tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24346720320148942002024-02-20T02:24:14.904-05:00Peas. Love. Balance.Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-77227339791825012952012-04-15T13:08:00.000-04:002012-04-15T13:08:47.196-04:00My First Kale SaladWoah, sorry for my laze-induced absence from PLB! I was on spring break for the last week and a half, so naturally I had BIG plans and an even bigger to-do list (i.e.: <i>spring</i> clean the apt., do portfolio, finish NYC teaching application, clean out the fridge...) Fast forward to today, and I only have a clean fridge. I guess it's better than nothing, right? Yesterday, though I came to the realization that things need to change around here. As fun as it has been drinking fancy beers with J, catching up on Breaking Bad, and stuffing my face with carbs - I'm pretty sure my bod doesn't appreciate it. I tried on my bridesmaid dress for my cousin's wedding, and it doesn't fit - HOLY CRAP, I haven't had anything not fit in at least 3 years! So Erica - I'm doing this for you girl because I know you don't want a stuffed sausage in your bridal party ;)<br />
After my heart attack trying the dress on I knew I needed a plan. Here's how that went:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Start crying</li>
<li>Start feeling bad for myself and convince myself that I'm just one of those people that can't lose weight as a vegan even though I work <b><i>so hard </i></b></li>
<li>Realize that I have eaten hardcore carbs with every meal (bread, bagels, pasta...) paired with at least 4 beers (and <b><u>not</u></b> light ones) every night for the past 10 days </li>
<li>Remember that I have slacked on cardio</li>
<li>...Admit that I have a problem - hey that's the first step right??</li>
</ol>
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SO I am majorly upping my veggie intake, limiting wheat ...and banning beer :( (Don't worry though we bought a large bottle of vodka and some seltzer last night - you didn't think I was going to stop drinking did you?)</div>
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My plan is to have carbs with one meal a day - let's see how that goes! </div>
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One problem is that I am so not a salad person, I get super bored with them and need to mix them up all the time. I decided to make a kale salad today because, well, I'm a fat cow right now - remember?</div>
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I was a little scared of kale salads, so if you are too don't worry I can now say they are pretty good! </div>
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Fool around with the ingredients all you want, this my version of a kale salad I found on <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/06/17/weekend-glow-kale-salad/">Oh She Glows</a> with dressing from Veganomicon (amaz cook book!!)</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Red Kale Salad with Miso Tahini Dressing</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0Wc2cBwlCU/T4r-hqnIPfI/AAAAAAAABO4/yYvVhTRtAMk/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0Wc2cBwlCU/T4r-hqnIPfI/AAAAAAAABO4/yYvVhTRtAMk/s320/IMG_2628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients - Salad </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>About 4 cups red kale - chopped, rinsed & dried well</li>
<li>1 cup chopped cucumber</li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped carrots </li>
<li>Handful of Gogi berries (can sub craisins)</li>
<li>Handful of walnuts - I just broke them up into the salad </li>
<li>2 TBSP chia seeds </li>
</ul>
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<i>Ingredients - Dressing</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>1/4 C white mellow miso</li>
<li>1/4 C tahini</li>
<li>1/4 (or more) warm water </li>
</ul>
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<i>Directions</i></div>
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<div>
<ul>
<li>Wash and dry your kale - I chopped it up and threw it in a salad spinner</li>
<li>Put kale in a medium sized bowl</li>
<li>Chop up cukes and carrots - throw them in the bowl to hang with the kale</li>
<li>Make your dressing, so easy: put all ingredients in a bowl and whisk it up, add more water if you want to thin it out - this recipe is way more dressing than you need so you can transfer it to a container now if you want </li>
<li>Pour about 1/4 cup of dressing over the veggies </li>
<li>Massage the dressing in to the kale ;) </li>
<li>Let it all come together in the fridge for about 15 minutes</li>
<li>Clean up that big mess you just made </li>
<li>When you're ready to eat sprinkle in the chia seeds & walnuts </li>
<li>Enjoy!!</li>
</ul>
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Peas & Love,</div>
