Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

I've been in baking mood recently where I like to make a dessert on Saturday afternoon so I have a sweet treat to eat during the week. Over the weekend, I came across a recipe in the December/January issue of Taste of Home for Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, which are essentially whoopie pies. I've never made whoopie pies before and was excited to see that this recipe included Reese's peanut butter cups because let's be honest, those make everything just a little bit better.

These ended up being a lot easier to make than I anticipated & were really good (although I don't think I could eat more than one in a sitting because they were pretty rich and filling). I'm thinking I'm going to attempt pumpkin whoopie pies when fall rolls around this year.

Ingredients

The cookies

The filling

Chopped up Reese's cups (this was Todd's job because he doesn't exactly trust me with knives)

Filling & Reese's cups spread out on cookies

The finished product

Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients:

Cookies:
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 package (18 1/4 ounce) Chocolate Cake Mix
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Filling:
3/4 cup creamy Peanut Butter
4 ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
2 1/2 cups Confectioners Sugar
3 Tablespoons Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
12 miniature peanut butter cups, chopped

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add cake mix and flour to creamed
mixture and mix well.
2. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets;
flatten slightly. Bake at 375 degrees F for 6-8 minutes until set. Cool
for 1 minute before removing from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.
3. For filling, beat peanut butter and cream cheese in a small bowl until
fluffy. Add the confectioners. sugar, milk and vanilla; beat until
smooth. Spread on the bottom half of the cookies; sprinkle on chopped
peanut butter cups. Top with remaining cookies. Store in airtight
container in the refrigerator.

from Taste of Home (Dec 2011/Jan 2012 Issue)

Weekly Recap: January 23-29

Despite my low mileage, I wasn't too disappointed with my week because I had to work at 4:00 AM twice and was busy studying for my ACLS certification. This week is already have to a great start because 1) I don't have to work today and 2) I plan on running 10-12 miles.

Monday: REST

Tuesday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class
taught 30 min Core & 45 min Spinning

Wednesday: 4 mi (7:56 pace)

Thursday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class

Friday: 5 mi (8:18 pace)

Saturday: 4 mi (7:48 pace)

Sunday: Level 2 TRX Training Course (8 hours)

TOTAL: 13 mi

Book Club--You Deserve Nothing

I just realized that since I didn't go to book club last month, I completely forgot to do a review of the book we read, which was Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for you!), I'm not going to go back and review it but will just skip ahead to the January selection for book club.



You Deserve Nothing by Alexander Maksik is told from the perspective of 3 characters: Will, a thirty-something teacher at a high school in Paris, Marie, a student at his school that he's having an affair with, and Gilad, one of Will's students who idolizes him. Will, known to his students as Mr. Silver, has unconventional teaching methods as well as devoted pupils but he succumbs to temptation which eventually leads to his downfall.

While the plot sounded intriguing, I was disappointed with the ending which to me was predictable & seemed to fall flat. I was expecting a bigger finish than what was written. Another interesting note though is that while this book is supposedly fiction, many have said that the author, Alexander Maksik, is actually writing a true story about his own experience and he is actually Will Silver.

The girls at book club

And we might have discussed Teen Mom & The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills more than the book...just saying!

Up Next....

We plan to read the triology & will discuss the books at our February meeting and then go to dinner & see the movie for our March meeting.

Baked Penne Pasta

I think my guilt from not cooking much last week got to me because I tried another new recipe for dinner on Monday night and yet again, it was another success! Seriously, what did we ever do before Pinterest? This was a simple yet tasty pasta dish that could include meat (I used ground turkey) or could be meatless. Although this definitely wasn't low in calories since it included a jar of alfredo sauce, which I think this was the first time I've ever bought some, I tried to even it out with whole wheat penne pasta and the ground turkey.

Source: thecountrycook.net via Jenny on Pinterest

Ingredients

Cooked noodles with alfredo sauce topped with meat mixed with pasta sauce

A little cheese on top before going in the oven

And a delicious meal out of the oven

Yum!

