Category Archives: vegetarian

healthstones [matcha green tea protein balls]

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I PVP a lot. The majority of my time spent in WoW is either queuing up for Arenas, skirmishes or battle grounds. I’m even guilty of using the group finder to join large gank squads that roam the lands of Draenor for the sole purpose of farming the bones of the enemy faction.

blog_healthstones_bonesOH HEY GUYS WHATCHA DOIN??

The Arena team I run with is comprised of a Hunter (that’s me!), a Paladin and a Warlock. Before each match, our Warlock slaps down a Soulwell so we can create Healthstones. Of course, I always saw it as tasty tasty food.

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I CAN’T SEE ANYTHING

So, I decided to recreate my own real life Healthstones so I can eat Healthstones while I eat Healthstones. Yo dawg.

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I keep a lot of protein powder at home because my boyfriend and I are trying really hard to achieve sick gains. I have been religiously following the YouTube channel, Buff Dudes, for inspiration on healthy cooking and workout routines. Some of their recipes turn not-so-healthy things, such as brownies, into handheld protein-fueled snacks. My goal with Healthstones is to sneakily hide protein and nutrition into bite-sized portable snacks. A quick snack to enjoy before your next arena match!

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UNIT COMPOSITION

  1. 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
  2. 2 teaspoons of raw agave nectar
  3. 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut (optional)
  4. 1 tablespoon of unsweetened matcha green tea powder
  5. 1/4 cup of raw pistachios, roughly chopped
  6. 1/2 cup of peanut butter or almond butter

BUILD ORDER

Prep time for this is about 15 minutes (add 10 minutes of blanching the pistachios) This makes 6 servings (~6 individual Healthstones). Idle time is about 30 minutes. 

OPTIONAL: If you want squeaky clean pistachios without the skins, I recommend blanching them. To blanch them, take your shelled pistachios and toss them into boiling water for about 30 seconds.

blog_healthstones_blanchingThen remove the pistachios from the hot water and place them in a bath of ice water. Once they are cool to the touch, gently rub off the skins from the pistachios. Let them dry on a towel for a few minutes.

  1. Combine your protein powder, agave, and peanut butter in a large bowl.
  2. Add in your matcha green tea powder.
  3. Using a spoon, stir the ingredients together, adding coconut occasionally to thicken the mixture.
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  4. Stir in half of your chopped pistachios. Leave larger pieces for later in order to decorate the stones.
  5. Begin shaping them into golf-ball sized mounds. Place large pieces of pistachio on the mounds for decoration.blog_healthstones_forming
  6. Sprinkle a little protein powder onto a plate (this is to prevent the Healthstones from sticking to the plate while cooling). Place your newly shaped Healthstones on the plate and cover with saran warp. Let cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
  7. Eat!

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GG WP!

Next time you queue up for arena or LFR, make sure you have some tasty Healthstones in your bag to curb your hunger. Thankfully, these Healthstones don’t have a cool down.

 

parsnips of reflection [parsnip and turmeric soup]

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Rejoice, Nephalem, because Patch 2.0.1 is here! Huzzah!

There were many, many, many things that were added and changed in Patch 2.0.1. One of the shinier changes was the addition of a new brand of object to the map — the Pool of Reflection.

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The Pool of Reflection will give you an added bonus pool of EXP that will last until you DIE! So try not to die, or all that glorious additional EXP goes to waste. Noooo.

I have died several times while holding bonus EXP, and each time was much more painful than the last. I should probably stop standing in front of Demon Forges. Hmmm.

Every time I approach a Pool of Reflection, I always wonder what the pool would taste like when consumed. Would it be earthy? Would it be garlicy? When your hero drinks it, do they ever ponder what wine would pair best with it?

Well, I think I’ve figured out what the Pool of Reflection could taste like… Parsnips and turmeric!

This healthy vegetarian dish will keep you alert for your many, many Diablo adventures! You can make this dish vegan too!

UNIT COMPOSITION

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  1. salt
  2. pepper
  3. 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  4. 1 tablespoon of thyme
  5. 1 1/2 tablespoons of turmeric
  6. 3-4 whole cloves of garlic
  7. 1 1/2 cups of butternut squash, cubed
  8. 1/2 lb of parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  9. 2 1/2 cups of vegetable broth

BUILD ORDER

Prep time will take about 20 minutes. Cook time is roughly 1 hour. This will make 6-8 servings.

OPENING

  1. Set your oven to 400° (~204° C)
  2. Place your parsnips, garlic, and butternut squash in a baking dish (you can make a tiny dish out of tin foil like I did).
  3. Season your vegetables with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables.
  5. Roast for 45 – 50 minutes in the oven, or until the vegetables have become soft.

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MID GAME

  1. Transfer your vegetables to a pot.
  2. Using a stand mixer, blend the vegetables until smooth. Slowly add in half of vegetable broth in order to make blending easier.blog_parsnipsofreflection_cooking2

LATE GAME

  1. Once your vegetables have become a smooth paste, place the pot over medium heat.
  2. Add in your turmeric and stir to combine.
  3. Add in your remaining vegetable broth and stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Eat!

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GG WP, Nephalem!

It’s been very cold recently, so this soup is perfect for warming you up during the chilly winter months. Cozy up, drink some soup, and gain some EXP!

See you in Sanctuary!