Will Run For Green Lemonade

feeling green?

Green lemonade is what happens when you no longer have to go on 3 1/2 hour Sunday runs.  Green juice is also what happens after you realize that you can't eat whatever you want even though you are training for a marathon (really, who didn't already know that?  Come on!).

I promise that this green lemonade won't make you gag (a cup full of juiced kale stems on the other hand is a different story.  Again, who didn't already know that?).

So pull out your retro juicer (or your new fancy pants juicer) and juice away.

Green Lemonade

(1 large serving or 2 small)

2 C romaine lettuce chopped

1 cucumber 

1/4 celeriac peeled and cubed (1 cup)

1 large gala apple (cored, peeled, chopped)

1 lemon (peeled and quartered) 

1-2 inch piece of peeled ginger root 

Drink up.

* Peel all fruits and vegetables that are not organic or live on the wild side and juice with the peel (not responsible for tail growth).

Will Run For Pistachio Fudge Brownies

Dear Brownies,

Thank you for being there after I ran 29 kilometres in what felt like a frying pan last Saturday.  The chocolate puck that I ate at the coffee shop (who is going to waste a brownie?) will never compare to you.

Love,

T.

Dear T.,

I just worked from 5 p.m. to 1a.m. and then 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. (never doing that again) is it so hard for you to pick me up on time after my shift?  What?  I drove myself to work!  I should probably take back all of the mean things that I thought about you shouldn't I.

Love,

Farmer (who is currently trying to remember where she parked the car)

 Dear Contractor,

I had no idea that demolition, a Nim bin, and a new deck were the way to my heart.  Thank you!  I even thought for a second that I wished that it was Monday so that I could come home to more awesomeness.  We're lucky to have you.   I just might learn to like this house that I've hated for the last 2 years.

Thank you,

T.

P.S I realize that there is no sun in our back yard but I still really want a pergola.  Thanks!

Dear Grade Threes,

Thank you for saving all of your brilliant ideas, full sentences, and learning strategies for when the Superintendent, principal, and the school board's communication officer came for a surprise visit to our classroom.  It's true that you've been driving me absolutely insane for the last week but I'll forgive you.

Love,

Ms. L

Dear Cousin Jen,

I'm sure that you would have loved cheese with your taco salad but I couldn't help myself.  An entire block of cheese unattended on the kitchen counter was just to good to pass up.

Love,

Jeb

I'll just lay here starving while you enjoy the cheese.  Love, Hank.

Pistachio Fudge Brownies

(4 brownies)

ingredients

1/4 C honey or agave nectar

1/4 C coconut oil (heated until liquid)

3 T Camino Cocoa Powder

1 T ground flax (measured after being ground) + 3 T warm water

1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

2 tsp baking powder

1/3 C wholewheat flour

1/8 tsp salt

1/8-1/4 C raw pistachios

Place ground flax and warm water in a small bowl.  Allow to sit until mixtures thickens. Combine dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl including pistachios.  In another medium sized bowl combine flax mixture, liquid honey, liquid coconut oil and vanilla bean paste.  Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.  Stir until combined (don't over mix).

Preheat oven to 350 F.   Divide into two oiled mini silicone loaf pans.  Bake for 12 minutes.  Allow to for 5-10 minutes before removing from pans. 

While you are waiting prepare cocoa glaze.  

Cocoa Glaze

(1 T)

1 tsp melted coconut oil

1/2 tsp cocoa powder

2 tsp agave nectar (or honey or maple syrup)

Combine melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, and agave nectar

Cut each brownie into two.  Drizzle brownies with glaze.  Share with a friend.  Or don't.

Check out more Friday letters at the sweet season blog