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I would like to alert you all to the fact that I have been reborn.

Not as a Christian, virgin, or ultra-conservative Republican, try as though my mother might.

Not as the wife of a certain alarmingly adorable and endearingly bald Iron Chef that I may or may not have built a shrine to in my apartment that has little to no free space in it and thus has no business holding shrines of any size, shape, or form.  Try as though I might.

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Rather.  Yesterday morning, I woke up.  As a runner.

First, some back-story.  The parts that I didn’t tell you along the way.

When I first started running again after an 8-month injury. I hated it.  Every step hurt.  I felt like I could never really get enough oxygen.  I was pretty sure that I could feel stress fractures forming in every bone in my body, including bones that have nothing to do with running.  And all I could think about the whole time was how much of a failure I was for barely being able to run a mile when, at one time, I would run 12 miles at a clip.  For fun.

It made me wonder how I’d ever started running in the first place.  Because, let’s be real.  It sucks.  It sucks a lot.  I mean.  At least I had the memory of how good it could be.  But to start from scratch, thinking that it would always be this hard.  Who would choose to do that to themselves?

But let me tell you this.  Yesterday, I ran 8.5 miles.  And it didn’t hurt.  My knees didn’t feel like they were going to cave in after every step.  My chest didn’t feel like it was going to explode.  It was a good run.  And it was the first time I really felt like myself again, after all this time.

They say that if you can run a mile, you can run a marathon.  And after yesterday.  I believe that.

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And so one thing that all this has taught me is that maybe I shouldn’t doubt so much.  A lesson that came in handy this week while making these crab tater tots, which are the Symon Sundays recipe of the week.

You see.  I don’t really like crab.  I don’t really like white potatoes.  And  I really don’t really like deep frying.  To be blunt.  I was not enthused.

But I forged ahead anyway.  Sometimes, even in the unlikeliest of situations.  This is the kind of thing that you need to do.

So I forged through melting butter.  I forged through mixing up the dough.  I forged through tasting the dough.  I forged through thinking that the dough was thoroughly unimpressive.

I even forged through frying, which went against every fiber of every cell in every bone of my body.  Even the ones with hallucinatory stress fractures.

But then, in the end.  It all just came together.  The crab tater tots actually tasted like. Well.  Tater tots.  And who doesn’t love tater tots?

And though it seems like an unlikely combination, they went beautifully with the butternut squash salad with warm cider vinaigrette, which is a symphony of fall flavors if ever I’ve had one.  I highly recommend that you make this today.  And that you go for a run.  Because, though those first few runs will suck.  You need to get through them in order to get to the ones that make your head spin with happiness.  They’re there.  I promise.

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Before I get to the recipes, I just want to thank everyone who voted for me in Project Food Blog.  While I didn’t make it to the next round, I was absolutely floored by all of the positive feedback I got from you.  My readers.  And honestly, your opinion matters more to me than having a little medal appear next to my name each week.

ALSO.  As you may have guessed, I am currently training for a half marathon with Team In Training, a group that raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.   LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health organization and it’s dedication to funding blood cancer research and providing monetary support for patients is second to none.  The majority of people who are afflicted with blood cancers are children.  Young children.  And so finding a cure to save these young lives is non-negotiable.  I would love it if you could support this wonderful cause by donating to my fund.  Even a donation as small as $5 would be much appreciated.  Both by me and by the child who’s life you help to save.  Thanks guys!

Crab Tater Tots
Makes about 35 tater tot-shaped tater tots or 12 patties, adapted from Symon’s Live To Cook

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup flour
1 egg
1 cup seasoned mashed potatoes (I used more…2 medium/large potatoes worth)
8 oz crab meat
panko
salt and pepper to taste
oil for frying

1. In a small pan, combined the butter and water over medium-high heat.  Simmer until butter is melted.  Lower the heat and mix in the flour.  Keep mixing until the paste that forms peels away from the side of the pan.  Remove from heat and let it cool for five minutes.  Mix in the egg.

