Let the record show that my comment from February’s favorites post about March being a crazy month in terms of weather was spot on.
After what was a fun four nor’easters this past month, let’s just say I’m pretty excited that March is behind us.
Lots of snow days meant lots of baking and staying indoors. Now that I live in the burbs, I can’t just take the T or bus to a fitness class or gym, so I had to get creative with my workouts at-home.
Today’s post highlights some of my favorite recipes, at-home workouts and some much needed self-care after all the shoveling.
Baking with Cassava Flour
There’s something so cozy about being stuck inside during a snow storm, maybe because its just a good excuse to keep those PJ’s on and stay in.
Also comforting, are some freshly baked cookies.
Although I did get outside to shovel, I made sure I had these amazing Nestle Toll House-like chocolate chip cookies to enjoy afterwards.
Made with Cassava flour, these were a big hit and did not compromise on taste as I followed the recipe for Nestle’s chocolate chip cookies except I subbed with cassava flour.
Cassava flour is my new favorite flour to cook with. It’s a very fine consistency and adds good texture to baking and cooking. It’s great for those who have nut allergies and can’t bake with almond flour but are looking for a paleo option.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
RECIPE
1/2 cup & 1/3 cup Ottos cassava flour*
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/2 cup of butter (1 stick) or ghee, room temperature
1/4 cup of cane sugar
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg
1 cup of dark chocolate chips
*I haven’t tried other cassava flours but I’m told that Otto’s brand is the best consistency to bake with
DIRECTIONS
Sift flour and stir in salt and baking soda, and set aside.
Using a mixer, start by my mixing butter and sugar and then add in vanilla and egg until well combined.
Slowly mix in four and then fold in chocolate chips.
Add scoops of about 1.5 inches to a nonstick cookie sheet and Bake at 375 F for 8-10 minutes.
Enjoy!
Favorite At-home Workouts
After all the baking that went down in March, I couldn’t neglect my workouts.
Being stuck inside meant that I had to get creative with my workouts now that I no longer live in the city.
Nicole who teaches Tone classes at BTONE in Boston, one of my favorite classes and studios, has some great YouTube workouts that I’ve been loving lately.
This 15 Minute Towel Core Workout I tried from her YouTube channel is very similar to that of a Tone class except with using a towel and the floor instead of a Pilates machine. I also loved this Full Body Circuit Workout which can be done in either 15 or 30 minutes and requires either a medium dumbbell or medicine ball. Both workouts were challenging but the Full Body Circuit offers some great modifications.
Siggi’s Triple Cream Chocolate Yogurt
This yogurt is seriously the bomb.com. Lately I’ve been having it for dessert when I’m craving something sweet. It’s rich, slightly sweet and so satisfying! And the best part, it’s good for digestion after a meal since yogurt has some great probiotics.
I get excited when Siggi’s comes out with new yogurt flavors because their yogurt tends to be lower in sugar than other brands.
Self-Care on my Birthday
March is my birthday month so this one is twofold since they are too good not to share if you are looking for ideas to treat yourself to a great birthday.
1. Getting a Massage at Exhale
I usually go to Exhale in Boston for their Core Fusion classes, but I also love their massages. Since it was my birthday month, I treated myself with a nice 60 minute deep tissue massage.
If you are on Exhale’s email list, you will get a discount during your birthday month for their spa therapies. This year it was 40% off, such a great deal that I had to take advantage of it. If you are thinking about booking a massage at Exhale in the Back Bay, go see Melissa Angel, she is amazing!
2. Farm-to-Table Restaurant (for my Mass friends)
For my Birthday dinner I wanted to explore the suburbs a bit more and try a new farm-to-table restaurant. For those in the MetroWest Boston area, there’s a great restaurant called Civic Kitchen in Westborough that focuses on using local meats and produce that are in season and making comforting, easy-to-please dishes. This would not be a good place for plant-based, vegan eaters but more of a favorite for foodies who enjoy meat and eating local. Their grass-fed burger was delicious! All of their dressings are homemade and they have amazing cocktails made from scratch. So if you are in the metro-west area, I highly recommend it!
Xoxo
Marisa
