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Exercising, Crafting, Cooking + Gazpacho Recipe

Running & Boxing
I was determined to get in a run this week. I have not run since vacation because it's just too hot to run past sun up right now. So, we got up and hit the pavement by 5:45. It was already a steamy 77 degrees humid. I say that  because 77 isn't bad, it's the humidity that's bad. Anyway, we just did 30 minutes at an easy pace. No records being broke, but that's what I wanted that early. I really just wanted to get moving again and to loosen up my legs (still sore from Sunday's workout). It felt great to be outside watching the sun come up too. During lunch I did Cathe's MMA Boxing. It's amazing how high your heart rate can get up there just punching.

Free Time = Craft & Cooking Time
Getting my workouts done early left me with free time after work. It's so nice to have that extra time after work. It makes me feel like I've had some sort of day that wasn't nothing but work. I started a new project last night, so I was able to finish that today along with laundry and other piddly chores. I used to do more crafty projects. Somehow I used to find the time for them, like making curtains or pillows. Where did that time go???? Oh, blogging and cooking perhaps? ;-)

Anyway, the project you ask (even if you don't ask, I'm telling). I have lots of hanging pots around our fence. I just take plain (cheap) terracotta pots, spray with a terracotta sealer inside and out, and paint them white. Then I plant bright flowers in them for a pop of color. I decided I wanted some to put on the corners of our raised garden beds. So, that project was finished up today. I know I could choose other colors, but there is just something about white with bright flowers that seems crisp to me. Now if you want some truly inspiring craft projects, check out Simple Daisy. I'm always in awe when I see her projects!

Do you like to do anything crafty/artsy?

I also had time to make some more Chikn' Seitan (recipe here).

Dinner
Jason went to ride bikes with a friend after work, so I knew he wouldn't be home until later. I'll admit, the thought of having cereal for dinner certainly crossed my mind. He had mentioned stir fry but that didn't sound very appealing to me to be honest. Besides, I'll be able to make it later this week using my homemade Chikn' Seitan. He was talking about gazpacho a few days ago. I've actually never had it. Cold soups don't exactly sound appealing to me. However, it's hot, so I thought I'd give it a shot. If all else failed, I had cereal as a back up. I did some internet browsing for recipes and just piecemealed my own - well call it Heather's Gazpacho. I also decided to serve a Grilled Caprese Style Sandwich on the side.

Heather's Gazpacho
Ingredients:

2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (no salt)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small yellow bell pepper, small dice
1/2 small onion, small dice
2 medium garlic cloves, rough chop
1 small jalapeno pepper, minced
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
To taste: Salt, pepper, cumin, dried parsley
1 can white beans, rinsed, drained

Directions
In food processor or blender, puree 1/2 can of tomatoes, water, oil and garlic. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add remaining 1/2 can with fresh veggies and do quick pulse (not pureed). Add that to the bowl with pureed tomatoes along with the 2nd can of tomatoes, beans, sherry, and spices. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

For the Grilled Caprese Style Sandwiches, I used Soy Kaas Monterey Jack (yes should have been mozz for this I know), fresh basil, fresh spinach, and thinly diced tomatoes.

The gazpacho was better than I had expected. I still don't think I'm sold on cold soups, but this was perfect for a hot summer day. It was much more filling (beans I'm sure) than I had expected. As for the sandwich? You can't go wrong with tomatoes, basil, and "cheeze." How do you feel about cold soups?

Comments

  1. I am also not a fan of cold soup. But when we go to Disney World we always eat at the Grand Floridian and they have an amazing cold strawberry soup.....it is really good. That reminds me I should try making it.

    I have an artsy side to me......I do scrapbooking and card making but since I started my running journey I haven't done too much of it. TIME! Time is always an issue!

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  2. awesome. I've been looking for a good gazapacho to make. Thanks! Craving it in this hot weather.

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  3. Those caprese sandwiches are really calling to me right now! I just had one the other day - but added pesto. SO GOOD. And to be honest, I don't think I've ever had a cold soup? But I'd be more than willing to give some gazapacho a try (:

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  4. I love cold soup particularly gazpacho. I also make a cold melon and pinto grigio soup that I haven't had since last summer.

    Your weather sounds like ours. At 9pm tonight it was still 90 degrees. The blizzard from last winter is looking very tempting at the moment. ;-)

    Ali

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  5. mmm, that sandwich looks delicious! i am iffy about cold soups, sometimes i like them, sometimes i don't.

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  6. I love gazpacho! I guess it really depends on the soup. I busted my youngest son drinking his salsa the other day, so I guess he is a fan of the cold soups? I was going to get onto him for it, but really it is vegetables! Your dinner looks yummy! As for crafting...I crochet. I don't know that I consider myself all that crafty though. I make scarves and blankets, so it is pretty basic!

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  7. Bela @ It's Life, Max it Out Strawberry soup sounds like dessert to me!! I hear you on the time.

    Lindsay @ Cotter Crunch Be sure to let me know if you try it out and how you like it. I'll tell you, the hubs missed the cucumber and he had hot sauce.

    Alycia @ Fit n Fresh Oh if I had had pesto, I would have added that trust me! Sometimes I will also add artichokes.

    Krystina @ Organically Me Do you have a recipe that you make?

    Alicia @ Vegan Epicurean I knew you liked cold soups and had several recipes. I should have looked to see if you had a gazpacho posted...