Baked Penne Pasta
Ingredients:

1 pound of ground beef
2 cans or jars (26 oz.) pasta sauce
1 jar (16 oz.) alfredo sauce
1 box (1 lb.) penne pasta
½ yellow onion diced (optional)
1 bag (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
2. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
3. Prepare pasta according to directions.
4. In a medium sauce pan, brown ground beef with onion (if using). After beef is brown and crumbled, drain excess grease. Put back in pot and pour in one jar of spaghetti sauce. Keep mixture on low until pasta is done.
5. When pasta is finished, drain excess water from pasta. You want the pasta as dry as possible. Put pasta back in large pot (with heat off) and pour in jar of alfredo sauce. Combine until thoroughly coated.
6. Pour pasta mixture into bottom of 9x13 dish.
7. Cover pasta with spaghetti sauce mixture and sprinkle top with mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
10. Let rest for about 5 minutes after taking out of oven and then serve

from The Country Cook

Brown Sugar Blondies

I know it's a little too early for Valentine's Day but when I saw these on Pinterest the other day, I knew I had to try them ASAP. After a long day of looking at houses (yay!!) and running errands on Saturday, Todd & I came home and I went straight into baking mode making both baked oatmeal and these brown sugar blondies.

Source: bakedperfection.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Ingredients

Batter going into the oven

Finished product which got a thumbs up from both Todd & I

Brown Sugar Blondies

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup to 1 1/3 cup M&M's

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside.
3. Melt 1/3 cup butter. Add 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar and mix well. Cool slightly. Add egg (beaten) and vanilla and blend well. Add flour mixture, a little at a time, mixing well. Mix in 2/3 cup M&M's.
4. Spread in 9 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Sprinkle 1/3 to 2/3 cup M&M's on top.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
6. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

from Baked Perfection

Weekly Recap: January 16-22

I had my first double digit run since the marathon back in October but I failed to make it to yoga this week. I have a feeling when I start increasing my mileage even more, yoga is going to get put on the back burner since I also teach 5 classes/week and I unfortunately don't have time for everything.

Monday: REST

Tuesday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class
taught 30 min core & taught 45 min Spinning

Wednesday: 5 mi (7:50 pace)

Thursday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class

Friday: 4 mi (8:20 pace)

Saturday: 5 mi (7:58 pace)

Sunday: 10 mi (8:14 pace)
taught 1 hr Spinning

TOTAL: 24 mi

Still Full a Day Later

Towards the end of last year, I was reading 614 Magazine and decided to enter a contest they were having for a free 10-course meal for 10 people at Molly Woo's Asian Bistro to celebrate their 10th anniversary. I absolutely love all Cameron Mitchell restaurants and think that Molly Woo's is better than P.F. Chang's (I'm not a big fan of chain restaurants to begin with) so I was really excited when I received an email a few months ago saying I had won the contest! It wasn't too difficult to decide who I was going to bring with me since 4 of my good girlfriends (from the Sexy 7) live in Columbus. I figured them plus our husbands would be a perfect 10. With everyone busy around the holidays, I scheduled the dinner in January so it would be a good opportunity to hang out once everything settled down from Christmas.

I really had no idea what to expect from a 10-course meal but I was pleasantly surprised when the chef called me a few days in advance to ask if anyone had food allergies. No one did but it gave me the chance to let him know one of my friends is a vegetarian. He said it wouldn't be a problem to accommodate her.

We all arrived last night at Molly Woo's and were escorted to the curtained "Bamboo Room" for our private dinner. Non-alcoholic beverages were included in the free meal but almost everyone opted for a beer or mixed drink. The server informed us that no menus were needed that night & they would just bring out each course as we were ready.

My lovely friends

1st Course: Crab Rangoon, Veggie Spring Roll, Potsticker

2nd Course: Sushi

3rd Course: Wonton Soup

4th Course: Calamari

5th Course: Pan-Fried Tofu

6th Course: Shrimp Pad Thai

7th Course: Beef, Asparagus, & Mushrooms

8th Course: Pineapple Chicken

9th Course: Salmon

10th Course: Choice of Coconut Cream Pie or Chocolate Cake

By the time 10:00 PM rolled around and after 3.5 hours of feasting, we were all stuffed! We couldn't believe how much food they gave us for each course and by the time the 9th course came, most of us were asking for to-go boxes. Molly Woo's did a great job of accommodating us and even switching some of the seafood dishes to either chicken or beef for a few people. We all had an awesome evening hanging out & eating lots of delicious food.

