I SPI With My Eye: Belgians + Bananas!

Written by on in Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Sunday Brunch, Tidbits and Treats

Thank you all for the kind comments on Bobby’s birthday post. We were both grinning ear to ear as we read through each one of them, and Bobby says, “thank you!”

Additionally, we’d like to wish the happiest of birthdays to Maggie and Val TODAY!!

***

The birthday weekend itself brought about some truly delicious food. After our trip to McCormick & Schmick’s on Friday night, we slept in on Saturday morning and woke up ready for some college football and breakfast food. Egg burritos stepped up to the plate.

We filled our Flatout wraps with scrambled eggs, green peppers and tomatoes topped with Swiss cheese and salsa. On the side we cooked up freshly chopped potato seasoned with garlic salt and pepper. All we did was throw the slices into a pan with some olive oil – a quick and easy way to “roast” ’em!

This hearty breakfast brought to you by the Northwestern Wildcats, who are now 2-0!

After watching another solid Wildcat win, I headed over to the Chicago Half Marathon Expo to visit the booth of one of our clients, Team Ortho.

They are bringing their first-ever race to Chicago for a spooky-themed Monster Dash on October 31, 2010. There will be a 5K and a 1/2 marathon with COSTUMES. 🙂

**Client Shout Out Begins**

Race details can be found here and you can follow the team on Twitter and Facebook. If you are in the Chicago area or know you will be in the area around Halloween and would like more information, feel free to email me at eatingbender@gmail.com! There will be a lot of fun social media opportunities in the coming weeks.

**Client Shout Out Ends**

While we were at the expo, I picked up an exciting new product.

I’ve read about SPIbelt on other blogs before and was very intrigued. The version I ended up buying had the waterproof inside, perfect for someone who tends to perspire like no one’s business. Not that I do that or anything…

But seriously, I loved the way it fit my cell phone, key and cards perfectly. I took it on an 8-mile run Sunday and I had to physically check to make sure it was still there several times. I couldn’t even feel it and was worried it had somehow fallen off! But this was actually a great thing because now that I know it’s not going anywhere, I can truly enjoy my runs.

To date, I had been carrying a black makeup bag filled with all of this stuff in my hand. It was awful.

Once I got back from the expo, Bobby and I stayed up late watching movies and hanging out. The next morning, we slept in again and then I decided to whip up a birthday breakfast! There were so many different options – Ebleskiver pancakes? I fought for them most, but Bobby had other plans in mind.

Light ‘n’ Crisp Belgian Waffles. I certainly didn’t oppose his request.

This is an incredible breakfast favorite from my childhood that has been passed down to me from Mama Bender. I have the recipe under the Brunch tab but it is worthy of repeating.

Ingredients (yields 8 round waffles):

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 2 egg whites, stiffly beaten

Directions:

Preheat waffle maker. Put all ingredients except egg whites in a large mixer bowl. Beat on low until moistened. Increase to medium and mix until smooth.

These bowls are AMAZING. They are part of a four-piece set from Williams-Sonoma that we received at one of our bridal showers. I love the spout on the end for easy pouring into pans!

But back to the recipe. :mrgreen: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. By hand, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the rest of the batter.

Pour 1/2 cup batter over the griddle. Close the waffle maker and cook for 2 1/2 – 3 minutes.

I add a little non-stick spray to the waffle maker and know they are ready when they are golden brown!

Top with your favorites and serve hot.

We enjoyed ours with maple syrup and fresh blackberries. A delectable combination.

They are not the most nutritious waffles ever created, but they have the delicious part down pat.

Nutrition Information (per waffle):

  • 236 calories
  • 11 g fat
  • 28g carbohydrates
  • 1g fiber
  • 7g protein

The rest of our Sunday was as low key as this recipe. We watched the Packer game – another win for the weekend – and Bobby went to his soccer game while I went on my 8-mile run. When we both got home, there was only one thing on our minds…carbo-rehydration. 😉

We cooked up a box of Annie’s Whole Wheat Shells & White Cheddar and threw in shrimp, peas and carrots to spice things up. We also added a dash of stir-fry sauce to increase the flavor. A very easy dinner that was perfect after a lot of running around for both of us.

