(no subject)

[rosewrites]

Today and yesterday have been productive. Yesterday, I spent about five hours looking at recipes, containers for meals/leftovers, and pantry organization. I identified a couple recipes to try this week, bought a set of containers, and developed ideas about organizing the pantry more efficiently. I also ate a healthy lunch: Christmas leftovers. I followed that by a walk around the neighborhood. It had been six days since I’ve done anything resembling a workout, so it’s great to be moving again. I also watched one of my favorite shows.

Today, I went to the grocery store, did a load of laundry, and made some muffins. The muffins turned out delicious, and they're only 216 calories each! I'm pretty proud of myself because I modified the recipe slightly to include a different extract and flavored greek yogurt instead of plain. I also signed up for a yoga class I suggested when my "home" studio (the one closest to my house) asked for class suggestions. It's a morning stretchy class. Unfortunately the first one is the morning after NYE, so I'll have to go easy on the champagne (or just start drinking earlier and save a sip for midnight).

Productivity is not always about accomplishing big things. It’s very personal and ultimately I define it as whatever gives you fulfillment. Sometimes productivity means a lot of prep work without anything big to show for it. This is really important for me to remember.

Comments

[forestofdreams]

Hooray for productivity. I really like what you wrote about how often it's about the fulfillment you get from the process itself, rather than any grand result. What kind of muffins did you make? A morning stretchy yoga class sounds heavenly. Are the classes in person? (Not sure what kind of restrictions you have right now where you are.)

[rosewrites]

I made lemon pistachio muffins! The recipe was for coconut pistachio, but ever since having lemon pistachio loaf at a local bakery, I've been in love with that flavor combination and I figured this was the perfect opportunity to use it! Are you interested in the recipe?

Yes, the yoga class is in person. The studio has a reduced capacity, and we are required to wear masks in the lobby. I haven't attended many in-person classes since the pandemic started, but sometimes it's nice to get out there (when it's safe).

[forestofdreams]

Oh wow, lemon pistachio sounds so good! Sure, I'd love the recipe. I don't have a muffin tin, but I'd be willing to try it as a loaf bread. My mouth is watering at the thought.

[rosewrites]

Here it is! Sorry for the delay. I changed the bits that I customized when I made these.

1/2 cup butter melted and cooled, sub coconut oil
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 egg
1 tsp lemon extract
1/2 cup vanilla greek yogurt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup deshelled pistachios

INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375 F and prepare a muffin tin with cooking spray or muffin liners.
Step 2
Melt the butter first so it has time to cool! I stick mine in the fridge or freezer to speed it up.
Step 3
De-shell the pistachios. This might take some time! Then, pulse them in a food processor or blender to chop them up. Set aside.
Step 4
In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and 3/4 cup chopped pistachios.
Step 5
In another bowl, mix the greek yogurt, eggs, lemon extract, melted/cooled butter and sugar. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a spatula or spoon - don't over mix!
Step 6
Add the batter to the muffin tin. I got 9 out of my batch of batter by filling each well about to the top. Sprinkle remaining pistachios over the muffins and gently press them into the tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the muffins are firm to the touch and slightly golden in color.

[forestofdreams]

Thank you for writing this out! It looks delicious, and I love that you can sub coconut oil for the butter, as that is my favorite baking fat. I will have to grab some pistachios next time I go to the store so I can try this. Thank you again :)

[slacker1985]

That's a great outlook, and that was very clever with the muffins! I did something like that once where I swapped in real no-sugar-added blueberry juice for the water or milk. (Did we talk about that? I sort of feel like we did, but maybe it was someone else.) I am very fond of baked goods, so I'm always taking note of different ways to make them healthier!

[rosewrites]

That's awesome! I don't remember talking about that, but my memory isn't always the greatest. It's fun to be good enough at cooking/baking to customize recipes!