To be a Princess

Well folks, it is time to test my new “cleansed” eating habits. We are entering a two week stretch where I will be at work for most of my waking hours. Ah, the joys of being an accountant. I can plan for it, so it isn’t too bad. But the downside is that the gym, training, and normal eating are usually thrown out the door for walking the stairs, coffee and pizza (and sometimes diet coke and/or diet dr. pepper). So we’ll see how it goes. Jessica and I are planning on taking turns making and bringing in quinoa for at least one meal.

Speaking of quinoa – I tried a new recipe (from Epicurious).

Quinoa Risotto with Mushrooms and Thyme
 • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 1 8-ounce package sliced crimini (baby bella) mushrooms
• 6 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, sliced
• 3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
• 1 cup dry white wine (substituted vegetable broth)
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Bring 2 cups salted water to boil in medium saucepan. Add quinoa, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender and water is absorbed, about 13 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until onion begins to brown, 5 minutes. Add garlic; stir 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and thyme. Sautée; until mushrooms are tender, 6 minutes. Add wine; stir until wine is reduced and liquid is syrupy, 2 minutes.

Mix quinoa into mushroom mixture; season with salt and pepper. Pass cheese separately.

It turned out good (if you like mushrooms!) but maybe not as risotto-y as I would have thought. Alas, no pictures – I wasn’t at home and didn’t have my camera.

So, registration opens today for the 2011 Disney Princess Half Marathon. I had been gung-ho to run it again, and then my knee started giving me problems (and really I think it is my hip more than anything). The doubts started plaguing me – do I have it in me to do another? Do I want to put my body (especially my hips & knees) through that much stress again? And while I had an absolute blast, it was a time commitment.  But all of these thoughts really go by the wayside for several reasons - it is an excuse to visit Disney World, and I can wear a tiara!  Sold!  I will be signing up.

And one random thought for today – my 2010 World Cup boyfriends?  Wesley Sneijder and Manuel Neuer