittersweet (70%) chocolate, chopped</li>
<li>3 Tbsp cream cheese, room temperature</li>
<li>1/8 tsp salt (I use Real Salt)</li>
</ul>
For the ice cream base:<br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups whole milk</li>
<li>1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp cornstarch</li>
<li>1 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>1/2 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>2 Tbsp honey (orange blossom is a great addition here)</li>
</ul>
Combine cocoa powder, coffee, sugar, zest, and juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; add chocolate. Let the mixture stand five minutes, then whisk to combine fully. Whisk in the cream cheese and salt until smooth; set aside.<br />
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 Tbsp of the milk with the cornstarch until it makes a slurry.<br />
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining milk, cream, sugar, and honey and cook over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Return to the heat and boil until the mixture coats the back of a spoon; this should only take a minute or so.<br />
Pour the cream mixture into the chocolate mixture, whisking to combine.<br />
Chill completely before churning; I recommend using two quart jars to save room in the refrigerator.<br />
Strain through a fine sieve and pour into your ice cream maker. Churn according to your ice cream maker's directions. If you don't have an ice cream maker, check out Lyndsay's post on <a href="http://www.scoopadventures.com/how-to-make-ice-cream-without-an-ice-cream-maker/">making ice cream without an ice cream maker</a>.<br />
Once the ice cream has reached soft serve consistency, pour mixture into freezer safe container. Press plastic wrap onto top of mixture (don't worry; it won't freeze to it), and fasten lid before moving to the freezer. Freeze for at least four hours before enjoying.<br />
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Now for the exciting part - the giveaway!!!! I don't normally do giveaways, since my blog is small, I had started to be more of a running blogger than a food-ing blogger, but I felt it was my duty as an ice cream lover to share this opportunity.<br />
Here is what you have to do:<br />
<ol>
<li>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/scoopmuse">Scoop Adventures on Twitter</a> (@scoopmuse); leave a comment, with your Twitter handle, telling me that you have done so.</li>
<li>For an extra entry, leave a <i>separate</i> comment telling me what your favorite summer frozen treat is. Are you an ice cream sandwich person, or do you go for frozen fruit bars? Did you chase down the ice cream truck as a kid, or did you always have Otter Pops in the freezer?</li>
</ol>
The fine print: Entrants must be residents of the US or Canada who are at least 18 years of age. Twitter profiles must be public; I must be able to verify that entrants are following Scoop Adventures. This giveaway is open through 11:59 PM, Pacific Daylight Time, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. The winner will be selected by random drawing and notified by email; once the email is sent, the winner will have 48 hours to respond. If, at that time, no response has been received, a new winner will be drawn and be subject to the same parameters.<br />
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Make sure that you check out some more of Lyndsay's recipes, as made (and adapted) by these fellow frozen treat fanatics. You'll also increase your changes to win the book by entering their giveaways, too. Then go make some ice cream yourself. Feel free to wear pants if you'd prefer.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://thehungrygoddess.com/2014/07/berry-goat-cheese-sherbet-ictscoopadventures/">Berry Goat Cheese Sherbet</a> from The Hungry Goddess</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cravingsofalunatic.com/2014/07/red-velvet-ice-cream-sundae.html">Red Velvet Ice Cream</a> from Cravings of a Lunatic</li>
<li><a href="http://pastrychefonline.com/?p=9266">Chocolate Sesame Brittle Ice Cream</a> from Pastry Chef Online</li>
<li><a href="http://wp.me/pRmMY-2ZH">S'mores Ice Cream Sandwiches with Toasted Marshmallow Malt Ice Cream</a> from Comfortably Domestic</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/?p=17556">Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream</a> from That Skinny Chick Can Bake</li>
<li><a href="http://www.tryanythingonceculinary.com/peanut-butter-jelly-ice-cream/">PB&J Ice Cream</a> from Try Anything Once</li>
<li><a href="http://ny-foodgasm.blogspot.com/2014/06/hops-and-nuts-ice-cream.html">Hops and Nuts Ice Cream</a> from NY Foodgasm</li>
<li><a href="http://wp.me/p48M3z-1Ct">Chocolate Coconut Macadamia Nut Ice Cream</a> from Desserts Required</li>
<li><a href="http://creative-culinary.com/blueberry-mojito-ice-cream">Blueberry Mojito Ice Cream</a> from Creative Culinary</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cookistry.com/2014/07/peanut-butter-ice-cream.html">Peanut Butter Ice Cream</a> from Cookistry</li>
<li><a href="http://www.foodlustpeoplelove.com/2014/06/thai-coconut-ice-cream.html">Thai Coconut Ice Cream</a> from Food Love People Lust</li>
</ul>
<b style="font-family: inherit;">Full disclosure:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> As compensation for being a part of this special Ice Cream Tuesday, I received a copy of </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Scoop Adventures</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.3;">: The Best Ice Cream of the 50 States: Make the Real Recipes from the Greatest Ice Cream Parlors in the Country. </i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 1.3;">While I did not use a recipe from the book for this posting, I did </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">modify</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 1.3;"> one from Lyndsay's blog. I will not receive any compensation if you choose to purchase this book through the links given above. All opinions are my own.</span></span></span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18248327206223128557noreply@blogger.com18