2. Mix the egg into the seasoned mashed potatoes.  Mix in the crab. Heat oil for frying.  Symon recommends using canola oil and deep frying.  However, I used olive oil and shallow fried.  Your call.

3. Take a handful of the potato/crab mixture (or less depending on how large you want your tater tots to be).  Roll in some panko until it is completely covered.  Place in the oil, turning once in the frying process.  They should take 2-3 minutes to cook. Place on a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

**NOTE – This can be made vegetarian by omitting the crab and I bet it will still taste fabulous.  I would also like to try it with some chives mixed in.  Hellagood.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette
Serves 4, adapted from Nigella Lawson via Got No Milk

1 1/2 lb butternut squash cut into 3/4 inch dice (I used three small-ish squash….not sure how much the total weight was).
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
3/4 cup apple cider (fresh from the Farmer’s Market goodness!)
2 tbsp cider vinegar
1 shallot, diced
2 tsp dijon mustard
arugula, I used a lot because I wanted a hearty salad but use as much as your heart desires
1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
salt and pepper to taste.

1. Preheat oven to 450.  Grease the bottom of a baking sheet with olive oil or spray it with cooking spray.  Put the butternut squash dice on the baking sheet.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Pop in the oven and roast for 45 minutes or until fork tender.

2. In a small pan, combine the apple cider, cider vinegar, and shallot.  Bring to a boil and then reduce until liquid amounts to about 1/4 cup (about 6-8 minutes).

3. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard, olive oil, and maple syrup.  Whisk in 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

4. Place the arugula in a large salad bowl. Toss with butternut squash, walnuts, and gorgonzola.  Add just enough vinaigrette to coat the arugula leaves.

This is my submission to Symon Sundays, which is being hosted over at Veggie By Season, as well as to Souper Sundays which is being hosted by Deb of Kahakai Kitchen.

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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105 Responses to Symon’s Crab Tater Tots on a Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

  1. I love both of these dishes Joanne. I have tried a version of the butternut squash salad from the Barefoot Contessa but crab tater tots are something I need to try.

  2. Did you say butternut squash? This salad recipe sounds wonderful with the nuts and gorgonzola which are two of my favorite salad ingredients. The squash makes it a trifecta! Simon’s crab tater tots sound delicious too.

    I wish I could run outside but my joints tell me I have to stick to the treadmill. 8.5 miles…Congratulations, Joanne!!!

  3. Lea Ann says:

    Crab Tater Tots! What a great idea. I guess that’s why he makes the big bucks. I have a warm cider vinaigrette recipe and think it’s out of this world! This looks beautiful Joanne.

  4. Big Dude says:

    As a lover of potatoes and crab, this recipe sounds super good to me and if you enjoyed them, they must be on my try list.

  5. Tasha says:

    I am sorry to hear you are not moving on in the competion, but no matter what you’re still a cooking rockstar in my eyes 🙂 This salad looks AMAZING (I love roasted butternut with blue cheese and the vinaigrette sound like a perfect match). The crab cakes (even if fried) sound heavenly too! And yay for the return to pleasurable running!

  6. This is probably the earliest I’ve ever gotten around to commenting on one of your posts and I’m so proud of myself for it! I WISH I could get to that point with running! At one point I was doing 2-3 miles decently but then my hips decided to give out and even now after months of physical therapy and trying strength training, it hurts to WALK long distances. Pathetic, I know.

    I’m sorry you didn’t make it into the next round! I was loving all the challenges they had you go through and your take on them!

    And, finally, this dish looks YUM!! For the newest Daring Bakers challenge we have to fry stuff and I’m not excited but I’m excited at the same time because I never ever fry things with more than a tbsp of oil. I’m sure my thighs will love this challenge too.

    ps I miss you!

  7. Amy says:

    “They say that if you can run a mile, you can run a marathon”…who says that? They crazy! Of course, who am I to talk right now – my legs, and abs, and ass, throb all day long after my Insanity workouts. Good for you for sticking with it.

    I love crab and I do love fried food. But almost never make it – I always feel icky afterward. And it stinks up the house.