Oh, and almost 24 hours later, I'm still full!

Weekly Recap: January 9-15

Tuesdays are a big workout day for me as I started teaching after work on top of my class before work. Those are loooong days: up at 4:40 AM, teach from 5:45-6:45 AM, straight to work to shower & get ready (luckily I have a shower/locker room at work I can use), work from 7:30 AM-4:00 PM, straight to another studio to teach from 5:00-6:15 PM (2 classes back-to-back), and then home to shower & eat dinner around 7:00 PM. Like I said, Tuesdays are loooong days now but luckily I enjoy teaching so it doesn't really feel like I'm working 10+ hour days.

Mileage was a little subpar last week but I still got in my 1 yoga class so we'll see how this week goes...

Monday: REST

Tuesday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class
taught 30 min core & 45 min Spinning

Wednesday: 7 mi (8:08 pace)

Thursday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class

Friday: 4 mi (7:49 pace)

Saturday: 6 mi (8:15 pace)

Sunday: 1 hr Hot Power Flow Yoga
taught 1 hr Spinning

TOTAL: 17 mi

Unbreakable: The Western States 100

One of my Christmas presents from my brother this year was the DVD, Unbreakable, which is about the 2010 Western States 100 race. Todd & I watched it over the weekend and of course, I loved it & am truly inspired by what the human mind & body can do


The Western States 100 is a 100-mile long ultramarathon that begins in Squaw Valley, California and ends over 24 hours later in Auburn, California on a high school track. Runners will climb a total of 18,000 feet and descend over 23,000 feet all while trying to earn a coveted silver belt buckle by finishing under 24 hours.

Unbreakable follows the four lead men on this amazing journey. Hal Koerner, two time defending Western States champion, and running store entrepreneur from Ashland, Oregon. Geoff Roes, undefeated at the 100-mile distance, an organic chef from Juneau, Alaska. Anton Krupicka, undefeated in every ultramarathon he has ever started, a graduate student living in Boulder, Colorado. Kilian Jornet, the young mountain runner and two time Ultra-trail du Mont-Blanc champion, from Spain. All four mean are extraordinary ultramarathoners who must push each other during the course of 100 miles, through the snow covered Sierra Nevada Mountains and the extreme heat of the American River Canyons, to see who will be proclaimed the winner.

As a marathon runner, I can appreciate the time, effort, and passion that is put into training for such an event although not to that extreme. It is mind-blowing that the human body is capable of not only running 100 miles, but also being coherent at the finish. The course record was broken the year this was filmed--the winner ran 100 miles in an astonishing 15 hours & 7 minutes! I'd heard of this race before, and in fact, one of my brother's good friends ran it this past year, but I actually had no idea what type of terrain the course consisted of. To say this course was flat & easy would be a huge understatement. I mean, running 100 miles on flat pavement probably isn't that hard so why not add huge snow-covered mountains & hot canyons to run through....said with total sarcasm. I don't even know how it's fathomable to train for such a race but I'm pretty sure these guys aren't getting much sleep at night considering one of them is in grad school and still manages to run 150-200 miles per week. Yes, that's what I said, 150-200 miles PER WEEK! Insane.

Overall, great movie especially if you need inspiration to train for a race but I think I'll stick to just running 26.2 miles.

Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Chip Layered Cheesecake

On Saturday, Todd & I had an "after holiday" holiday party to go to so I decided to use my new Hershey's cookbook to make my very first cheesecake. Not only did I get to use my new cookbook, but I also finally used my Kitchen Aid mixer and springform pan.

While the cheesecake was time consuming to make (it took almost 7 hours from start to finish because it needed to be cooled & refrigerated for so long), it was really tasty and I was happy to get quite a few compliments on it at the party. Most people were impressed I made it and hadn't bought it!

Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Chip Layered Cheesecake from Hershey's

My new cookbook I got from my in-laws at Christmas

The recipe that caught my eye

Todd actually made the crust while I was at yoga

Using our Kitchen Aid to make the actual cheesecake

Cheesecake layer with chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and I added Reese's pieces

Another cheesecake layer on top of the candy

Fresh out of the oven

After it cooled for an hour & a half, the top of the cheesecake cracked....

but it was okay because I had to drizzle chocolate on top anyways

The finished product! Not too bad for my first attempt at cheesecake

Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Chip Layered Cheesecake

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1-1/3 cups sugar, divided
1/3 cup Hershey's Cocoa
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cartons (8 oz. each) dairy sour cream
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips, divided
1 cup Reese's Peanut Butter Chips, divided
1/2 teaspoon shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil)

Directions

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, cocoa and melted butter in medium bowl. Press crumb mixture evenly onto bottom and about 1-1/2 inches up side of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 8 minutes; remove from oven. Cool slightly.
2. Increase oven temperature to 350°F. Beat cream cheese, remaining 1 cup sugar and vanilla on medium speed of mixer until well blended. Add sour cream; beat on low speed until blended. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Do not overbeat.
3. Pour 2 cups filling into prepared crust. Reserve 1 tablespoon each milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips for drizzle. Sprinkle remaining milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips evenly over filling in pan. Carefully spoon remaining filling over chips.
4. Bake about 1 hour or until center is almost set. Remove from oven. Using knife or narrow medal spatula, loosen cheesecake from side of pan. Cool on wire rack additional 30 minutes. Remove side of pan; cool 1 hour.
5. Combine shortening and reserved milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Drizzle over cheesecake; cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Cover; refrigerate leftover cheesecake. 12 to 14 servings.

from Hershey's

Weekly Recap: January 2-8

I had a really good week of workouts and even met a few of my fitness goals that I had set earlier in the week. I went to 2 hot yoga classes (one was 30 min & one was 75 min) as well as going to Pure Barre on Friday after work. I loved this workout & my legs were definitely shaking several times during the hour-long workout. I was surprised my quads & glutes weren't that sore the next day because I thought for sure I would have a hard time getting out of bed but luckily I had no problem going to hot yoga. The only drawbacks to Pure Barre are the costs (it's $23/class or over $200 for a montly unlimited pass) and the location. It took my 30 minutes to get to the studio but they are opening one closer to where we live in the spring and although I wouldn't go on a regular basis, it might be nice to go once or twice a month just to change things up.

I didn't end up making it to the lululemon run club yesterday. Hopefully I'll make it one of next few Sundays depending on my schedule.

Monday: 8 mi (8:17 pace)

Tuesday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class
1 hr TRX/Hot Yoga combo class

Wednesday: 4 mi (8:11 pace)

Thursday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class

Friday: 4 mi (7:46 pace)
1 hr Pure Barre class--LOVED IT!

Saturday: 75 min Hot Power Flow Yoga

Sunday: 5 mi (8:08 pace; last 2 mi in 8:00 & 7:32)
taught 1 hr Spinning

TOTAL: 21 mi

2012 Race Schedule

I'd been thinking quite some time now about my race schedule for 2012 and while my plans have already changed several times, I think these are the races I'm going to focus on this year with a a few other 5Ks thrown in during the spring/summer. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year and I hope to have a couple new PRs at the end of 2012.

Also, I had planned on running the inaugural Canton Marathon on June 17 but just found out last week that Todd's cousin is getting married on June 16 so the marathon is now out of the question. I'd like to run a spring marathon but am not sure which one to do that will be somewhat close to home and fit into my schedule; however, my goal race will be Chicago in the fall. Any suggestions for a good spring/early summer marathon?

February 26: Last Chance for Boston (13.1 mi)--A 1 mile loop course at the end of February in Ohio could be a terrible idea but I'll never know until I try it!

March 17: St. Patrick's Day 5K at Flannagans (3.1 mi)--With the Columbus blogger girls!

