Ginger and Almond Oat Biscotti

Posted on | February 8, 2012 | No Comments

I love ginger. I’ve been known to sneak it in everything. I steam my vegetables with it, I blend it in my smoothies, and I always devour the pickled ginger that comes with sushi like it’s my job.

Yes, I’ve been teased a lot for my ginger obsession. I’m comfortable with this.

When I came across Jenna’s Arlette’s Triple Ginger Biscotti recipe, I knew I had to make a batch of my own. I only made a few minor substitutions but I was more than pleased with the end result.

My substitutions:

• 1/2 cup applesauce instead of butter
• 2 1/4 cup oat flour (ground up rolled oats) instead of regular flour
• Baked for almost an hour to get them to crisp up (likely due to the applesauce substitution).

The big question is, why haven’t I made these again since?

I’m also thinking they would be even more delicious bathed in chocolate. Thoughts?

I’m tired of feeling broken

Posted on | February 7, 2012 | No Comments

Those words slipped out of my mouth with a long sigh before I could take them back. Up until that moment, I had been trying so hard to keep a positive attitude and to focus my energy talking about all the things I could do with my time while waiting for my stress fracture to heal. But for that one moment, I lay in the dark under my bed covers and finally let it out: I’m tired of feeling broken.

When the door for all weight-bearing exercise was closed to me in October, it took everything I had to stay positive and not let myself harp on what I could no longer do. Some days were easier than others. Most days were harder. I took it one step at a time, and tried my best to be patient. I did yoga. I signed up for swimming lessons. I spent more than my fair share of newly freed up time cooking and baking (and sampling).

I waited. 

Yesterday, I had a follow-up appointment with my sports medicine doctor. After examining me for what felt an eternity, he finally declared that he was happy with what he saw.

In two weeks, I’ll be attempting my first run in over four months. It’s going to be over before it really begins: I’ve been given strict instructions to ease into things slowly for the next couple of months.

Excitement. Relief. Fear. Anxiety. Dread. I don’t know exactly how I feel. But I do know one thing: it’s okay. I’m okay, and it’s about time.