She Ran and Ran and Lemon Thyme Biscotti Crackers

She ran 26.3 miles in three hours and fifty six minutes, in these shoes.

 I can barely walk 3.5 miles in one hour. She ran and ran and finished in the top 15% of women her age. I’m told that for a first marathon, she did incredible. I don’t need to be told. She IS incredible. Her brother called her and told her not to let him down. She didn’t.

We went to the expo to pick up her race packet and we definitely knew we were in running country. You can get almost any sticker you want. But I liked the tee shirts; especially this one:

 The morning of the race we started walking to the race course and passed this:

I had no idea that attending the race would be so exciting. But the crowd was fun and we got our exercise going from spot to spot. Even with the neon pink pants though, we didn’t spot her until she crossed the finish line. 

She looks jubilant, doesn’t she?  She had so much adrenalin that she didn’t seem tired at all!

We did see runners on crutches and runners using hand wheels and other very inspiring moments.  It was exciting and exhausting and we were so happy she wanted us there! The course was packed with spectators and even Violet  came to see her run.

Her boyfriend ran too. He ran with shin splints. They say foodies are crazy, but I wonder how they compare to runners.

His roommate ran with him for twelve miles which is just a jaunt for him. He is planning on running 50 miles in San Francisco (think hills) in December. I am glad he is tall.

Everyone was happy.

These shoes are what started it. 

These were the shoes from the Women’s Nike Run for the Cure event she ran in April in Washington D.C. Everyone stops her when she is wearing these shoes that were made just for that race. This race she didn’t get to buy special shoes. But she was given this shirt. I think she’d agree that this was enough. After all, it’s what’s inside that counts.

And so it is that I just have this lemon thyme biscotti recipe to give to you. Just though, 
doesn’t do these justice. They are full of flavor and will enhance most any cheese. They taste bright and warm and unique.  I loved baking these this summer to go with my black pepper strawberry jam. They would make a great cracker to go with your Thanksgiving cheese or salami and they would also be delightful with tequila cranberries and goat’s cheese. But they are also great, just on their own!

Lemon Thyme Biscotti Crackers
1 1/3 c flour
1 c yellow cornmeal
1/2 c sugar
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
3 beaten eggs
1/2 lemon zested
1/4 t thyme
1/4 t fresh thyme leaves (optional)
1/4 t ground black pepper
1 c total of dried fruit and nuts (I used dried cherries, dried blueberries, and pecans.)

Position rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 325. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or you can use loaf pans.

Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, thyme and leaves, and pepper in bowl of an electric mixer. Add fruit and nuts. Beat well to mix in. Dough will be stiff and wet.

Dust counter with flour. Divide dough into four portions. Knead briefly and roll into a rope about 9 inches long and about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the finished logs or loaves in prepared pan or on prepared sheets. Brush the dough with one beaten egg yolk mixed with 1 T of milk.

Bake the loaves until golden about 25 minutes. Let these cool. Slice into thin crackers. You can leave them thicker if you want a more traditional biscotti. Arrange the slices on an ungreased baking sheet and return to the oven until they turn gold and crisp, approximately another 25 minutes. You will need to turn them once to crisp evenly. These keep for a long time in an airtight container.

Other fun recipes for Thanksgiving and Hanukkah:
Pumpkin Brown Sugar Muffins
Simple Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
Cranberry Chipotle Wonton Cups
Mushroom Lover’s Pastry
3 Ingredient Artichoke Dip
Smoky Pumpkin Hummus
Dried fruit Salami
Smoked Trout Pate
Waldorf Salad
Hot Brown Sandwich
Traditional Latkes
Parsnip Latkes
My Mother’s Brisket
Shortbread Nut Bars
Frozen Cranberry Salad
Brown Sugar Spice Cake with Caramel Glaze
Green Onion Garlic Chive Corn Bread
Onion Lover’s Twist
Gingerbread Pear Upside Down Skillet Cake