Sunday, April 30, 2006

Copycat

I have seen and read about Sloppy Lennies for a while and decided to try them out. I was dubious of the recipe because I purchased the McDougall book (12 Days to Dynamic Health, I believe) in a moment of "i need to lose 10lbs immediately" and was sorely disappointed. I browsed a couple of different recipes for the red little guys and came up with my own version.

The result...fantastic! I have been planning on preparing SL since Wednesday but hadn't purchased the crusty bread to pair with it. After the dish was put together and simmering, I quickly jetted to Wegman's for crusty bread. I came across two delightful little sourdoughs packaged together. It was fate.

Here's where the copycat thing rears it's ugly head. Leslie of Eat Peace Please had her first Bread Bowl recently and used it for her Sloppy Lennies. I couldn't resist with these two precious individually sized sourdoughs. I really do have original ideas...sometimes.


Sloppy Lennies

1 med onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

saute in a bit of canola oil

2 c veg stock (or water, I used veg stock)
1 c red lentils, rinsed
14 oz tomato sauce
1-2 T tamari

add liquid to deglaze pan. stir in lentils and sauce. let come to a simmer.

1 jalapeno
1 red pepper
2 carrots, processed in food processor
2 handfuls of kale, processed in food processor

add in the rest of the veggies. bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes. serve with crusty bread. yummy.

Friday, April 28, 2006

Just the Beginning

Being a self-critical perfectionist, I'm not 100% thrilled with the results of my first purse. But, I realize it's a learning process and I can't wait to tackle the next one! Here it is...




Thursday, April 27, 2006

Lasagna Roll-Ups in a Bed of Bechamel Sauce

So, here they are. Eight adorable little Lasagna Roll-Ups in a bed of vegan bechamel sauce. The ones covered in cheese are B's, mine are naked.

This dish was inspired by Food Network's Everyday Italian. Although I watch this show, almost religiously, it's only for inspiration. The dishes, however fattening De Laurentiis makes them, look tasty and I love the challenge of preparing a veganized version of something traditionally very not vegan.

The filling for B's is just as on the link above, I just halved the recipe and added some fresh basil.

The flavor of my roll-ups was fantastic! (B loved his too, but I can't acurately describe their flavor.) The woodsy-nuttieness of the nutmeg paired with the marinara was complex and comforting. I plan on using the Bechamel Sauce again. It was thick, creamy, and had a soothing affect on me (which I needed, funny story to follow).


Vegan Bechamel Sauce
2 T. Earth Balance
4 t. flour
1 1/4 c. soymilk (vanilla flavored)
1/4 c. raw cashews
salt
pepper
nutmeg

1. blend soymilk, cashews, salt, and pepper in a food processor/blender until smooth.
2. melt EB over med-low heat. whisk in flour. whisk while bubbling for about three minutes to aviod a "floury" flavor.
3. whisk in the cashew milk and allow to simmer for another 3 minutes until thick and creamy, whisking occasionally.
4. pour into the bottom of baking dish


Vegan Roll-Up Filling-the "cheese" part
1/2 lb. extra-firm tofu
1 1/2 T. evoo
1 T. lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1 heaping t. yellow miso
pepper
fresh basil

1. simmer tofu in a bath of simmering salted water for about 5 min.
2. in a food processor, combine everything else
3. remove tofu from the salty bath and pat dry. place in a shallow baking dish and cover with the miso mixture. using a fork or potato masher and mash tofu until liquid is absorbed and tofu looks like curds.
4. bake at 350 for about twenty minutes, or until the tofu begins to brown.

Lastly: combine half a package of frozen spinach, about 6 thinly sliced baby bellas, and the "cheese". Roll it up and bake!


The final verdict: I loved it. B loved it. Next time, the naked roll-ups will get a little more marinara or I will reserve some Bechamel and mix it in with the "cheese" for a creamier and thicker consistency.

And now for why I needed something soothing....