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~L</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-40981768997434695112012-04-09T19:08:00.001-04:002012-04-09T19:08:19.930-04:00Sweet Potato & Chickpea BurgersI hope you all had a happy Easter! I don't know about you, but the day after holidays my body is in need of a serious detox. Yesterday was filled with delish foods & an abundance of wine, which left me hurting a little today! A <a href="http://greenmonstermovement.com/">green monster</a> and a few gallons of water later, I'm back! And just in time to post my recipe for the yummy sweet potato burgers we made for dinner, you're welcome ;)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Potato & Chickpea Burgers</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Inpired by <a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2012/02/easy-sweet-potato-veggie-burgers-with.html">Healthy Happy Life's Sweet Potato Veggie Burger,</a> mmmm!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C164UlmiVgA/T4NnJFfx_aI/AAAAAAAABOw/o042iFJnJY4/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C164UlmiVgA/T4NnJFfx_aI/AAAAAAAABOw/o042iFJnJY4/s320/IMG_2625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>1 can of chickpeas</li>
<li>1 large sweet potato, baked or microwaved & peeled </li>
<li>2 TBSP tahini</li>
<li>1 tsp maple syrup</li>
<li>1/4 C whole wheat flour</li>
<li>Any spices you like, I used:</li>
<ul>
<li>1 tsp chipotle chili powder</li>
<li>1 tsp chili powder </li>
<li>1 tsp garlic powder </li>
<li>Salt & Pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<li>Bowl full o' panko bread crumbs</li>
</ul>
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<i>Directions</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>Bake up or microwave your sweet potato - I microwaved in (after poking some holes in in with a fork) for about 5 minutes, let it cool and peeled the skin off </li>
<li>While you're waiting for your tater, throw the can of <i>drained</i> chickpeas into a food processor and turn it up! It should be a little chunky </li>
<li>Throw in the sweet potato, tahini, maple syrup and spices - give it a whir!</li>
<li>Separate into about 8 patties </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gknaB7I3qLY/T4NmsnaxYxI/AAAAAAAABN4/BygmMzvjngA/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gknaB7I3qLY/T4NmsnaxYxI/AAAAAAAABN4/BygmMzvjngA/s320/IMG_2605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUvM0Gj3gjM/T4Nm0ycN7RI/AAAAAAAABOI/TVLw0xpqLiM/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUvM0Gj3gjM/T4Nm0ycN7RI/AAAAAAAABOI/TVLw0xpqLiM/s320/IMG_2610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Coat both sides of the patties in the panko </li>
<li>Add to a hot pan with about 2 TBSP of safflower (or any oil of your choice)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmk3NS8lAKU/T4NmwmRJnII/AAAAAAAABOA/X2wIRfhO-J0/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmk3NS8lAKU/T4NmwmRJnII/AAAAAAAABOA/X2wIRfhO-J0/s320/IMG_2606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Cook for 4-5 minutes each side until they get nice and crispy</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq7qXNjXnNU/T4Nm-0EqKuI/AAAAAAAABOg/ZKzvsYj2_zc/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq7qXNjXnNU/T4Nm-0EqKuI/AAAAAAAABOg/ZKzvsYj2_zc/s320/IMG_2619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Toast up a bun (if you're ever in Whole Foods try the 365 whole wheat buns - trust me!!), top it with avocado and a good whole grain mustard - mmmmmmm!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C164UlmiVgA/T4NnJFfx_aI/AAAAAAAABOw/o042iFJnJY4/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C164UlmiVgA/T4NnJFfx_aI/AAAAAAAABOw/o042iFJnJY4/s320/IMG_2625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I put the leftover patties in a freezer bag - not sure how that's going to turn out, guess we'll have to wait and see!!</div>
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Peas & Love</div>
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~L</div>
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<br /></div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-32474716859807665092012-04-05T18:11:00.000-04:002012-04-05T18:11:01.460-04:00Carmelized Onion & Mushroom Tomato SauceI haven't really missed meat at all since I went vegan (cheese, yogurt & eggs are another story... sometimes, but we'll save that for another day) except in my tomato sauces. Although I've never been a red meat eater, I always put either turkey chop meat or turkey/chicken sausages in my sauces. I know that I could always use a fake sausage substitute, but you all know how I now feel about <a href="http://peaslovebalance.blogspot.com/2012/03/packaged-food-crutch.html">processed foods & fake meat</a>. I wanted to bulk up my sauce today - and what better way than with portobello mushrooms!?<br />
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Since I am in the middle of an insanely busy (3 DAY!) work week, there are no fancy progression pictures - I hope that you can forgive me, I know how much you all appreciate my iphone photography ;) </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Carmelized Onion & Mushroom Tomato Sauce</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAY-qiq4ZiU/T34YbEg6fHI/AAAAAAAABNw/_oaYlSfXGtg/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAY-qiq4ZiU/T34YbEg6fHI/AAAAAAAABNw/_oaYlSfXGtg/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>1 medium sized onion</li>