    As for the Butternut squash…mmmm. Just so happens I made a chicken and butternut squash soup last night. (Honestly, it would have been better minus the chicken stock, chicken, and coriander. Meh) I truly wish I had known about this salad instead. Better late than never.

  8. What a wonderful dish. Love the crab cakes and the salad sounds fabulous. Gorgonzola, maple syrup and squash, love it.

  9. girlichef says:

    Um, yes…I hate running and think anybody who does it is crazy 😉 Ha! Kidding…I do hate it, but I admire people like YOU who do it…and do lots of it! You know my thoughts on pfb…and yes, we’ll just get back to being us and doing what we love! I do love tater tots..and crab, so I don’t see how I’d not love these. But it’s the salad that has me salivating this morning…yowza!

  10. Chef Dennis says:

    what a wonderful recipe, and what a delightfully written post…no matter what kind of mood I am in, when I get done reading your post, I am smiling from ear to ear…you brighten my day!

  11. Girl, I was pulling for you to win 🙂 You certainly deserve it! The Symon salad looks great, and it tells me I really need to get his cookbook!! And congrats on the running– you’re a better woman than I! I much prefer CrossFit 🙂

  12. Katie says:

    I’m sorry you didn’t make it – I was rooting (and voting) for you!

    Hmmm… crab tater tots. Sounds like one of those ideas that’s just crazy enough to work.

  13. Mo 'Betta says:

    I can’t believe you didn’t make it to the next round. what’s up with that?! How AWESOME that you are involved with TNT (I just realized why they don’t call it TIT). I just did the local Light the Night walk with my kids and sister – it was awesome. Obviously the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is close to my heart. Good luck with your training! I can barely do a 5K…

  14. sra says:

    How nice that you’re feeling like yourself again – I know how important that feeling is, not having felt like that myself physically for a long time now. Good for you!

  15. I’ve never been a runner, despite my best efforts in college (having a guy to run with didn’t do it either). I’m glad you’re back to yourself! I did noticed that you didn’t make the last round and I was bummed for you. That pizza looked delicious (and beautiful!). As do these tator-tot thingys.

    P.S. Are you going to the Foodbuzz festival in San Fran?

  16. mazel tov on the running chica! AND on making me insanely hungry so early in the morning!!

  17. Running for 8.5 miles is deed in itself!!! I just love those crab tots…mmm yum! beautifully combined with a healthy salad!

  18. Kristen says:

    I love the concept of eating something fried with a salad. Each bit of salad assuages the guilt caused by eating the fried, delicious crab tot.

    I am not a runner, the thought sends shooting pains up through my shins, but I greatly admire your tenacity in getting back into the sport. Good luck with that 1/2 marathon!!!

  19. gotnomilk says:

    Mmm, another one to try. And glad you tried that squash salad. They look awesome together.

  20. I’m still waiting for that moment when I feel a run makes my head dizzy with happiness. I’ll continue trying per your recommendation. The butternut squash salad looks delish, and I think the crab tater tots are a great topping!

  21. congrats on your morphing into a runner. Ah, youth… I don’t make a habit of frying food often. It’s an indulgence. I happen to love crab but am still struggling to even LIKE butternut squash. However, I forge on and will try a recipe with my dreaded butternut squash, hoping that one day my taste buds won’t reject that flavor. The salad (and photo) is gorgeous. I’m sorry you didn’t make the next round, but you did a great job and I’m sure you’ve picked up a lot of new followers to your flock.
    PS: You coming to the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival in SFO? Say yes. I am!

  22. Victoria K. says:

    Good luck with your training, I’m so proud of you!! PS I love Symon Sundays… I was watching your man on an old episode of Iron Chef last night, the cauliflower battle where they went at it without sous chefs, have you seen that one? Amazing. As usual. xo

  23. Katerina says:

    It is very important when you recover from an injury or illness and return back to your normal life. I don’t know about you but I love fritters of any kind and the warm vinegrette is very appealing to me as well.

  24. Ameena says:

    The minute I saw the title of your post I thought of the good old Ore Ida Tater Tots I used to eat every day! Oh the memories. These of course look 100 times better though, and crab is the most fabulous addition!

