Fun at the Fair

We went to the San Diego County Fair this weekend. It was lots of fun. Every year I enter a few of the cooking contests. I've been pretty lucky bringing home lots of Blue Ribbons. This year I was only able to enter one. Sadly, not a winner this time. My healthy dish was beaten out by a pretty decadent group. Oh well, next year. If you are a local and headed to the fair be sure to head upstairs to Home & Hobby where they are selling the past Fair Cookbooks for only $2 a piece. These are the ones I have winning recipes in...

Two of my favorite past fair winners are on the blog.

Shelly's Tiramisu Protein Smoothie
Shelly's Jazzy New Orleans Muffaletta Salad

I brought my bento box packed with lunch and snacks. It really is scary the things they will batter dip and deep fry on a stick. I ate it pre-op but now I bring my own food in. I am impressed with Albertson's Supermarket, one of the Fair Sponsors who does provide what they call a "Rejuvenation Station" that has a few healthy choices. If you are local seek it out. They had Oh Yeah RTD (Ready to Drink) Protein Shakes, Cheesesticks, Hardboiled Eggs, Greek Yogurt, Nuts, Fresh Fruit Cups. Very impressed. Just before heading home I bought a Vanilla Creme Oh Yeah. Not a funnel cake or deep fried Snickers passed my lips. Proud.

Here's what I brought...

Pink Box (top left): Tomatoes, Basil, Oregano
Green Box (top right): My fair contest entry "Shelly's Protein Powerballs"
Blue Box (bottom left): Leftover Grilled Chicken, Mozzarella Mini Ball, Hunk of Rosemary Asiago Cheese
Orange Box (bottom right): Wasabi Flavored Edamame (addictive but soooo good)
 
Shelly's Protein Powerballs

1/2 cup Almond Butter
2/3 cup Chocolate Whey Protein Powder (any brand)
1 teaspoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup
1/4 cup Chopped Nuts
1/4 cup Ghirardelli  60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips (can use Sugar Free chips, the 60% were required by the contest rules)
1/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa for rolling

Mix first 6 ingredients till thoroughly combined. Roll into quarter size balls. Roll balls into unsweetened cocoa. Refrigerate. Makes 18-20 powerballs.

More bento box lunches 
Want a bento lunchbox like the one above. Here's a link.

Hope everyone has a great week!