<li>4 cloves of garlic</li>
<li>1 portobello mushroom</li>
<li>1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes</li>
<li>2 TBSP balsamic vinegar </li>
<li>1/4 tsp oregano</li>
<li>1/4 tsp thyme</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
</ul>
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<i>Instructions</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>Sweat chopped onions for about 15 minutes in 1 TBSP EVOO (sweating = onions & oil in a saucepan over med/low heat <b>with lid on</b>)</li>
<li>Take lid off - turn up the heat! (med/high) and stir around another 15 minutes, until the onion is brownish but not burnt </li>
<li>Add chopped garlic & mushroom to the pan for about 10 minutes, until they become nice & soft</li>
<li>Add tomatoes, spices & balsamic (gives it a nice tangy/sweet taste) </li>
<li>Simmer for 20-30 minutes or longer, the longer you simmer the better it tastes!</li>
<li>Serve over your fave pasta :) </li>
</ul>
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Peas & Love,</div>
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~L</div>
</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-49576320060967140542012-03-26T18:45:00.000-04:002012-04-09T19:19:54.167-04:00Busy Weekend & Homemade Almond MilkSheesh, this has been one caraaazy month! It seems like every weekend we are running all over or traveling somewhere - it makes my two short days off go way too quickly! This weekend I tried to make the most of my time by making my own almond milk - I tried two different methods and found a winner:<br />
<b>Attempt 1: (not the winner - but good if you don't feel like/forget to soak your almonds)</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Bring <b>2 cups of water</b> to a boil in a small sauce pan</li>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Add </span><b style="text-align: center;">1 cup of almonds</b><span style="text-align: center;"> and boil for about 3 minutes </span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HvI8A3IqJ4/T3DtHrVgDZI/AAAAAAAABLQ/9gf9XmFGpn4/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HvI8A3IqJ4/T3DtHrVgDZI/AAAAAAAABLQ/9gf9XmFGpn4/s320/IMG_1071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<ul>
<li>Drain almonds - allow to cool for a few minutes </li>
<li>Peel skin off of almonds</li>
<li>Place almonds & 2 cups of water in bender - blend on high for a few minutes </li>
<li>You may need to shake it around a few times or stir with a wooden spoon... unless you have a fancy schmancy blender</li>
<li>Add another 1-2 cups of water, depending on how thick you like your almond milk </li>
<li>Blend again</li>
<li>Strain through either a cheesecloth or an awesome nut milk bag!</li>
<li>Refrigerate & enjoy!</li>
</ul>
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<b>Attempt 2: WINNER!! </b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Soak <b>1 cup of almonds</b> in about 2 cups of water - make sure almonds are covered </li>
<li>In the morning peel almonds (time consuming, but worth it AND if you do it half asleep at 6 am like I did you won't even notice how annoying it is!)</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_kWs49Vs9o/T3DtPaoiaTI/AAAAAAAABLo/rmoPHqpW4jU/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_kWs49Vs9o/T3DtPaoiaTI/AAAAAAAABLo/rmoPHqpW4jU/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just give it a little squeeze!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MRH2Wmce1Ng/T3DtSQU0uWI/AAAAAAAABLw/IJsg4k5pWKg/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MRH2Wmce1Ng/T3DtSQU0uWI/AAAAAAAABLw/IJsg4k5pWKg/s320/IMG_1075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<ul>
<li>Place <b>almonds, 2 cups of water, a tiny dash of salt and about 1/2 tsp agave nectar </b>in blender</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQZrRK5gcEw/T3DtZHMnAkI/AAAAAAAABMA/Fy2fLq_KdA0/s1600/IMG_1077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQZrRK5gcEw/T3DtZHMnAkI/AAAAAAAABMA/Fy2fLq_KdA0/s320/IMG_1077.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzy3fNNpojk/T3Dtp_ll2CI/AAAAAAAABMw/OTdikVDizRQ/s1600/IMG_1083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rzy3fNNpojk/T3Dtp_ll2CI/AAAAAAAABMw/OTdikVDizRQ/s320/IMG_1083.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Blend for a few minutes - again shaking and stirring as needed </li>
<li>Once it is all white and frothy add 1-2 cups of water - again depending on how thick you want it </li>