    I envy your ability to run. I am old. I am decrepit (sp?). My knees can’t handle it anymore. 🙁

  25. Faith says:

    Congrats on your awesome run! Sounds like it must have felt amazing. Both of these dishes look fantastic and together like that they look really mind-blowing!

  26. Catherine says:

    Dear Joanne,
    I am so happy to hear that you are recovering well and that you are back to doing what you love,(and of course succeeding at it)! Well done, dear!
    And congratulations on making it as far as you did on Project Food Blog. You did an AMAZING job on all the rounds. Your dishes were truly beautiful as were your photos. And I think I speak for all the readers of Eats Well With Others, when I say, you will always be a winner to us!
    Your blog has brought many healthy, happy, and beautiful meals to us, Joanne. Meals we can share with those we love and that can strengthen the bond of friends and family.
    And these crab tator tots just go to prove it all. This is a perfect dish for me and my family. I know it’s something my daughter and son will absolutely love!
    Hugs & Many Beautiful Blessings to a truly wonderful person and cook!

  27. Your crab tate tots make me drool. So irresistable! Glad that you’re running again! Keep it up! 😉

  28. Swathi says:

    Joane,

    Carn tate tots looks delicious. I like the roasted butternut squash salad. Nice one. Glad you are running half marathon. You are the winner to us always.

  29. Simply Life says:

    Nice job with the run – gosh, do your med school professors know what a great writer and cook you are? Sometimes I can’t believe you do all this AND go to school! I’m sad you didn’t make it to the next round but glad you know you’ve done an amazing job and I still get excited when I see you’ve posted something new!

  30. Raina says:

    These look really yummy! Beautiful photos. My husband loves crab cakes, and I think he would really enjoy these. Thanks for sharing them and the incredibly delish looking salad:)

    So happy for you that you have reached your running goal. I just started running this summer and can only run about three miles still. But I refuse to give up. I cannot see myself ever getting to 8.5, though.

  31. Oh, wow, these look awesome! I love the idea of crisp hot crab on top of cool greens. Yum!

  32. Symon certainly brings the best out of you. This is some great meal.

  33. Can’t we write in names? I am sorry, you didn’t win but I think, you should have.

  34. Julie says:

    Oh I can’t wait to try these! I always have trouble finding crab but we’re getting a Trader Joe’s in a few weeks. Thanks for showing that picture! Looks so delicious.

  35. Alisa says:

    Congrats on the awesome run!

    Hmm, I can’t quite wrap my taste buds around the idea of crab tater tots, but they do look good!

  36. Karen says:

    Oh, that vinaigrette does sound good! Really pretty plate. I was surprised that you didn’t go fwd this round – you always come up with fantastic dishes!

  37. janet says:

    Yay for getting back into the groove of running!

    I have had that salad and love it too. It looks awfully similar to Ina Garten’s salad:
    http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-butternut-squash-salad-with-warm-cider-vinaigrette-recipe/index.html

  38. Debinhawaii says:

    Tater tots = good, Tater tots with crab = heaven! 😉 I love the pairing with the salad too–so many flavors in one dish. Thanks for sending it to Souper Sundays and celebrating two years with me!

  39. Debinhawaii says:

    I forgot to say that I am so bummed about PFB–you did such an amazing job and I think the judges must have been smoking something not to advance you to the next round. 😉 I am proud of how far you got–you are wonderful. Hugs to you.

  40. That Girl says:

    I think every runner has “those days” when you question why you’re doing it at all. It’s why I make so many friends when I wear my “I hate running I love running I hate running I love running” headband.

  41. elra says:

    Such a wonderful recipe Joanne, they look pretty too.

  42. Natalie says:

    so glad you had a good run! that encourages me, esp since it’s been a week since the marathon and today was my first run since and i was hurting hardcore! 🙁 i know i’ll be back again eventually, just frustrating when you think “i ran 26 miles a week ago and struggled to do 3 today”.

    anyways i’m rambling. enough about running and more about how i want some of that bnut squash salad!