On Monday – Bobby’s actual birthday – I baked him up the sweetest gift I could give.

I used Nicole’s recipe, which I have practically memorized since last October. It never disappoints and I know this because I, of course, must sample a slice before wrapping it up for Bobby. 😉

I couldn’t decide which picture I liked most, so I decided to share all of them with you!


Which photo style do you like most? I’m leaning toward #5 (the bottom middle photo)!

After Bobby “Mmmmm”-ed his way through Nicole’s awesome bread, I shared with him my digital birthday card. It was a great celebratory weekend!

***

EEK! As of midnight tonight, there are 30 days left until our wedding. The official countdown begins!

Do you create countdowns for special occasions? If so, which ones?

Abrazos,

47 Comments

  6. Lots of deliciousness in this post! First off, love the idea of the SPIbelt (aka mini fanny pack ;)). There are certain longer runs I go on where I would like to have my cell in case of emergency- this would be perfect for that! The waffle looks so so good, as does the pasta dish. Sounds like you two had a really enjoyable weekend. I like Bread photo number 3! I did create a countdown for my wedding! Celebrate every last day girl! Your hard work is coming together

  9. I like the SPI belt and would definitely have to go with the waterproof one too as I DO sweat buckets! Wish the Monster Run was a little closer.

  10. I really need to get a SPIbelt. I’m always having trouble trying to figure out how to carry the things I need on a run. This looks like a great solution.

  11. Woo! Go Wildcats! I had no idea they had such a good record this year:)
    Those waffles look beautiful–makes me realize that my waffle iron is very underutilized.
    I think you know what I make countdowns for…speaking of which, Christmas is 100 days away as of today.

    • So far, so good! Hopefully they can keep it up. Yes, I do indeed know what you keep countdowns for! So excited that Christmas is coming – I’m sure it will be here before we know it. As will another special day. 🙂

  13. How does the spibelt work? Do you clip it on to you or do you have to hold it? I don’t like holding anything in my hands, but my shorts have the tiniest little pockets.

    • Hi Elizabeth! The SPIbelt clips around your waist – almost, as one reader put it, like a mini “fanny pack,” which sounds awful but it’s not! It’s so small that you can hardly even tell it’s a pouch and I even wear my shirt over it so no one can tell it’s there. I hate carrying stuff in my hands, too, so it has been wonderful!

  14. 1. Thanks for the birthday shoutout! 🙂
    2. I have a spibelt but of all people I could DEFINITELY use the waterproof version… how cool!
    3. I have been considering signing up for that 1/2 marathon… are you running it?!? Either way, congrats on the 8 mile run!

    • 1. You’re WELCOME! 🙂 2. Haha, I feel you there – I had to get it because I knew I would sweat right through the other! 3. Yes, I hope to run the half marathon – eek!! 4. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!!!!!

  17. Hi there! I just found your blog for the first time… How great! Congrats on your engagement. 🙂
    What fantastic meals, those waffles look killer!
    I look forward to checking in and checking out some of your recipes.
    Take care!
    Monica

  19. I always have a Christmas Countdown! My sister and I start it about a month before. It’s great b/c there are always so many Christmas movies on TV too! By the way, I love those waffles you made. They really look delicious!
    ~Sophia
    Fit&FabLiving

  20. We have the Monster Dash here in Mpls, the race here also includes a 10 mile which I think I am going to run. For some reason it just doesn’t seem as daunting training for a 10 miler as it does for a 1/2. I guess It’s true what they say, running is almost all mental! Good luck on your run!

    • Yes!! Same organization – they are just expanding to have their first-ever Chicago race! I love that they have a 10-mile. That seems like the perfect distance. Have fun and good luck to you, too!

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