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Apple Pie Cookies & Vegan Grilling

Resting
Last night I set out all my running gear and set the alarm for 5am for my typical Thursday morning run. When the alarm went off, I automatically got up and stumbled into the bathroom to change. My hips were sore (mostly left side and not sure what's going on there), my legs heavy, and my heart just not into this morning.

I went back to bed sort of feeling a bit guilty for not getting out there and getting it done. Also started thinking about how not running was going to throw off my schedule workouts for the rest of the week. I never really even fell back asleep, just dozed. But you know what, that's what I needed.

So no morning run for me. I'll either get a run in tomorrow morning or maybe do something crazy insane like speed work on the dreadmill. At least it's air conditioned at the gym...well, sort of. It gets pretty freaking hot since the treadmills are up in the windows basking in radiant heat.

Baking & Grilling
Looking at the upside, I had some free time at lunch (no 2-a-day) to work on some laundry. This evening I was able to get more food prepped for Saturday's pool party and some general cleaning accomplished.

For Saturday, I wanted to try the chickpea cookie balls in an apple pie flavor. I thought it was kind of a perfect theme for the 4th of July. I am pretty happy with how these turned out. I think just a few minor tweaks is all they might need, but overall, winner. --Edited---

Apple Pie Chickpea Cookie Balls
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas, rinsed
1/2 cup all natural peanut butter
*1/8 apple, large dice (I used Granny Smith, this was about 3 slices)
20-25 drops NuNaturals Liquid Vanilla Stevia
1/2 tsp vanilla
To taste: ground cinnamon, ground cloves
2 tbsp rice flour
1 - 1 1/2 tsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk (optional and only if dough is too dry)
1/3 cup apple finely diced

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees

After rinsing chickpeas, gentle rub them between your fingers to remove the outer skin. This sounds time-consuming, but it's kind of fun.

In food processor, blend all ingredients up to the finely diced apple. Process until forms a smooth ball of dough. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mix in apples.

Form into small balls and place on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.

*I used the apple in the blender because I did not have any applesauce. Next time, I want to try 1-2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce.

For dinner, I decided to grill out. I really wasn't sure what I was going to do as my meal plan got upended yesterday. I ended up making grilled BBQ setian cutlets, grilled veggies (zucchini, squash, onion, tomatoes), and grilled sweet potatoes.

For the veggies, I grilled all but the tomatoes until done then added the tomatoes last minute just to warm through. I served with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

 
This felt like one of those ideal summer dinners. Now if only it weren't so hot out so we could enjoy dining on the patio.

And before I forget, I really want to thank you all for your encouraging words and support for my work project - Mother Hood. You guys are so awesome. Truly. Thank you.

Daily To-Enjoy List
  • Morning run (nixed)
  • Rest day (unplanned but enjoyed)
  • Dinner at the table

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