  43. Never heard of crab tater tots till now and the idea is very seductive, even though tater tots of my recollection (frozen cardboard tasting things my kids loved) were less than satisfactory. Love that butternut salad too! What a meal!

  44. Esi says:

    So happy butternut is back in season. Can’t wait to use it.

  45. Monet says:

    I am so surprised that you didn’t make it to the next round…you deserved it…your blog is one of my favorite places on the world wide web, and no food blog challenge will change that! These crab tots look delicious. I have a fear of deep-frying so I would also have had a hard time pushing though, but goodness, these look so very good! Thanks for sharing. I may have to give this a try.

  46. Oh you and Symon!! I do love crab, but I’m not a huge potato fan. These look incredibly amazing!! I’m so mad you didn’t make it further on PFB… you are SO talented and your blog is one of my faves BY FAR! You can cook, take beautiful photos, AND write. Triple threat!! 🙂

    Sues

  47. nico. says:

    These tots look great! Oddly, I posted a similar recipe just yesterday on my own blog. I just started my blog a few days, but I have been following your blog for awhile. Your blog and the fact that you seem to have so much going on in your life but you still post something every other day is part of what inspired me to create my own blog. You also opened me up to “Cook the Books” and I will be participating in that this month. Keep up the good work!

  48. Luigi says:

    Reborn as a runner, think I would rather be reborn as something less strenous, a sloth maybe. 🙂

    Another amazing recipe Joanne, love your blog recipes have so many to try out already.

  49. Oh noes, I can’t believe you did not make it to the next round. It is definitely not reflecting our addiction to your posts :-)and the quality, originality and creativity of your recipes!
    On my planet, I had never heard of crabs Tater tots (sounds more like a tongue tickler to me…) but now it is on my must-try list… (I am a vegetarian who has never been able to give up prawns, crabs and their alike cousins…)

  50. lovely meal, would love to have it…

  51. Marisa says:

    Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! How could you not make it?? *sadness*

    Have recently discovered the joys of jogging – never ever ever thought I could do it, but you know what, I just kept thinking to myself, if I can do THIS, I can do anything. And lemme tell you, that is a GREAT motivator.

  52. I had no idea Trader Joes sold crab meat… though i don’t know why i’m surprised. They sell everything.

    I have to agree with Marisa… how could you NOT want to make these. They’re lovely! Fried, crab, potatoes… these are words that I adore.

  53. Barbara says:

    Wait…you DON’T have a Symon shrine? 🙂

    These look fabulous….fried is not always a no-no.

    Good for you for getting back in the running groove. I’ve been dealing with a few injuries myself and this past week was the first time I was back in all my classes. (Unlike you, I am NOT self-motivated and need classes!)

  54. Vivienne says:

    8.5 miles??! Wow!
    Yea I’ve often imagine myself a runner (i used to run well when i was little hehe) but now whenever I start running…I get really unmotivated seeing how unfit I am and then there’s also the mental block as well hehe. in a small way you have inspired me to give it a go again 😀 oh, and those crab tater loooks great!

  55. I love this meal! I’m a huge crab fan!!!

    The running thing is great – good for you for training for the marathon!!! I’m up to 2 miles – – jogging. It’s getting easier but is a lot of work! Congrats to you!

  56. You had me at tater tots!!

    The dressing looks particularly good, though you have blue cheese on your recipe list yet gorganzola in your directions.

    Nice on the running! Glad you got your mojo back!

  57. daphne says:

    I was the same! But now I actually do like running.. the start is the hardest! Good stuff with the marathon!! keep going!!!

    I love the use of panko in this! i like that tip

  58. Oh i am so so thrilled n happy u can run , i now how it feels to be able to do something freely ,if u have been unwell for awhile!
    u go gurl and win…

    Ur pumpkin Cranberry shake is awesome , all the best for that!
    have been trying for the last 2days to open the page but the comment box doesnt open , i have a prob with my own blog too, blogger doesnt get along with my network:-)
    my network gave me some time to even vote for u, took me 2days but i was determined to give u my vote and i did!!