<li>Blend </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPIGyoA4YbI/T3DtsoBmZdI/AAAAAAAABM4/EQ4hr7UYe8o/s1600/IMG_1084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RPIGyoA4YbI/T3DtsoBmZdI/AAAAAAAABM4/EQ4hr7UYe8o/s320/IMG_1084.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Strain</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJsUkhU_E_Y/T3DtzFCl4aI/AAAAAAAABNI/wq1J29Ko3Kc/s1600/IMG_1086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJsUkhU_E_Y/T3DtzFCl4aI/AAAAAAAABNI/wq1J29Ko3Kc/s320/IMG_1086.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nut-Milk-Bag--New-Improved/dp/B00158U8DU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332801407&sr=8-1">nut milk bag</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Attempt 1 was not as sweet and flavorful and a little more watery (probably more my fault than the recipes) Also - I read that soaking almonds removes toxic enzyme inhibitors that make it difficult for us to digest them (<a href="http://www.goodhealthwellnessblog.com/237/health-benefits-of-soaking-almonds/">source</a>) so soaking makes them easier for us to digest and reap those almondy benefits.</div>
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I was so excited when I tasted Attempt 2 - it was delicious!! It didn't taste like the almond milk I buy, but it was SO good! I'm pretty excited that I can have almond milk without the tricalcium phosphate, xanthan gum, ergocalciferol and dl-alpha tocopherol acetate - <b>WOAH </b>I can't believe I hadn't read those ingredients sooner...</div>
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BONUS - if you're feeling really crazy (or <i>hungover</i>...) make yourself some <b>chocolate almond milk!</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chocolate Almond Milk</b></span></div>
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2 cups almond milk</div>
2 tsp maple syrup<br />
4 drops vanilla extract<br />
2 tsp cocoa powder<br />
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Throw ingredients in the blender (or whisk for a few minutes) and ENJOY! </div>
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<b>Peas & Love!</b><br />
<b>-L</b>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-37992484174952553662012-03-20T20:54:00.000-04:002012-03-20T20:54:17.400-04:00Slow Cooker Chana MasalaTrue story: I found chana masala by accident. We went out to get some Indian for dinner, and I was at a complete loss. My go-to Indian food was always chicken masala, I <b>loved </b>it (and miss it a little) and being a ordering scaredy cat, I had no idea what to get. I am that annoying person that takes forever to make up their mind, and am then plagued by extreme guilt after ordering... So when we were ordering I told my waiter that I am vegan and left my fate in his hands - he chose a chana masala for me. I fell in love. This morning I was brave enough to tackle my own version, well my crock pot was at least. I was greeted with a nice hot dinner and a yummy smelling house when I got home today, I <b>love</b> my crock pot!<br />
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Oh! There's no funky processed foods in here either ;)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Slow Cooker Chana Masala </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcnM52EmL1w/T2kk5GwzMMI/AAAAAAAABK4/sAqCb8xA4G4/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcnM52EmL1w/T2kk5GwzMMI/AAAAAAAABK4/sAqCb8xA4G4/s320/IMG_1050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>2 cups dried chick peas (or 2 16 oz cans, although I *highly* recommend using dried!)</li>
<li>4 cups water </li>
<li>1 onion - chopped</li>
<li>28 oz can diced tomatoes</li>
<li>6 oz can tomato paste</li>
<li>3 tsp garam masala</li>
<li>2 tsp garlic powder</li>
<li>1 tsp cumin</li>
<li>1 tsp cayenne (you can cut back if you don't like heat)</li>
<li>1/2 tsp ground coriander</li>
<li>1/2 tsp turmeric </li>
<li>salt to taste</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>*THE NIGHT BEFORE* place chick peas and water in crock pot - put on low and get a good night's sleep ;) (skip this step if using canned chick peas)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ubC9ejcp7mA/T2kk02w8_tI/AAAAAAAABKg/mv6DAkBQH-c/s1600/IMG_1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ubC9ejcp7mA/T2kk02w8_tI/AAAAAAAABKg/mv6DAkBQH-c/s320/IMG_1047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Wake up to plump beautiful & <b>delicious</b> chick peas - sorry canned but I'm <i>over you</i></li>
<li>Dump the rest of the ingredients in</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulpKgmRQLH0/T2kk2BqpcgI/AAAAAAAABKo/N1hNoBbT8g0/s1600/IMG_1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ulpKgmRQLH0/T2kk2BqpcgI/AAAAAAAABKo/N1hNoBbT8g0/s320/IMG_1048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Give a stir </li>
<li>Cook on low for at least 8 hours</li>
<li>Come home serve over brown rice, throw in some warmed naan for good measure!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCuCmaindoc/T2kk3UB_LiI/AAAAAAAABKw/-E0pd6Zzs8E/s1600/IMG_1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCuCmaindoc/T2kk3UB_LiI/AAAAAAAABKw/-E0pd6Zzs8E/s320/IMG_1049.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<ul>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ul>
<div>
Peas & Love,</div>
</div>
<div>
