Sour and Sweet
Sup, friends?? How was your Monday? Mine was OK. But luckily my Group Step class tonight took all the worries away (for an hour at least). I know I mention this class a lot, but I really can’t tell you enough how much I love it. My favorite, hands down. It always changes my mood around and I leave feeling like a whole new person. Does that ever happen to you?
Anyways, some of you actually guessed my teaser picture from yesterday!
Ever since J and I met, he has been telling me how he makes these mad zucchini pickles (we eat A LOT of pickles) and 5 years later he finally got around to making them. 
After I left for my lunch date with the girls on Saturday, I found out through Twitter/Four Square that J and C were at the Westside Market. I love that we find out each other’s whereabouts through social media, btw. So I immediately knew what his plans were for the afternoon.
He took some pictures for me, but they were done with our point and shoot so he did his best. But I thought you’d like a little picture story:
Lots and lots of pickles!!! My husband is addicted. Oh, and so is Allison. J is totally feeding her pickle obsession. Seriously. I think she went through a jar in 2 days! And I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty sure J loves being her enabler. Hehe.
In addition to the sour (and spicy!) pickles, I got busy in the kitchen on Sunday afternoon baking brownies for the boys. I had a random block of cream cheese in the fridge that needed to be used and I knew just what I wanted to do with it.
I used Smitten Kitchen’s recipe for cheesecake marbled brownies, and they are most rich, creamy, and moist brownies you’ll ever eat.
Mmmmmm………check out those swirls.
The addition of the chocolate chips on top is genius.
I asked J if he wanted me to take some to work since I probably won’t eat any more and C didn’t like the cream cheese and he responded with “Nah, I think they’re fine here.” Gotta love a man’s metabolism.
Hope you’re having a great start to your week!
What makes Mondays good for you?
I love my Monday step class because all my participants are genuinely excited to be there. It really makes teaching extra fun!
Blech! I hate pickles! Burger please
Homemade pickles!? I think you should have a giveaway with those bad boys. I wish I liked Mondays… today was definitely not a good one.
oh my – those pickles looks AWESOME!!!
I seriously want to try some of those pickles. YUM!!!!
I also want a brownie. They are beautiful.
Andy and I find each other with foursquare too. Sad!
owwwwwww I’m a pickle addict- those look just awesome. And your brownies turned out just perfect. I’m not usually a big chocolate person, but I could totally get behind those
. So glad your step class rocks! Teaching pump first thing Monday morning always puts me in a good mood. Love group fitness <3
those brownies look amazing!
Teaching the class of people who are excited to be there is what fuels you. You probably feel like you’ve made the groups day by leading an awesome workout. Imagine all the love for you right after class?! Wonderful…. now… if anyone is really sore the next day…. don’t pick up the phone and watch your back. Popularity diminishes quickly with pain.
I would love to try that pickle recipe. We don’t eat a lot of pickles but I wonder if homemade would make a difference? Homemade always tastes so much better.
Those brownies look great. If you go to party and don’t want to take home leftovers, bring brownies. I’ve never seen a plate of brownies not get licked clean.
MMM-3 of us love pickles, 2 do not. More for us! Brian recently told me he was going to make me a cheesecake. Still waiting…
I realize this isn’t the point of your post, but I’m jealous of your mandolin! SWEET! Zucchini pickles are the best idea. What a great use for veggies. I bet it would be awesome chopped up and put on a burger (or veggie burger!).
Mmm..I love pickes. The spicier the better! Your brownies are gorgeous. I’m a serious brownie addict. I cannot stay out of them if they’re in the house. Thanks again for the email. XOXO
I need to come to your house! Brownies and pickles…YUM!!!
Those brownies look unbelievable!
I’ve never heard of zucchini pickles! I don’t really enjoy regular ones… are these much different? I’m so curious!