    U have an absolutely creative and delish creation in the pumkin shake and the cranberry swirls rock!!

    love this combo too, something i would jus love love love love …

    Lookin foward, to lods of more deliciousness from ya!

  59. Foodjunkie says:

    It is great that you started running again, especially for such a great cause. Much better than winning the foodbuzz blogger competition. I love those tater tots and the salad.

  60. OohLookBel says:

    It’s fantastic that you’re a born-again runner! And if there was a plate of crab tater tots waiting for me at the end of a run, well, I’d take up running… 🙂

  61. Beth says:

    We’re running sisters from another mister. I ran 8 miles in perfect fall weather in Central Park yesterday (alongside the Avon Walk for some of it.. hello TEARS! So inspiring!) and it was the first “good” run I’ve had since I started training for my November half. I was coming back from a mysterious knee injury, could never get enough oxygen, and finished every run exhausted with lead-like feet. But yesterday I felt good. Actually, I felt great for the mileage and I felt for the first time in months that 13.1 WILL be done in November and it was a wonderful feeling. After taking a break I’m always amazed at how painful it is to “get back” into running, but at least we all know that it sucks and sucks until it doesnt suck anymore. And then your knees don’t hurt. And you can breathe. And you aren’t sore the next day. And it’s magical 🙂

    I bet you’re a speedy one (I’m not) but maybe a Central Park co-jog is in our future!

    Glad you’re back!

  62. Dawn says:

    Look at you doing all that forging. I have the same aversion to white potatoes and frying. And running. I wish I didn’t. I used to love it too. But now you’ve inspired me. I think I’ll run at lunch.

  63. Mo Diva says:

    i feel like i havent visitd your blog in forever! Oh what weekends do to me.
    i love crab… but i think it upsets my stomach in the worst way. I am too scared to try for a4th time and end up wanting to die LOL but man does this look good.
    and way to go on the running! you are my hero. I just dont have the stamina (yet) to run more than a mile! but yo go girl!

  64. Reeni says:

    I love the sound of this salad! It definitely screams fall! And it’s very creative to serve it with crab cakes.

    I’m so impressed that you can run over 8 miles with no pain. And inspired. I walk three and I can’t move afterward…

    I must say I was shocked at the challenge results – I even called my Mom and showed her – to make myself believe what I was seeing! I thought you were a top contender! And still do. xoxo

  65. These are a way that I could eat a tater tot! I’m ashamed to admit that when my boys were wee tots, I gave them tater tots. Please do not let anyone in blogdom know this. They all think I’m now, and have ever been, a gourmand.

    Best,
    Bonnie

  66. Pam says:

    I am sorry you didn’t make it to the next round – you totally should have won!

    Congrats on the great run…I really should give it a try.

    I am loving this recipe – I love all the flavors and textures in this meal. Nicely done!

  67. The salad sounds delicious! I love walnuts!

  68. I’m sorry you didn’t make it to the next stage!
    Your talk of running is inspiring, because what keeps me from it is exactly what you mention: the thought that it will always be this hard. The thought that it will never get better.
    But it would . . . if I’d stick with it. =)

  69. Julie says:

    I don’t really like crab either…but I LOVE deep frying and these look wonderful 🙂

  70. You can try to oven bake them instead! Congrats and good luck with your training!

  71. Chef Dennis says:

    Hi Joanne
    I already left a comment on your incredible creation!! I just tagged you over at my site!! hope you have time to play!

    Dennis

  72. MaryMoh says:

    Awww…Joanne, I always love to hear of your running and marathon story. Always inspiring. Wish I would enjoy running but I think I still enjoy cooking more 😛 But at least I go for walks and faster walks now. That’s because my hubby walks so fast I have to catch up…haha. Listen to more of your running story, who knows, my fast walk will turn into running one day! But I run a lot in badminton. Does that count? 😛 Love your dish.

  73. tigerfish says:

    The crab cake recipe looks so easy that I really can try making this. First, get myself some TJ’s crab meat!

  74. Lori says:

    You know this looks better than any restaurant dish, right! The salad and crab cakes… YUM!

