Homemade Pretzel Rolls

After you run a marathon, you get this special "eat whatever you want" pass.  This can be dangerous with me since I'll crave something weird and then I'll go an make it.  However, this year I didn't really crave anything that strange.  I have been super into pretzel things lately though.  I decided that I needed to make my own pretzel rolls and then I used them to make sandwiches for lunch or dinner.  They were pretty simple to make.  You just need a lot of time since you have to let the dough rise.  As a post-marathon snack.  These guys are great since they are filling and a little salty.  For a school lunch, they are also amazing since they are a little bigger than slider sized.  They made for the perfect sized sandwich when I don't have a ton of time to eat!  

Today I have to go back to school after a long weekend.  That is always a little tough.  However, I am excited to see my students and get back into a routine.  I am also trying to get myself moving again so that I can work through some of my soreness.  So, I am up early and I am going to walk on the treadmill in my building.  I'm hoping that once I start I'll feel better.  

I am also planning on heading over the LA Fitness sometime this week for a morning class.  I haven't been there in a really long time and I feel guilty about having this gym membership that I haven't been using.  So, I am going to pack a shower bag and try out a morning workout at the gym.  

Then, since I'm getting my workouts done in the morning, I will have more time to make these awesome rolls again in the afternoon! 

Homemade Pretzel Rolls

(adapted from Mel's Kitchen)

Ingredients:

1 tbsp active yeast

2 tbsp canola oil

2 cups skim milk

1 1/2 cups water

2 tsp kosher salt

6 1/2-8 cups unbleached, all purpose flour

3 quarts water

1 tbsp sugar

1/4 cup baking soda

salt for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Heat the milk and water in the microwave for about a minute.  They should be warm.  Then, in a large bowl, combine the yeast, canola oil, milk, water, and salt.

2. Using a mixer, a spoon, or your hands.  Start to add in 6 cups of flour.  Mix until you have a dough-like consistency.  Add flour as needed so that it is not too sticky.  Once your dough comes together, knead for about 5 minutes. The dough should form a ball and be slightly springy.

3. Grease a separate, large bowl and place the dough in.  Cover with a towel and pace in a draft-free area for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. 

4. Punch down the risen dough and start to peel off pieces to make small balls.  You should end up with 16 balls of dough.  Gently roll each ball and let sit on a baking tray or the counter for about 20 minutes.  

5. While the dough balls are resting, pour the 3 quarts of water, sugar and baking soda into a large pot.  Bring to a boil on the stove.  

6. Take 4 balls of dough at a time, pinch one side of the dough to gather it into a ball-like shape and place in the boiling water.  Let them boil on each side for 30 seconds - 1minute each.  Place each finished piece of dough on a lightly greased or parchment covered baking pan.  Repeat this process with all the dough pieces.

7. Preheat the oven to 425.

8.  Using  a very sharp knife, slice a few slits into each ball of dough.  Sprinkle some coarse salt over each one.

9.  Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes.  Let cool and enjoy! 

My Second Marathon!

Guys...I killed it!  It was 15 degrees hotter than last year and the last three miles were tough, but yesterday, I finished the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.  Plus, I did it in 4 hours, 30  minutes, and 7 seconds.  This is 7 minutes FASTER than last year!  It was amazing. 

I got ready by laying out all my clothes and gear bag the night before and I went to Caro Mio for a delicious pasta dinner.  I had one glass of wine with dinner (I figured it might help me fall asleep) and I didn't overeat.  I just enjoyed my pasta until I was full and brought home leftovers.  Then in the morning, I got dressed, ate breakfast, drank coffee, and took some advil.  I also made sure my name was stuck to my shirt and put on sunscreen.  Finally, I took my running belt with 4 Gu's, chapstick (for chafing), my phone and headphones and I was ready to go.  I wore a long sleeve throw-away shirt over everything since it was chilly and it was perfect.  

All ready to go!

Lauren and I are ready!
It was her first marathon and she killed it as well! 

Around mile 15 I found Bri!

After the race, I felt so stiff and so awesome all at once.  Like I said earlier, it was hot so the last 3 miles up Michigan Avenue were tough.  Then, you have to power through this stupid hill on Roosevelt.  But then, you can see the finish.  I didn't think about how tired or hot or sore I was, I just ran and it was awesome.  Here are some after shots:

Right after...

Celebrating with our families and friends!

And this is the best part...eat WHATEVER you want :)

Thirsty Thursday: Fall Moscow Mules

Last night I went to a Team Have Dreams pasta dinner party! It was so nice to meet other members of team have dreams.  We talked about how we are getting ready for the big marathon day and experienced runners shared stories and advice.  Plus, we had so much pasta and pizza!  It was a really nice evening and it always amazes me how much you have to talk about with other people who are also running a marathon.  I only have a few more days left until the big day! 

So, I just ran my last TWO miles! Yep, only two.  I feel very excited and I can't believe the next time I run it will be in the Chicago Marathon!  Woo!

Last weekend, my buddy Caryn came over.  As we were getting ready for a girl's night out with dinner and wine, we decided it would be a splendid idea to make some Moscow Mules.  I am a huge fan and I decided to put a little twist on it so that it would be fall themed.  I found some ginger vodka at the store and delicious apple cider and I was ready to go.  It was a great tasting drink and we loved how the apple cider really went well with the ginger.  I don't have the cute copper mugs (I registered for them!), but the drink was still great!  If you are looking for a cold, fall cocktail, this is the one!

Fall Moscow Mules

Ingredients:

2 oz. ginger vodka

2 oz. apple cider

juice of 1/8 lime (or more to taste)

ginger beer (get some high quality stuff)

Directions:

1. Pour the vodka, apple cider, and lime juice into your cup.  Then, add the ginger beer.  About a 1/2 cup works well.  Add ice and serve! 

Wedding Planning Wednesday: Save the Dates

I ordered Save the Dates!!!

I used Shutterfly and I waited until they were offering a 50% off coupon.  So, I ended up with a great deal.  We are expecting to invite about 300 guests (I know...its huge), and so I was told that I should order 200.  However, it was $2 more to buy 225 and I figured I would do that just to be safe.  I know that you only need to send 1 to couples and such, but I wanted to have enough and I figured they would be a nice keepsake as well.

Here are some of the designs that I was considering:

Plus, we used 3 of our engagement photos on the cards and they look so pretty :)  You all will just have to wait to see the finished product!  OOOH! And, it's a magnet! I can't wait to get them and then start sending them out!

Also, my friend, Caryn, has been calling them "StDs," which I think it pretty hilarious and every time I think about my Save the Dates I giggle a little...but anyways...