    The Twins @ Hungry Like the Wolf Thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to checking your your blog now. I think the key is flavor with cold soups. That's my thought anyway...

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  8. that sandwich looks absolutely amazing! I just may consider making it this week! Looks and sounds absolutely delish! I cannot run in the heat. I feel like I will pass out. I hate running in general but I need to drop a bunch of weight before August comes... so maybe I should deal with the heat lol.

    xo and with your running get yourself a pedicure! Your feet will love you! You'll be in heaven as well!

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  9. oh good choice on the dinner! yea id be tempted to have gone for cereal too lol.. but hey a nice sandwich/panini and gazpacho is much more satisfying.

    thanks for ur comment on my wisdom teeth- thankfully the dentist did a good job that this morning i can CHEW woot! no more smoothies for me ;) hehe

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  10. AnonymousJune 23, 2010

    I am so jealous at all of your free time after work, girl! I know just what you mean - I totally feel like all I do during the week is work and not much else. I think that's why I love getting up early to workout, it extends my day and lets me do other things at night with my time, ya know? And PS. Gazpacho - you are a cooking machine! I totally would've opted for cereal if I was cooking for one! ;)

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  11. Not a cold soup fan! But this looks good!

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  12. AnonymousJune 23, 2010

    Yum - I love gazpacho! Such a refreshing summer soup.

    I am crafty sometimes, but go through phases. I'll get into knitting or making photo albums for a few weeks, and then grow tired of it until the next time I pick up the same projects.

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  13. You know, I don't think I've had a cold soup before, but I think I would like it!

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  14. Erica @ Fashion Meets Food The hubs raved about the sandwich too. As for the pedicure - I'm just too cheap to shell out the money!!!

    Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel Yep, nice proper supper. I felt better about that than cereal! So glad the surgery went well.

    Jessica @ EatDrinkBreatheSweat I swear the free time almost felt like and extra day or something. Loved it. Well, I figured Jason may want something more than cereal after a hot bike ride ;-) I'm such a good wife!

    Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly Not going to lie - still not completely sold. But it was tasty.

    Lisa @ Lisa's Foods on the Move You sound like me. I get super excited about certain things, go full force, then move along!

    Lindsey @ Cardio Pizza If nothing else, it was super easy, no cooking involved, and you get your veggies in!

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  15. Sarena @ The Non-Dairy Queen Too funny about the salsa - love it!! I tried to learn to knit when I was a kid. Didn't go over so well. I'd love to see some of your scarves and blankets!

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  16. i used to be more crafty too! Tons of beading in the old days! The gazpacho looks delish.

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  17. AnonymousJune 23, 2010

    I love cold soups, but gazpacho definitely reminds me of eating salsa, which isn't the worst thing in the world...

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  18. My craft is cooking! But I did plant several herbs in a big pot on my porch a few weekends ago. Life is starting to pop up in the dirt!! Let's see if I can manage to keep them alive :) I love your flower pot, so pretty! I can't wait until I have a full yard of my own so I can try some proper gardening. Gazpacho is such a great quick and refreshing summer meal, way to not give in to the cereal! I had a night like that myself a couple days ago :)

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  19. I love cold soups! I love cold leek and turnip soup! I
    ve made so many gazpachos in culinary school! have you had cold dessert soups? like watermelon or cantaloupe soup?

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  20. Unfortuntaely, I dont think I have a crafty bone in my body. Although, I REALLLY wish I did.

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  21. I would like your sandwich RIGHT now...pleasssse :) It looks SO good- I love that combination!
    I do scrapbooking for my projects. I find it stress relieving & just something fun to do.
    Uh- I feel ya about the heat & humidity- BLAH! YAY for you getting out there this morning & braving it :)
    I'm all about cold soups- any kind of soup really..I just don't like the broth- I know, I know..I'm weird!- haha

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  22. Kenzie @ A Healthy Purpose Thank you ma'am. Beads are cool ;-)

    Madeline@ Greens and Jeans There are definitely worse things than salsa I must agree.

    Sarah @ The Ordinary Vegetarian I just couldn't post a picture of a bowl of cereal in good conscious! LOL. Love gardening. We ended up doing raised beds b/c we don't have a ton of space.

    Eden's Eats I've never tried dessert soups. Not a big melon fan....someone mentioned strawberries - now I could do strawberries!

    Lisa @ I'm an Okie Oh, you're probably craftier than you think. I think we all have a bit of creativity in us!

    Holly @ Greek Yogurt and Apple Slices If I could email a sandwich I would ;-) I enjoy scrapbooking too, but it's always such a pain to pull everything out. I don't have a proper crafting area.

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  23. I have to be honest and say I am not a fan of gazpacho, but this one really looks delicious. I love the jalapeno in it too.

    I am not a particulalry creative person but i do like to grow veg. I have a tiny garden with a tiny raised bed where I cram in plants and just hope they grow.

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  24. Mangocheeks @ Allotment 2 Kitchen I love spicy foods, and I think the jalapenos helped impart additional flavor. LOL - that's pretty much how I garden ;-)

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  25. omg clearly this is a popular post, i think most comments ever, congrats :)

    see, posting about LIFE works...it's way more fun than the food

    i love that youre crafty! crafty is my middle name but with my timesuck i.e. my blog! and my child and hubs i dont craft like pottery, painting, etc but i want to!

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