~L</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-59885924130991633142012-03-17T09:28:00.000-04:002012-03-17T09:28:01.952-04:00Packaged Food Crutch<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While I have thoroughly enjoyed my recent binge with all types of vegan comfort & convenience foods (tofu, tempeh, macaroni & teese, daiya, gardein, pre-packaged veggie burgers, bagels with tofutti - actually <i>anything</i> with tofutti!!) my body has not. The past few days I have been sluggish so I started thinking about what I have been eating. I realized that while these things tasted good and reminded me of delicious foods I haven't eaten in a while, they are also the exact <b>opposite </b>of what I was trying to achieve when I started eating vegan a few months ago. I did this because I wanted to feel <b>healthier</b>! For me, eating fake cheese & meat was a fast track to feeling <i>worse</i>. Instead of beating myself up about it, I'll call those packaged foods training wheels. They helped me get on my way while I removed all things meat & dairy related from my diet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's my (new & improved) philosophy on packaged foods-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>Don't Eat It If:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. It has an insane amount of ingredients (I like to shoot for a max of 5)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. You can't pronounce or don't recognize some of the ingredients - the last time I checked e<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">thoxylated diglycerides don't grow on trees- don't freaking eat it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. It contains high fructose corn syrup, even if the commercials promise it's ok... it's not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. It contains isolated soy protein - this causes a whole mess of problems with digestion, hormonal imbalances & reproduction, not a good scene.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ideally I'd like to not eat <i>any</i> packaged foods or at least consume them rarely. If you want to be a superstar you should concentrate on eating only whole foods. It seems like these buzz words are everywhere and they may even bring other ones to mind - like organic, locally grown, all natural, pesticide free... but the definition of a whole food is way simpler than that. A whole food is exactly that - the food as a whole. It's the difference between an orange and orange juice, a baked potato and french fries, an apple and apple sauce. It's best to eat something in it's natural state, or the way it was "born" for lack of a better word. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's a quick dinner I whipped up last night (after making <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2012/03/12/homemade-baileys-irish-creammade-vegan/">vegan Bailey's</a> in preparation for my cousin's St. Patty's day Bachelorette party!!) Since I haven't gone food shopping all week I needed to wing it, so next time hopefully no canned products :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Spinach & Artichoke Quinoa</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SGAdNJKKoc/T2SQeJbp4DI/AAAAAAAABKY/7sQrgEZ507I/s1600/IMG_1037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SGAdNJKKoc/T2SQeJbp4DI/AAAAAAAABKY/7sQrgEZ507I/s320/IMG_1037.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Ingredients</i></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 C uncooked quinoa</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 C vegetable broth</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 TBSP safflower oil (for sautéing) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 minced/pressed garlic cloves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 C sun dried tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 can artichoke hearts (I used a can since I have never prepared artichoke hearts before and I don't know how to!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups baby spinach</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Directions</i></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Start prepping your quinoa - bring broth to a boil, add quinoa - lower to a simmer and cover for about 15 minutes </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While your quinoa is cooking pour safflower oil in a large pan over medium/high heat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add garlic cloves and cook them for about 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add artichoke hearts <b>make sure you drain them well if using canned!</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Break up artichokes with a wooden spoon and let them brown up with the garlic for about 5-8 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chop up your sun dried tomatoes and add them to the pan for another 5 minutes </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When your quinoa is done add it to the pan as well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Turn off the heat or down very low </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add raw baby spinach and cover for 2-3 minutes to wilt it down a little without completely shriveling it up</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mix together and voila!