It all began in high school (imagine you are seeing wavy lines and going back in time to a dream). I was driving with my boyfriend to Norton Pines late one Friday night to drop off my tennis racquet to be restrung-big tennis tournament the next day if I remember correctly. The weather was unpleasant: drizzling, cold, and windy. As we were chatting away and I was driving very responsibly, I noticed an object in the road. It looked to be a trash can, which could be completely plausible, with the wind whipping as it was. I came to a complete stop. Boyfriend asks: what are you doing? I say, now noticing that NOTHING is THERE, I thought there was something in the road. Needless to say, that's the year I found out I needed glasses.

Now to Tuesday night in Binghamton, New York.

We've been in our place for about 9 months now. It's old and the floors talk a lot. At first, I was uber-sensitive to the strange sounds and I always thought someone was in our house. In the fall when it was really windy and the creaking and groaning was at its peak, I would often get up to check if the doors were locked. But, Tuesday night was completely different.

I awoke at 3:32 am. There was a sound. It sounded like Ocho using his claws to go to town on either my sewing stuff (lazy me didn't pick it all up) or on my yoga mat. I looked beside me, there was Ocho. I turned over to face B and could see out the slightly ajar bedroom door. There it was...what looked like a person's head. They kept peeking around the corner. The head would move to the left and get a little larger, then disappear, back to the right. I kept blinking and squinting, trying to decipher what I was seeing. Then, it moved again, and this time there was more than a head, a body.

It was at this point my imagination was completely unleashed and I hit B and began screaming that there was someone in our house. My next screams were to tell this crazy person to get out of our house. B vaulted himself from a dead sleep out of bed and into the scariness of the darkened house. I stayed in bed, drenched in the sweat of fear.

B grabbed the first thing he could find to use as weapon on the intruder, the iron (good thing I was lazy and left my sewing stuff out). I hear B enter each room, the wooden floors not allowing him to tip toe silently. This should have been my first clue that there was no one in our house. A person can't walk around without the moans of the floorboards.

He came back to bed, set the iron down, and gently comforted me in my frantic state of distress. Over and over he told me that there was no one here. Then, another noise. This time we both heard it. Iron back in hand, B turned on all the lights in the house. Nothing. I still couldn't even get up to go to the bathroom. Somehow, I fell back to sleep.

Now we can laugh about it, but I haven't been that frightened in a long time. My eye doctor has told me that I'll always have more difficulty seeing at night. Does that include seeing things that aren't really there?

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Harmonias Midweek Munchies Meme
A Veg*n Meme

What wonderful foods did you bring home from the grocery store?

Midweek Munchies: What Ann is contributing for the week



shredded mozarella-for B
Tofutti Cream Cheese
Tofurky Italian Sausage
Ricotta-for B
Earth Balance
1 lb extra firm tofu*
4 boxes frozen chopped spinach* (on sale, stocked up)
Newman's Own Round Pretzels
Silk-vanilla
Penne-multigrain, we'll see...
lasagna noodles
marinara
agave nectar(they finally had it!!!!)*
pinapple juice*
fresh mint*
kale
2 mangoes*
cut seedless watermelon
basil
fresh strawberries*
bananas
raw cashews*

Links to other Midweek Munchies
(If you participate, leave your link in the comments and I'll post it below; or, you can post in the comments)

Click here for the Midweek Munchies code
Click here for Harmonia's blog

Trackbacks, pings, and comment links are accepted and encouraged!
Technorati Tag:

A special thanks to Running2Ks and Rift for all of their help with coding, graphics, and encouragement for this project.

PURPOSE of Midweek Munchies: Put together by a small group of Veg Women, we hope to spread the word about healthy vegetarianism while obtaining idea starters for meals, recipes, learn about new products, and meet other female veg*n bloggers. Visiting and commenting on other participants lists are encouraged but not required. Have fun and Go Veg!



Here's the plan:

1. spinach lasagna roll-ups in vegan bechamel sauce(half with cheese for B, half with tofu for me)
2. penne with spinach sauce
3. sloppy lennies
4. pizza

Pictures to follow soon...

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Demo Bag-It's a HIT!