    So much great stuff going on here… I think us bloggers eat way too well… 😉

  75. Mo says:

    I’m so happy you’re able to run pain-free again! I’m not at that point yet but I do try. 😉

    These look AMAZING. I can honestly say that this made me hungry, and I haven’t had much of an appetite all day…

  76. vanillasugar says:

    warm cider vinegrette? oh girl you are truly getting better and better at your creations. good for you. love ALL of this. excellent.

  77. So glad you’ve gotten back your “running mojo!” And you’re running for such a worthwhile cause- I hope you do well! That salad looks great with those little crabby tots. 🙂

  78. amazing meal and congrats on running again thats wonderful

  79. Joanne, it is good to hear that you are running and are able to enjoy the run now. I love crab so this dish is absolutely for me. All the best for your marathon run!

  80. Nelly says:

    Oh, Joanne. You make me hungry when I’m already full. Looks delicious, as usual 🙂

    Wonderful news about the running! I’m trying to get back to that point now…I just manage to keep hurting myself in some way! Speaking of running and NYC, however, my trainer just did a barefoot run through the city a couple weeks ago. Did you hear/see anything about that? We all think he’s kinda crazy.

  81. congrats for being reborn again 😉
    i am crap at running 🙁

  82. It was love at first sight for these crispy golden tots! Good luck with the marathon!

  83. Hi Joanne – good luck with training for your half marathon. Personally I hate running, but I guess my regular ashtanga yoga practice is my running, and similarly it takes a bit of “shitty” yoga to get through before you start to really get the buzz!

    I was so sorry that you didn’t go further in the PFB challenge, but I guess you know that there are still loads of us out here in the blogoshpere who think you’re fabulous 🙂

    I love the look of these little tater tots – crab is very hard for us to get here (except in tins), but I always have hot-smoked salmon in the fridge so I’m going to try this with some of that. Love the salad too – I often make a similar salad, but have never tried a cider vinaigrette before though so can’t wait to give that a try. You’d forgive me if somehow a bit of bacon happened to accidentally fall into this salad though, right?

    Sue 🙂

  84. Taylor says:

    Yay for being able to run again!! I hate the idea of deep frying things too…so much that I just don’t think I ever will try it. These sure look good though!

  85. aipi says:

    The salad looks really light n crisp as do the pictures..I would eat it in a heartbeat..the crab tots looks amazingly crispy n well made!

    US Masala

  86. Kim says:

    I’m so proud of you for sticking with it and running 8.5 miles. There’s no stopping you now! I’m so glad to hear that you liked the crab tater tots. It’s always nice when you have doubts about a recipe and end up enjoying it. Your crab tater tots look great next to that beautiful and fall-inspired salad.

    Sorry to hear about PFB. You did a wonderful job!

  87. Congrats on getting back to running girl. I used to run & run & run. Now no more, I sure did enjoy it when I did it. 3 marathons & now DONE!!
    OK on to food, your crab cakes & butternut salad look FAB! Really Fab. xxoo

  88. I don’t know where you have got all these amazing and innovative ideas…but I enjoy them tremendously! You rock, my gal!

    Angie

  89. Lynne says:

    You didn’t make it to the next round??? Your blog is just about my favorite on the whole www. You always make me laugh and your photos are sublime. Well, rats. The crab cakes with the salad look really good. Where’s my fork.

  90. Jess says:

    These look amazing, even though I basically have no idea what a S’more is! One of my colleagues tried one recently when he was at Cold Spring Harbour for a workshop recently and he said they were pretty good, but wow, these cupcakes look good enough for me to want to try making them even if I have no idea what the finished product is supposed to be like! Going to have to figure out an equivalent to Graham crackers, though. I ended up looking them up on Wikipedia at one stage because they seem to be used so much in recipes I see on Foodgawker or Tastespotting, so I think I’ve got a rough idea of what I could use as a substitute.
    http://www.6bittersweets.com/2010/10/even-more-fun-with-fire-smores-cupcakes.html#comment-form

    Yeah I never understood running. I just couldn’t psychologically comprehend it – WHYYYY? WHYYYY SHOULD I RUNNNN? If I don’t have a specific reason (run to the shops to buy milk that I need urgently for some reason, run away from a herd of stampeding cattle, etc) I just can’t get my head around why I should bother. So I enjoyed physical activity like playing a team sport (even though I’m not very competitive) but never just doing something like running.

