Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon!
Dance was fun!! If you missed it, I’m taking a ballet + modern dance class from Faith once a week. I wish it were 2 hours instead of one! Things I hated as a kid (holding my arms up, pointing my toes) are now so fun! I solved part of my hurting foot problem by putting on some thin socks. They were like a cheap pair of ballet shoes. Anyone have any size 7.5/8 ballet or jazz shoes you need to donate to goodwill?
Pre-workout cereal snack. Cereal and milk is so good these days for snacktime!
I biked home, showered, and poured myself a strong drink.
Kombocha, that is! I actually had it explode on me. Here’s how you let the air out without losing the entire drink to fizz: crack the lid the TINIEST bit and let the air out – but not the liquid! It worked.
Then I started on making dinner for my working man.
Stuffed Peppers and Grilled Corn
I cooked some cornmeal in hopes of making a tamale-style stuffed pepper. Mixed with red pepper, jalapeno, cumin, salt, liquid smoke and pinto beans.
The more you eat ‘em
Unfortunately the stuffed peppers did not turn out like baked cornbread OR tamales. The cornmeal got all watery. Thus, no recipe will be typed up. I don’t want you all eating watery cornmeal!
The Parrano cheese on top was delicious despite not melting!
We actually dined inside – the heat + mosquitos are out.of.control!!
I have 20 pages left in my book! It got good near the end. Off to READ!
Julie H. says
You knocked this dinner out of the park…. Hope the book gets knocked out of the park as well…
DANCE! A full 2 hours of fun AND exercise, life would be good!
Errign says
I forgot about how fizzy Kombucha can be as I was rushing to a final in May…cracked it right open and it exploded all over my classroom…embarrassing. 😀
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I’ve had a few Kombuchas explode on me — and of course both times happened when I was at work. No fun.
There are so many things I hated as a child that I don’t hate anymore: sports, running, vegetables, reading, an early bedtime, etc.
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
I made a watery stuffed pepper a couple weeks ago…was so disappointing! I wonder what the secret is.
I used to take ballet as a child and I miss it so much some days. It’s so sophisticated. 🙂
Willow @ My Own Trail says
I have found that you need a really good binding agent. Quinoa, millet, rice or oats work really well when combined with other ingredients because they are moist and stick together easily. Most traditional stuffed peppers are basically a meatball stuffed into a pepper (ground meat, breadcrumbs and an egg). So, to make a non-meat version, you need to find replacements for those ingredients. Maybe approach it like you would approach making a veggie burger…it’s a similar formula 🙂
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
Thanks for your help!
I used brown rice in my peppers, but maybe I should try another grain that absorbs a bit better (and maybe chia seeds to soak up liquid).
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
glad your loving the dance class 🙂 dinner looks amazing!
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance says
Good for you! Dance is one of the best exercises out there 😀
mmmmmmmmm stuffed peppers!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i really wish there was a place to take dance classes in LA or NYC where it wasn’t packed with professionals! everyone in NYC was all broadway, and here it’s all britney spears music video dancers! it’s very intimidating!
Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy says
Good for you! Dance is such a great workout, I have been meaning to get back into dance (I danced for 20+ years till I was injured)! I miss it now though! The stuffed peppers look amazing!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Isotoner ballet-style slippers–my favorites– are so much like ballet slippers and affordable. They could probably be used for the same purpose. 🙂
I hate when recipes flop. 🙁 But they can’t all be winners I guess. hehe
The Healthy Hipster says
Looks like some delicious eatz. I wonder of if masa harina would have held together a little better for you than cornmeal? Either way I’m sure it tasted great!
Cait @ Cait hates Cake says
The heat and mosquitos are so bad here in the midwest, too! It’s summer and I want to be outside, but it’s just too miserable out there!
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
You look like a pro dancer! Great pic. 🙂 Sorry your dinner wasn’t great.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I would crack the top open but I need to save the bottles for bottling! I just say a little prayer, close my eyes and hope for the best :).
I love when you grill!!
Ali says
Kath! I finished the book last night. It got heavy at the end! Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely read more Kate Morton in the future. Love gothic novels! Enjoy the last few pages.
Erin says
Hi Kath, I think it’s great that you’re taking dance classes! I plan on taking some ballet classes this Fall or Winter myself and can’t wait!! Good luck 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Even though they didn’t turn out like you wanted they still look amazing!
Jenny says
I love to dance but unfortunately my mom didn’t see any reason in bringing to a dance class. I have dance parties in my room though! Lol.
Your idea of a baked cornbread inside a stuffed pepper sounds very intriguing. Gonna experiment with that.
Nicole @ Yuppie Yogini says
You can get canvas capezzio ballet shoes for under $20.