It's a lunch bag! When I was making it, I kept thinking how my mother carries an ancient(I'm putting it nicely) canvas bag made for her by a student's mom. The last time I saw it there were multiple war wounds along with several peculiar stains. She gets snaps for her eco-friendly approach to the typical "brown-bag-lunch", but I can't imagine it's all that appetizing to eat out of it everyday. As I was sewing away I decided to do give my mother the lunch bag for her last hurrahs as an elementary school teacher.



I announced the completion of the demo to B from the other room and proudly walked into his office with my treasure hung carefully over my shoulder. His first words: are you sure you're going to be able to give that away? He knows me too well. I timidly said: sure, I can give it to my mom. She really needs it. But in my heart of hearts, I didn't know if I could actually part with the darling little thing.

I spoke with my mother last night. I forgot she upgraded to a thermal lunch box--watch out 21st century! She said she would love to carry my bag to school but she's all set and that I should really keep it as an example to show people. Thanks mom, you know me too well too!

With the demo quite successfully completed, I began on my very first purse. I wanted to show you the front panel, beaded last night during the eventful Cubbie game.



And for kicks, a couple different pics of that adorable little lunch bag!



Monday, April 24, 2006

Sewing and Smoothies



I wanted to share the tasty concoction I made on Sunday morning. This is an apple smoothie. It was a very non-traditional smoothie, one that didn't receive rave reviews upon presentation. I thought it was excellent and can't wait to have another.


Apple Smoothie
1 frozen banana
6 oz. vanilla soy yogurt (Silk)
3/4 pink lady apple, diced
2 apple juice ice cubes
pinch cinnamon
apple juice

1. blend banana-cinnamon in blender
2. add apple juice to achieve the perfect consistancy
3. garnish with a couple of scrapes of nutmeg and another pinch of cinnamon
(I used the apple skin too, more fiber!)

I went to JoAnn's yesterday (the coupon was burning a hole in my wallet!) to scope out the scrap fabric situation. I found 2 PERFECT fabrics for purses. I hauled out the Husqvarna Viking and began making a demo lunch bag using Apron #1 and #2 scraps. So far, so good.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Mid(end of)week Munchies

I have been faithfully logging on to Eat Peace Please everyday and decided I would try my hand at this Midweek Munchies thing. Being so new to the world of blogging, I'm not sure about different aspects of this medium...who can I link to? is it okay to link to people who have no clue who I am and probably wouldn't be interested in my blog? can I use other people's blog ideas like Midweek Munchies? So, I'm just blazing ahead without a lot of answers.

Harmonias Midweek Munchies Meme
A Veg*n Meme

What wonderful foods did you bring home from the grocery store?

Midweek Munchies: What Ann is contributing for the week


B and I had a very exciting Friday night...we went to Wegman's(it's slightly better than a Friday night Target trip and I must share with everyone that most of the people we saw in Wegman's were couples who seemed to also have nothing better to do on a Friday night). I'm all about smoothies at the moment so I wanted to stock up on some smoothie supplies.

1 bag frozen strawberries
1 bag frozen raspberries
1 bag frozen blackberries
1 bag frozen peaches
1 pint raspberry sorbet
1 pint lemon sorbet
1 pint chocolate sorbet
pinapple juice concentrate
orange juice concentrate
3 mini cartons chocolate silk
1 carton vanilla silk
2 pkgs silken tofu
apple juice
pinapple juice
orange juice
silk yogurts: vanilla, blueberry, & raspberry
bunch of bananas
fresh watermelon
fresh pinapple
3 limes
Negra Modelo
coffee

The last three items aren't exactly for the smoothies.


Links to other Midweek Munchies
(If you participate, leave your link in the comments and I'll post it below; or, you can post in the comments)

Click here for the Midweek Munchies code
Click here for Harmonia's blog

Trackbacks, pings, and comment links are accepted and encouraged!
Technorati Tag:

A special thanks to Running2Ks and Rift for all of their help with coding, graphics, and encouragement for this project.

PURPOSE of Midweek Munchies: Put together by a small group of Veg Women, we hope to spread the word about healthy vegetarianism while obtaining idea starters for meals, recipes, learn about new products, and meet other female veg*n bloggers. Visiting and commenting on other participants lists are encouraged but not required. Have fun and Go Veg!

