Just in case I needed another reason to love the Miz, she blessed me today with a post, as featured commenter of the month. She is my blogging Yoda.
This week has been a harsh set of realities for me. Life and death, joy and sorrow, way up highs and way down lows. Throughout the whole mess of it, one thing has remained truly and utterly constant; (my ass is still flat as a board no matter how many donkey kicks I do?) my little family rocks. I am always surprised at just how easily a 13 month old and a 4 year old can find joy in the simplest of things, and bring that joy to the Cop and I.
Yesterday, my son had a bit of a sad moment over things that happened in my neck of the woods, and after some cuddling, he looks up and says “you know, if you run in a circle, really fast for a while, you can feel your heart in your head! Did you know your heart could move to your head, Momma? It can, I can FEEL it there.” Did I tell him that he might just be excited and dizzy? Hell no. If I did that, I’d miss the “spin in a circle until I look like a drunken frat boy” dance.
The Peanut warms an entire room with her smile. It is so genuine, and so sweet, it is like that first bite of peach pie in the summer, warm and sunshine-y. There isn’t a thing she doesn’t laugh at; her brother, bath time, Elmo, my tendency to gulp too hot coffee and then scream like a little bitch….oh wait, maybe I’ll have to train her not to laugh at me in public. Can’t have your children laughing at you in public, you know, unless you accidentally have a part of your romper short tied up with your belt…not that it happened to me last week….not that my ass was in full view of an all boys Yeshiva…
The thing is, sometimes, as a grown up, I forget how effing funny some of the little things are. I am often so bogged down in my own reality. I don’t notice how hysterical it is that I am now doing bear crawls for exercise, looking pretty much a fool, instead of doing bear crawls for the very purpose of pretending to be a bear. Hell, I even try to jump rope now and again. Do you know how bad I suck at that? I’ve NEVER been good at it, but it’s always been FUN. The Miz often talks about “play-outs”. They sound so silly and simple, but damnit if that isn’t exactly what we need to get the adult sized stick out of our asses sometimes. (Though, depending on how long said stick has been there, you may need an adult sized diaper after you remove it. )
But seriously, How killer would it be if I wore a bear skin or suit to the gym and did the crawls? Or at least a Winnie the Pooh costume.
I'm only crawling for the honeys.
To be fair, I have dressed up as Jane Fonda for Jazzercise…
Speaking of people who are often considered bananas…How about some healthy fried plantains? (see what I just did there?) They are IN SEASON!! They are a great substitute for rice or potatoes, or even a bread-y side dish. Naturally gluten-free, this recipe goes GREAT with some spicy pork loin, shrimp, or super spicy black beans. If you have kids, quadruple this recipe, because they tend to eat all the plantains off of their plate, and then move on to yours. Pint sized thieves.
Healthy Fried Plantains
Keywords: fry appetizer side gluten-free kosher low-sodium vegan vegetarian summer
Ingredients
- 4 REALLY RIPE plantains
- 1.5 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
peel and thinly slice the plantains
in a large skillet, heat the oils on medium-high
add in the plantains in a single layer
fry on both sides until starting to darken
stir in salt and syrup
serve
Most ridiculous gym move other than a bear crawl?
Can you jump rope or double dutch?
I can’t jump anything, not even tall buildings in a single bound. That doesn’t mean that I won’t try my hand at jump roping (again) tonight at the gym, and inevitably hit the ceiling with my rope once or twice because I’m the tallest lady in class. It’s just the way the world works.
And I love plantains.
I think you can jump tall buildings in a single bound.
I’ve never tried plantains! But these look soooo good … I may need to give ‘em a shot. Soon.
The plantains look amazing! And I say go for the bear suit!
right???? It may frighten people at first, but smiles will win!
I now have an overwhelming desire to run and spin in circles. Maybe not quite so soon after last nights little bender though
Just wait until peanut turns into a mini yoda like her brother — oh gosh.. the things those two will say!
Love you girly! Hope the highs are extra high today and the lows get their ass kicked and retreat. <3
I am actually a little terrified as to what they’ll say.
your email notification is back in action btw.
and i’m excited to hear what those little monkeys say — and to meet them. my sassy neighbor turns 4 tomorrow and has been surrounded by nothing but adults for 4 years… she’ll probably want to be their best friend =)
yesterday she told me “im gonna buttah yo bread!” *dies*
Never had plantains before, but this recipe has me itching to try them ASAP!
they’re the bomb dot com.
I love fried plantains but have never tried them with coconut oil. Will have to stop at the store and get some, since I do have coconut oil at home. And I really enjoyed your post. I spent time this weekend running around the house chasing my kids and it was so much fun laughing and enjoying that silly time with them.
oh how coconut oil sends them over the edge. SOOO good.
Okay so I can attest to the Peanut’s smile it does indeed light up a room. I’ve never been particularly good at jumping rope but it doesn’t keep me from trying either. I get about 30 seconds before one of my pint sized thieves proceeds to grab the rope and inform me it’s no longer my turn but their’s. Last time I made plantains I crashed and burned (quite literally actually) I think I’ll try again. Now that I can successfully clean my cast iron (thanks again for the advice) that is. Stay strong I know it’s a difficult time but it’s amazing how the kids make it impossible to stay bogged down in it for long.
they are tiny spurts of light, that seem to supernova on the regular.
Funny – we talk today in our post about plantain chips. I forgot all about fried plantains. Love them. Thanks for this easy recipe. And your ass is hot!
my ass in invisible.
My daughter is only 2, but I’m already amazed at the ways she’s teaching me to slow down, laugh more, play more… love it! And wow, that plantain looks amazing, thanks for sharing! I love using coconut oil, too.
I love that – your heart jumping into your head. I remember the first time I ever felt that – it’s a great feeling that as adults we don’t feel often enough. Congrats on being Miz’s commenter of the month!
Thanks Janice. I do so love the Miz!!!
As a kid my family would force me into going to this Cuban restaurant and they always served plantains. Then, I despised them…now, I have no idea why I ever thought like that. Thanks for the recipe! And thanks to Miz for sending me to your blog…I love!
I found your blog from Mizfit today and I’m so glad I did! I’ve forgotten how much DH and I love plantains. I bet our kids will gobble them up too!!!
Thank you! Yes! Kids LOVE plantains!!
I love plantains! Love how easy this recipe is! Thanks
I think I’ve had plantains once at a Mexican restaurant. Must try this!
Saw you over at Carla’s & wanted to say HI!!! I have to spend more time reading thru all your back story but I did want to stop by!
Love the recipe.. now to find those cookies you mentioned on your Twitter write up! 
Doing bridges during a class always makes me feel ridiculous!