Halloween Whoopie

Yesterday’s weather was certainly an unexpected Halloween surprise! When I left the gym after an hour long elliptical session, I was greeted by wind, snow, and 33 degree wind chills!

IMG_5154 (640x478) IMG_5155 (640x478)By the time I made it to the NYRR headquarters on the Upper West Side to pick up my bib for the Poland Spring Kickoff there was snow everywhere!   

IMG_5160 (640x478)Don’t worry, the snow didn’t deter our Halloween plans a bit. Instead, it just made me want to rush home and enjoy a few hours of warmth in the kitchen baking pumpkin whoopie pies and staying out of the cold.

As soon as I saw these on Theodora’s blog last week I knew I had to make them for the Halloween party we were invited to Saturday.

IMG_5169 (478x640) IMG_5170 (640x478)The pumpkin whoopie pies were easier than I expected and a double batch only took two hours, start to finish, including an hour cooling period. The best part of the recipe was that I happend to have everything in the pantry so I didn’t have to leave the apartment for a grocery store trip in the snow and sleet.

The whoopie pies were moist and cake like cookies with sweet, delicious cream cheese frosting in between each cookie sandwich.

They were the hit at the party even though I only had 16. I cut each in half and shared with the rest of our friends who were decked out in some pretty awesome costumes.

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I wish I took pictures of Mike and Liz’s apartment because it was fabulously decorated! They bought lots of baby pumpkins, Halloween decorations from Pier 1, and white lights which resulted in a spooktacular apartment. They even made a mini graveyard above their bookshelves!  My favorite costume of the evening was Michael’s Mad Hatter for the mere fact that he used items he already owned and looked spot on!IMG_5185 (478x640)

It’s safe to say that everyone had a blast as you can see from the pictures. I will say, being sober for a Halloween party is not my favorite thing but I was a trooper and stayed out with the gang until nearly 2am.

Here’s a glimpse of the costumes from last night.

IMG_5173 (478x640) IMG_5174 (478x640) IMG_5175 (640x478) IMG_5176 (478x640)      IMG_5182 (478x640) IMG_5183 (478x640)    IMG_5188 (640x478)

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Perfect Butternut Squash Soup

Today’s weather makes me crave a cozy sofa, big blanket, good book, candles, and a bowl of warm soup.

imageTherefore, the first thing I did this morning, even before enjoying this delicious breakfast or coffee, was to make another batch of perfect butternut squash soup. IMG_5149 (640x478)

This is my nickname for a soup recipe I discovered last weekend on a can of Farmer’s Market butternut squash I found in my pantry.  I considered adapting the recipe, adding my own twist on the basic recipe, but realized that this recipe seemed too easy and spot on to want to change.

The ingredient list is short and sweet, only requiring 9 ingredients.

IMG_5113 (640x478) IMG_5114 (640x478) IMG_5115 (640x478) IMG_5116 (640x478)The steps are simple and leave your home smelling like fall for hours afterwards. The result is sheer perfection, a creamy and heartwarming soup that is the perfect starter for dinner or lunch addition. I normally would normally link to an existing recipe versus posting it on my website, but unfortunately Farmer’s Market doesn’t include this recipe on their website.

IMG_5139Farmer’s Market Organic Butternut Squash Recipe

6 servings

Ingredients

1 15 oz can Farmer’s Market Organic Butternut Squash

14 oz organic broth

1 medium organic onion

2 diced organic carrots

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 cups organic half & half (I only used 1/2 cup)

Recipe

In a large pot add broth, diced vegetables, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Transfer cooked mixture into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Return to pot. Add butternut squash and half and half. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes and serve warm.

Question: What is your favorite Fall or Winter soup? Do you have a recipe you’d like me to share with readers?

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The Things I Know to Be True

Earlier this week after Saturday’s amazing run, I wished the marathon was this Sunday instead of next. Reading The Spirit of the Marathon each night has me more excited than ever for the big day. But, after a long day of work, this evening’s wicked weather, and a dinner that contained three evil food groups: sugars, chocolates, and carbonation, I’m happy I have another 9 days to focus and prepare.

Until next Sunday, I’m going to stick with the things I know to be true:

  • Adele’s music is the perfect cure for stress
  • Sleep is the perfect cure for stress
  • Leggings, tall boots, and cute tunic are the best “lazy, chic” work outfit.
  • Candy stomachaches aren’t only for children and are not conducive for optimal health.

In the meantime, does anyone have any race recaps which include running a marathon in the rain?

imageSearching online earlier I did find this article about racing the 1997 marathon in the rain. Then, when I searched again, I found this picture. Clearly I need to head over to Skinny Runner’s blog to read her tips for running in the rain. Or, I should just keep up with my daily prayers for a gorgeous New York City Fall day!

Oh well, enough about running in the rain. It’s time to focus on positive things like the upcoming weekend winner of my Marathon Must Have giveaway! This weekend is also shaping up to be a wonderful and more importantly relaxing weekend which is exactly what my body requests the weekend before a marathon!

My weekend plans include:

  • Friday night plans including my couch, On Demand, and a cozy blanket.
  • Yoga and an easy run on Saturday followed by Halloween festivities at our friends’ Halloween party. I still haven’t figured out what to wear on Saturday. Worse case scenario, last year’s costume is still hanging in the closet.

  • Poland Springs 5 miler with Dori and Melissa Z
  • A NYC Marathon post with my tips and tricks for the big day! Feel free to email or comment with any questions you want answered.
  • A Savannah post with my favorite restaurants and sights.

Congratulations Megan, you’re the lucky winner of my Marathon Must Have giveaway! Please email me your mailing address and prize choices so I can send the package!!

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