Это предварительный просмотр рецепта "Hot Crab Dip in a Lemon-Garlic Baguette".

Рецепт Hot Crab Dip in a Lemon-Garlic Baguette
by Julie Ruble

You guys, HOT YOGA.

Remember how I told you I was trying out hot yoga? Well it’s time for an update, because it turns out hot yoga is amazing. And listen, I know that usually when you hear someone say a workout is amazing, you just dismiss it ’cause that person also likes running and burpees and other horrible things, so what if they’re trying to trick you?! But I ate queso for dinner and am stuck at the “couch” phase of the Couch-to-5K program, so you can trust me.*

*Note: I have plenty of those fitness-fiend friends, so I promise my suspicion of them is in jest. Mostly. But I do start to wonder when they drink kale.

Anyhow, I think I made it clear in my last yoga post that I have no idea what I’m talking about, but I’ll just tell you what I’ve experienced so far. First of all, I’m getting bendier and better at the poses with every passing class. Okay, there was that one time my yoga teacher almost lost it because after flailing around in an awkward interpretive dance trying to get my arms back into eagle or aardvark pose or whatever, I finally just slapped them together with a huff. But we’ll ignore that time. My “bow” pose felt especially bowy today, so that’s good enough for me.

I’ve also noticed that after class, my skin looks even-toned and super glowy. And not just glowy from the copious amounts of sweat, either, because it’s noticeable even after I’ve showered. I also look more muscular and toned after just the 3-4 classes I’ve done so far, which is so quick to see results! Part of it may be that losing water weight and bloat makes it easier to see your muscle definition, but my muscles really do feel stronger and more pronounced. I try to drink water consistently for the whole day before and after class to ensure I’m not just getting dehydrated.

Another great thing I’ve noticed is that you feel so flippin’ good after a hot yoga class. Class is intense (in a focused, strength way instead of a bouncy cardio way) and taxing, but after a shower and dinner I feel so comfortable and relaxed. It’s a similar feeling to the one you get when you go for a power swim through a cold pool and then take a warm shower and put on dry clothes. You know what I mean? It’s totally worth the work to earn that feeling.

Lastly, it’s one of the only workouts I don’t dread going to after work. I have an extremely rewarding but extremely taxing job — those of you who are teachers are givin’ me an AMEN right now. And as a project-based teacher facilitating student-led projects, I’m always on. Just this week I’ve worked through every single prep period supporting my students on an integrated project and taking my 9th graders on the career site visits they planned, meaning I’v gotten no down time during the day. Getting an exercise routine in place after work has been so hard these past couple of years. But hot yoga feels like a reward and a balm after a hard day — like something I’m doing to restore myself.

I just thought I’d share in case you’re on the fence about trying it. I think you should! I think you should also eat some Hot Crab Dip stuffed into a big, buttery Lemon-Garlic Baguette — another sign that you can trust my judgment. (By the way, I accidentally typed “Hot Carb Dip” just now. Coincidence? I think not.)

This hot crab dip is gorgeous but so easy — you just mix it and bake. The only slightly fiddly twist is making lemon salt, since it adds an extra step, but don’t skip it! It really takes this appetizer loaf to a whole new level. You just mix some citrus zest with salt and bake for a little over an hour on low heat to dry it out. It makes a perfect finishing salt for seafood dishes — and for this toasty garlic loaf stuffed to the brim with cheesy crab deliciousness. We ate this while watching the Super Bowl, but it’d be perfect for any party or gathering. Namaste!

One year ago: Insane Chili Cheese Dip

Two years ago: White Sheet Cake with Fluffy Whipped Icing