May 5: Capital City Half Marathon (13.1 mi)--Love this race & it should be one for the books as Columbus celebrates its bicentennial this year

July 22: Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon (13.1 mi)--Hoping this will prepare me for the full marathon course in October

September (date not posted yet): Emerald City Half & Quarter Marathon (13.1 mi)--Tune-up for Chicago marathon

October 7: Chicago Marathon (26.2 mi)--My goal race for 2012

November 4: New York Marathon (26.2)--Fingers crossed I get in when they have the drawing in April and if I do, this will be run for "fun" & for the experience

New Year, New Fitness Goals

Being a full-time Exercise Physiologist, group fitness instructor, and marathon runner, I often don't have a goal at the beginning of the year to begin an exercise routine, but rather to try new exercise classes or PR in a race.

Here are a few things I'm starting or would like to try in the next few weeks:

1. Go to Hot Yoga at PAI Yoga & Fitness 1-2x/week

I love PAI, not only because I'm an instructor there, but because the classes are all fantastic. I will be the first to admit if a class is not up to my standards as I tend to be a bit pickier than others but I've yet to go to a sub-par class there. I teach an early morning Spin/TRX combo class there (the best of both worlds with cardio & strength) and a Sunday afternoon Spinning class. I think incorporating yoga in 1-2x/week will help with my flexibility and my running. I'm dying to PR again in both the half and full marathons this year and I think this will be key. I will note too that I actually started at PAI as a participant with a Living Social deal and enjoyed it so much that I started teaching Spinning there (I've been teaching Spinning for about 6 years now) and got certified in TRX.

**For all you readers in central Ohio, Laurie over at Laurie Walks Fast is having a fantastic giveaway for PAI through Saturday. She is giving away a Fitness Assessment, Nutritional Plan, water bottle, and a 5 class pass! This is an incredible giveaway considering 1 class alone would cost $13! Head over now to enter to win & try something new in 2012.**

2. Go to lululemon Easton Run Club

Starting this Sunday, January 8, the Run Ambassador at the lululemon at Easton will be leading a group run from the store at 10:00 AM. All levels are welcome and you can take advantage of their complimentary yoga class afterwards at 11:00 AM. I love lululemon and plan on being there this Sunday to see what it's all about.

3. Attend a Pure Barre class

I've mentioned it before, but I really want to try a Pure Barre class. The 2 major drawbacks are that it's $23/class (insanely pricey!) and it's location. The good news is that they're opening a second studio closer to where I live so I'm kinda hoping when it opens, they'll have some sort of deal to get people in the door. They are also having Free Friend Friday this week where a member can bring a friend for free. Using the amazing powers of social media, I tweeted that I wanted to come but didn't know anyone that goes and they said I could come for free anyways! We'll see if I end up going after work on Friday...

4. Attend a Body Attack class

Since Lifestyle Family Fitness closed, I had to actually join a gym for the first time in years. I now belong to Premier at Sawmill Athletic Club and have been intrigued by one of their group fitness classes, Body Attack. It's a Les Mills program, like Body Pump, and sounds like something I would really enjoy. According to the Les Mills website, "BODYATTACK™ is the sports-inspired cardio workout for building strength and stamina. This high-energy interval training class combines athletic aerobic movements with strength and stabilization exercises." My goal is to try the class before the end of the month and if I like it, continue with it a few times/month just to change things up.


What are your 2012 fitness goals? And don't forget to head over to Laurie Walks Fast to enter the PAI Yoga & Fitness giveaway!

Weekly Recap: December 26-January 1

2011 is in the books & I'm excited to get back into a more regular routine. I feel like the month of December is always a little "off" for me with working crazy hours. I'd like to try a few new classes this month, like Pure Barre and Body Attack and continue increasing my mileage.

I also started teaching a Sunday afternoon Spinning class and will start teaching at a new studio next week.

Monday: 6 mi (7:56 pace)

Tuesday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class

Wednesday: REST

Thursday: taught 1 hr Spin/TRX combo class

Friday: 5 mi (8:15 pace)

Saturday: REST

Sunday: 3 mi w/ Todd (8:00 min pace)
taught 1 hr Spinning

TOTAL: 14 mi