Hillary says
Great form, Kath! ; )
And those peppers look delicious even if they didn’t come out just right!
Mary Legare Whaley says
I would try brown rice instead of cornmeal–makes for a great carb to hold the contents together. Your peppers still looked beautiful even if the consistency was off!
Josh says
The secret to stuffed peppers is to par-cook the peppers prior to stuffing them. Cook’s Illustrated blanches peppers destined for stuffing in boiling water for 3 minutes and then drains them very well on paper towels before finally stuffing and baking in the oven.
I think baking a corn “muffin” inside a pepper is going to pose several problems you’d have to work around, the biggest of which would be timing the doneness of the peppers and dealing with the residual water the peppers are going to release as they cook until tender.
Best of luck!
Kim @ Spoonful of Sass says
Going outside these days is like walking into a wall!
Cait's Plate says
You look like such a professional dancer in that picture!!
And, despite the watery cornmeal I think those stuffed peppers look awesome 🙂
I JUST finished my book today – I felt so sad to let those characters go! Is that weird??
Megan says
Did you parboil your pepper before grilling? I agree with Josh. Submerging the halves in salted boiling water for 5 minutes will help cook them, and you won’t have the leakage of the water from the peppers. It could have been the cornmeal, but once I incorporated this technique, my thrown-together stuffing mixes all magically started working.
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
Dance classes sound so fun! I always wanted to take them as a kid. I feel too clumsy and unflexible to do it now 🙂
Keelie says
YAY DANCE! Welcome to the dark side. 🙂
Megan says
Does your gym offer BodyJam Kath?
KathEats says
No 🙁 I would love that class
Megan says
🙁 that’s a shame, it throws me back to high school poms days and has a great variety: big band, latin, hip hop, 80’s hair band…everything!
Baking N Books says
Oh I want to take a dance class…
My book is getting good too. It’s so inspiring and eye-opening…I’m reading “The Lost Girls” and highly recommend to anyone interested in a book about traveling, finding yourself and learning that so many people aren’t as lucky or fortunate to have what most Americans have – but complain about.
Margo @ peanut butter trees says
Despite the recipe debacles those peppers still look delicious! And the dance class sounds like a lot of fun – I need something like that in my life, fun exercise!
Kristen, Sweetly says
Can’t imagine anything better than grilling, and reading yourself to sleep on a gorgeous summer night (especially in the comfort of the cool house). 🙂
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Mosquitoes this time of year in most places in the country are horrific, I know! Thanks god there are no bugs in San Diego…I grew up with bites the size of tennis balls come July and August 🙂
And your meal LOOKS awesome. Too bad it was a little watery. You could always still submit the pics…I know plenty of people who do it! They will submit restaurant food pictures even. The recipe doesnt matter; just the photography 🙂
Eileen says
The peppers sound like a great idea. I have an idea for you … do you ever cook with hominy? It’s kind of a cross between beans and corn, and it has that grainy texture of cornbread. I think that might be really delicious with the rest of the filling ingredients.
KathEats says
I have before but I never remember to pick it up!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
I think cereal in the summer time is the greatest thing ever…. something about the iced cold milk, I just love it!!
Your stuffed peppers look wonderful as well. I think stuffed peppers are so easy and so incredibly enjoyable. I hope y’all had a wonderful dinner together.
Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says
Yum! Sounds like you had a great idea in mind for dinner! 🙂 Hopefully some tweaking can make it happen they way you wanted it to! Grilled corn on the cob just screams summer!! Yum!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
We had a very similar meal this evening. I even started singing the beans song!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
LOL @ the “beans good for the heart.” We also used to say “musical fruit.”
Kristin @ FoodFash says
I have a feeling I’d like ballet much more as an adult too, looks like so much fun!
Laura @ Cookies vs. Carrots says
Ooooohhhh, dance class seems so fun! I would love to sign up for something like that. Compared to other things you do, how good of a workout is it?
KathEats says
I don’t really consider it a workout since we do a lot of small movements and stand around between sets. It’s more like yoga – a mental workout with physical benefits.
Hannah says
Still waiting on the hip hop video 😉
KathEats says
Not gonna happen!!
Sweet and Savvy says
Dance looks fun!! Too bad Your peppers didn’t turn out as planned. They look great!
Emily @ Comfortable Home Life says
You look so graceful in that dance picture!
I’ve been enjoying cereal and milk lately as well. Perfect way to beat the southern heat. Now if only there was a perfect way to beat all the darn mosquitoes! I swear I got attacked yesterday–they’re the worst!
katie @KatieDid says
Modern dance is my minor at school right now, I love love loveee dance class despite not being a ‘real’ dancer. It’s the best release and natural exercise for me.