Friday, April 21, 2006

Sewing Project #2 is Unveiled!

So, I'm finally posting the latest creation! It's just been so lovely outside, check the feet, that I'm enjoying the sunshine rather than the glow from my laptop.

This apron is slightly longer than the first. I love the colors. Check out the reverse side!
I also wanted to mention that I've added a link on My Inner-Geek. You can click on the flickr link to see some of my other crafty creations. But, this is still a work in progess, so pardon the "not-so-much-togetherness" of the page. Thanks!

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Saturday Supper

The weather is beautiful! Therefore, I'm not inside as frequently and I haven't posted in a while. Too busy running, fixing up the yard, washing the car, and in the middle of all that...trying to find a job. I've decided to bite the proverbial "bullet" and apply for a New York teaching certificate. I need to give teaching another try. Oh, and my great friend A just gave me a link to a teacher-headhunter service to help find private schools to work in. I'm up for anything now...this headhunter might even be useful if we end up in Germany for a year, they have placement services in Europe!

Now for the tasty concoction I made for us last night! I've become slightly more aware of how much I'm spending at the market so pasta seems to be beginning to make an appearance on our plates more frequently. Last night I made my own version of Puttanesca, a spicy tomato sauce that was traditionally prepared by the "ladies" of the bordellos. In researching this recipe, I realized I need to make 2 very drastic modifications: 1)no black olives-B can't stand them 2)no sardines--I'm trying to be a better vegan and I don't think B would eat it if he found out they were in the dish. I modified Emeril's recipe and added a little of my own veggie-friendly touch. The result was FANTASTIC!


Vegan Pasta Puttanesca
olive oil
1 c finely chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz can whole tomatoes
3-4 fresh tomatoes, diced
2 T tomato paste
1 t red pepper flakes
1-2 t dried basil
1-2 t dried oregano
2 T capers
2 T sundried tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch fresh arugula, chopped
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

1. in lg pot or skillet, heat olive oil over med/high heat. add onion and saute until soft & lightly carmelized (about 6 min).
2. add garlic, cook about 2 min.
3. add tomatoes-sundried tomatoes.
4. bring to a boil, cover, and simmer over low heat for about 45 min.
5. season with salt & pepper. add arugula.
6. toss in 1 lb pasta (we had penne)


Sunday, April 09, 2006

Sewing Project #1--Complete

I mentioned that 'the greatest parents ever' bought a Husqvarna Viking sewing machine for me while they were visiting in the previous post. Since this purchase, I have not left the house. I'm in love....or is it obsession?

I orginally thought I would begin making bags/purses. J and I have the sweet little purses from c.c.bolsi that I wanted to begin to try and replicate. But, I was bit by a different bug, the apron bug. Here is apron #1.





It might look cute but I know where the problems are. That's why I'm working on apron #2! and I'm slowly working out all the kinks. Look for apron #2 soon.

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Cupcakes and Parents

I'm posting these pictures a little late (sorry L). My parents have been in town so I've been pre-occupied. Also, the best parents in the world bought me the sewing machine I've been drooling over for a couple of months. That probably better explains my tardiness in posting. But think of all the great pictures of craftiness yet to come!

I used cupcake recipes from Chocklyit's blog. I wouldn't have even imagined making cupcakes until I saw her blog and began to salivate. She is amazing in the baking department. When B turned 30 I made 3 different kinds of cupcakes based on recipes from Chocklyit's blog. They were all tasty but I had some difficulty in the decorating/frosting department, probably because I'm a perfectionist.

When I heard my parents were going to visit I got busy planning a special dinner and of course, some special cupcakes. I decided to make Roasted Leg of Lamb. WOW! It was really good. I didn't take pictures of the dinner because I had a re-re moment and it completely slipped my mind. I promise, J and S, that I will remember to take pictures of all the fun and tasty food I make so you can get dinner ideas!

Anyway, here are my cupcake results. The verdict from the mouths of the parents, delicious!


Here are all the cupcakes living together peacefully before frosting.