    Until like a month ago when my boyfriend and I decided that we just weren’t getting enough of a work-out using an exercise bike (another thing that was hard to find a purpose for – why am I cycling? I’m not even moving…) and we tried running instead. And seriously, I did not want to. I didn’t want to get changed into exercise gear and move my muscles in a way that propelled me forwards towards no particular goal. But I forced myself and oh my god – suddenly I was like “Are we running again tonight? Can we go running before and after dinner? Do you think we can get up early enough to go running before it gets hot?”. Amazing.

    Glad to hear you’re back into running and that you’re into crab tater tots!

  91. Jess says:

    Hahaha SORRY about the above comment – I copied and pasted two comments from my Notepad into your comment box because my browser was being all screwy with Blogger and not letting me post properly. I’ll let you guess which part of the comment is relevant to you, Joanne. 😉 Feel free to edit it to get rid of the irrelevant part.

  92. thi is a very colourful and yummy recipe
    lovely and delicious blog too
    bises from France
    Delphine

  93. Nicole, RD says:

    I want these right now…for breakfast! YUM! They look absolutely amazing, Joanne!

  94. Jessie says:

    Congratulations on a great run, Joanne! I’m so glad to hear you are recovered from your stress fractures (and despite what you may think, I don’t think you’re developing stress fractures in your fingers or some other unrelated body part 😉 ). I’m impressed (and inspired!) by you running a half marathon to raise money for LLS! You have a good heart, what can I say? 🙂

    As you can guess, I don’t usually fry foods (and I don’t usually like white potatoes), but I may have to make an exception for these crab cakes. I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t make it to the next round 🙁 I thought every one of your creations was beautiful and delicious and creative, and I know everyone who reads your blog thought so, too 🙂

    Have a great day, Joanne!

  95. I MUST make these and soon!!!!!!!!!! I voted, I really wanted you to win!

  96. What a fantastic marriage of flavours. You have developed such a keen palate, and great plating & presentation too. In the couple of years I have known you, you have gone from a fun and enthusiastic dorm-room cook to a force to be reckoned with. (But still fun and enthusiastic) 😉

  97. Chris says:

    This post is a forgery! You should quit forging ahead:)

    They look like they turned out perfectly, even for someone who doesn’t like crab.

  98. I LOVE that feeling. I actually wrote a blog post in a similar vein a few months ago when I was still in the sucky stage saying that I have no idea how people that don’t know how good it can feel ever stick with running. Anyway, congrats on feeling good, and congrats on Boston!

  99. Deborah says:

    I wish I was a runner. But my back just does not like it at all. But I admire you!!

    I actually like everything you don’t like – crab, potatoes, deep frying… these are right up my alley!

  100. Eliana says:

    You didn’t make it to the next round???!!! What the heck? This conest is fixed! Cuz in my book you won the whole thing.

  101. Shannon says:

    i have to say i think i like that salad a bit better than the crab tater tots 😉 but… combining crab with tater tots probably can’t go wrong either! i’m glad you’re back to running, i hope to be soon, too!

  102. Peggy says:

    This salad and tater tots combination sounds to die for! Can’t wait to try them out!

  103. Nutmeg Nanny says:

    What an awesome looking dish! I wish I could run…I’m just to darn tubby…hehe 🙂

  104. I am sorry you didn’t farther in the food competition, you still rock!

    The crab cakes look AMAZING! love making those.

    Congrats for your return to running! I am trying at it myself.

    miss you,

    Jen

  105. That salad looks so amazing! I’m happy to hear the crab tater tots turned out much better than you expected. I’m slowly trying to get back into running right now, and by slowly I mean I’m running 10 minutes once a week. Hah. It is a slow road but I will get there!! And hearing your story is inspiring and makes me hopeful that I will.

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