Joan says
I have a pair of size 8 black jazz shoes that have been sitting in my closet for 2 years! Shoot me an email if you’re interested- I’d be happy to donate them to someone who will use them!
kaila @ healthy helper! says
Well even if the pepper didnt turn out to good they sure look delicious! I love stuffed veggies!
Taya says
It’s so awesome that you’re rediscovering dance! I’m a dancer myself (ballet is my specialty) and I’m about to graduate in December with my dance degree!
If you are interested, I wear 7.5/8 shoes, and I have a ton of ballet shoes!
KathEats says
I just emailed Brandy below, but if her shoes don’t work out I’ll give you a holla!
Brandy says
Hey, Kath, I have a BRAND NEW pair of Sansha ballet shoes I’ve had forEVER but haven’t used that I think will fit you — I will gladly donate them to you! 🙂 I’ll look around on your site for a mailing address, but if there isn’t one, please contact me with your address! [email protected]
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
You look like a real ballerina 🙂
Khushboo says
I read this while eating a pre-workout snack of cereal & milk 🙂
Lindsay says
I tried my first dance class in Korea this week! It was a BLAST! And I don’t have any shoes to donate BUT the most amazing website with the best dancewear deals is www.discountdancesupply.com. I LIVE by the Sansha canvas split-sole ballet shoes:) If you need any more recommendations let me know:) Keep on pointing those toes girl!
Christin says
it’s all about the sansha’s, for sure! I get mine at discount dance supply also…very affordable and very awesome. 🙂
Balancing Sylvia says
Adorable dance picture! Is it weird or way fun to have your friend as one of your fitness instructors? I would feel like it’s weird in a fun way . . . if that makes sense at all 🙂
KathEats says
It’s fun 🙂
Alaina says
Cereal and milk is the BEST snack! I pretty much have a bowl every night before I go to bed.
Holly says
I wore my “Happy Holly Days” t-shirt to bed last night and I loved it 🙂
Molly @ RDexposed says
Have you made Mama Pea’s stuffed peppers? They’re to die for (only you, not an animal).
KathEats says
Not yet!! I should!
Joanne says
Sorry the stuffed peppers didn’t turned out the way you wanted. But they sure do look good. 🙂
Katie says
Glad you are enjoying the end of The House at Riverton, it does get good toward the end. I am debating reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (it’s even longer), but I’m thinking that I’d much rather read the Pioneer Woman’s book as we head to KC today. Your peppers sound and look really good, sorry they were watery. I tend to be hard on myself when something doesn’t turn out as planned, but at least it is usually edible, and still pretty tasty. You look like you are really enjoying your dance class. My daughter’s dance instructor says she prefers to dance in barefeet or socks and the kids in the class tend to do the same.
Leslie says
I have a TON of size 7.5 dance shoes (ballet, jazz, lyrical). If we lived nearby I would totally loan them to you…but I have a really hard time parting with them for good. I still have every single pair of pointe shoes in a closet somewhere. They cancelled BodyJam at our gym b/c of lack of attendance. Sad.
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
mmm LOVE dance!!
Sarah @ Sarah's Modern Bites says
Kath, though the peppers did not turn out the way you wanted them too it was SUCH a great idea!!! I hope you plan on trying that idea out again so you can make your tamale/cornbread stuffed pepper dream a reality! haha
rumfunandsun says
OOOH, I haven’t had stuffed peppers for the longest!!! Putting that on the To Make list for sho!!!!
Meagan says
Orange juice explodes too.. Def found this out the hard way!! HAHA
Christin says
Word to the wise though dancing on that shiny hardwood with leather sole slippers: score the bottoms of them first so you don’t slip! I get away with wearing split sole dance sneakers in my hip-hop jazz classes…much less slippery 😉 These won’t work for a more ballet oriented style class though, so just use caution, and use those core muscles! 🙂
Jenna Z says
Awesome! I took beginning ballet last year and I hope to take adult beginning 1 this year, a little more serious and there is a live pianist!! I got my shoes on ebay for seriously under $10!
Katherina @ Zephyr Runs says
Exploding kombucha is part of the fun 😉
seana says
Just go online for cheap ballet shoes. My daughter (who is a ballerina-tap and hip hop girl), her friend went online and bought toe shoes for $20. We pay $100 for them. I doubt you need pointe shoes but I can ask her friend for the website which has the shoes which should have flat and lyrical.
Chelsey @ Chew with Your Mouth Open says
I am glad you blogged about your dance class! Reading about how much fun you’re having, made me miss dancing too. I am even considering finding an adult class myself now just for fun!
marpari says
Please share the name of your book. thanks!