L and I have discussed (at length) the problem
of "cupcake collapse." The cupcakes baked in the special nut and candy containers acutally domed beautifully! The regular baking cups were just flat. I think part of my problem was the need for new baking powder. Buy new stuff people, it really does make a difference. Here are my "perfect ones." Needless to say, no one could eat them. They are too pretty.



I made chocolate cupcakes with mint buttercream frosting and sweet little mint green pastilles.



Lastly, I made vanilla cupcakes (just the plain cake was awesome) with mint flavored whipped cream filling and raspberry mousse on top. They are pretty cute.




Monday, April 03, 2006

Beating the Monday Blues

Thank you again, The Voluptuous Vegan! I have not made an even moderately tasting meal from this cookbook, everything has been outstanding. (Okay, that's a little overstated. I should say that 98% of the recipes I've made have been tremendous.)

Staying true to my "spring-y inspiration," I prepared Chickpea Crepes with Grilled Spring Vegetables, Tofu"Cheese," and Spinach-Basil Sauce. The synopsis:

  • I was a little intimidated by crepes before beginning, but they were a snap. The chickpea flour was not overpowering and the chives added a little "herbiness."
  • The grilled veggies were awesome: asparagus, zucchini, red bell pepper, scallions, and artichokes. The artichokes won't be making further apperances in my kitchen.
  • The spinach-basil sauce was out of this world! I'm using that as my "go-to" pesto from now on.
  • The tofu "cheese" was not called that tonight as B wouldn't have even tried it because it's "something posing as something else." The tofu was great, it had a slight cinnamon taste, was nice and moist, and will be a great topping for salad or putting on a sandwich.


Doesn't it look delicious!

Spinach-Basil Sauce (The Voluptuous Vegan)

3/4 lb fresh spinach
4 T EVOO
1 med. onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic
1 c fresh basil leaves
1 scallion, chopped 1-in. pieces
1 t yellow barley miso
1 jalapeno, stem removed, halved
1/2 c water
2 T pine nuts (I used walnuts)
1 t sea salt
2 T fresh lemon juice
  1. prep spinach-cut off bottom few inches of stems and wash. with just water, cook in large pot or skillet over med. heat, tossing with tongs frequently to wilt leaves. transfer to blender.
  2. heat 2 T EVOO in saute pan. add onions and garlic, cook over med/low heat until softened and beginning to brown. add to blender.
  3. add basil, scallions, miso, jalapeno, water, nuts, remaining 2 T EVOO, and salt to blender. blend until smooth. (you don't NEED the remaining 2 T EVOO, I didn't use it)
  4. add lemon juice no more than 1 hr. before serving. heat sauce gently until warm. add water to make thinner if needed.

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Spring Sunday

Binghamton is experiencing it's spring-y weather, finally. The feeling of spring is, for me, incomparable. I love it. I feel rejuvinated. Thoughts of change, growth, re-dedication are ever present as the sun warms my skin, the sound of birds fills the house, and the scent of growing green things is in the air. I was inspired to cook something with a light and spring-like feel tonight. Food Network's Barefoot Contessa got me craving salmon and veggies.

Doesn't it look yummy?

Salmon Marinade
2 T dijon mustard
3 T soy sauce
5 T extra virgin olive oil
3-4 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

1. make marinade
2. cut salmon into nice size servings
3. in glass dish, cover the fish with half of the marinade
4. cover with foil and put in the fridge for at least 2 hours
5. heat grill or grill pan to med. high heat.
6. cook salmon 5 min on each side
7. drizzle reserve marinade on cooked fish and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes

I served the salmon with Jasmine rice which was jazzed up with freshly chopped parsley and scallions. I also served sugar snap peas and asparagus sauted in EVOO with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. The salad on the side is romaine, spinach, parsely, and sweet grape tomatoes with a simple dressing of dijon mustard, EVOO, and lemon juice.

B was in heaven.

This is what I choose to eat most of the time (the brussel sprouts are sometimes swapped out for broccoli or spinach). I just love baked potatoes!



My parents are coming to upstate New York for a short visit this week. Cleaning time is here! I'm also planning a terrific dinner for Wednesday night, topped off with 2 kinds of cupcakes!