</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The flavors together tasted yummy and there was no faux cheese or meat in sight - score!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Happy St. Patty's Day Friends!!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Peas & Love</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~L</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-86864587487773748022012-03-12T20:21:00.001-04:002012-03-12T20:21:49.975-04:00Vegan Mushroom StroganoffTwice in one day!? Pretty much unheard of for PLB, so I hope you enjoy it! Our dinner was so delish, and I was feeling pretty guilty for not posting a recipe in a few days so here ya go!<br />
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By the way, I am really on a tempeh kick, and I hope you are too<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(based off of <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2012/02/26/cozy-millet-bowl-with-mushroom-gravy-and-kale/">this recipe </a>from OhSheGlows)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKpMPIHS744/T16PRovWErI/AAAAAAAABJo/0TA7vePdUsk/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKpMPIHS744/T16PRovWErI/AAAAAAAABJo/0TA7vePdUsk/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1 medium onion - chopped</li>
<li>3 cloves of garlic - chopped, pressed or minced</li>
<li>2 portobello mushrooms - chopped</li>
<li>1 package of tempeh - sliced into bite sized pieces</li>
<li>1 8 oz package of fettucini (I used an 8 oz package of spinach fettucini by DeBoles)</li>
<li>2 tsp dried rosemary or 2 TBSP fresh</li>
<li>4 TBSP tamari or soy sauce</li>
<li>4 TBSP nutritional yeast</li>
<li>2-4 tsp arrowroot (not sure how much I used in the end!)</li>
<li>2 cups vegetable broth</li>
<li>2 cups chopped kale - stems removed </li>
<li>Salt & Pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Heat a large skillet over med/high heat - with about 1 TBSP safflower or sunflower oil, saute garlic and onions for about 5 minutes </li>
<li>Add chopped mushrooms and saute for about 10 minutes </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLHM9zUpoPk/T16SXWOqG1I/AAAAAAAABJw/FZGLNVeUB2c/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLHM9zUpoPk/T16SXWOqG1I/AAAAAAAABJw/FZGLNVeUB2c/s320/IMG_1021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>In a separate pan, brown up your sliced tempeh; about 4 minutes each side over med/high heat - when golden remove from heat</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3B19vlgM1o/T16SYWulfHI/AAAAAAAABJ4/U5jFF91BfFQ/s1600/IMG_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3B19vlgM1o/T16SYWulfHI/AAAAAAAABJ4/U5jFF91BfFQ/s320/IMG_1023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Stir in nutritional yeast, tamari, and rosemary and let them cook for 2-3 minutes; then add vegetable broth</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIn9fvRxM0s/T16SZfyBxcI/AAAAAAAABKA/m0b4wOu9lCk/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yIn9fvRxM0s/T16SZfyBxcI/AAAAAAAABKA/m0b4wOu9lCk/s320/IMG_1027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>In a small cup, mix 2 tsp arrowroot with a few drops of water until it becomes a liquidy paste - pour into pan, keep doing until you reach the consistency you are looking for - I wanted mine thickish to stick to the fettucini</li>
<li>Throw in your fettucini (or pasta of choice) and cook according to package</li>
<li>Add tempeh and kale to mushroom mixture - cook together for another 5 minutes </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOwz3JeYqAk/T16SaA3aTVI/AAAAAAAABKI/0F9skJBiup4/s1600/IMG_1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOwz3JeYqAk/T16SaA3aTVI/AAAAAAAABKI/0F9skJBiup4/s320/IMG_1028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Drain your pasta and mix with the mixture</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9bzzdUKfiRc/T16SbJn_KOI/AAAAAAAABKQ/6GMnxRht20k/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9bzzdUKfiRc/T16SbJn_KOI/AAAAAAAABKQ/6GMnxRht20k/s320/IMG_1029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Enjoy!!</li>
</ul>
<div>
As always, Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!!</div>
</div>
<div>
-L</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-70353887059209158992012-03-12T19:58:00.000-04:002012-03-12T19:58:47.794-04:00Brooklyn for the WeekendI am <i>still</i> recovering from a great weekend in Brooklyn, and it definitely doesn't help that an hour of much needed sleep was taken away from us! I am pretty sure that every time we visit BK we come back even more ready to move there, it just <i style="font-weight: bold;">gets us</i>. Cute little shops, vegan restaurants a plenty, funky bars & cool people... yeah sorry LI, peace out. <div>
Here's a little recap from our fun filled weekend:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We bought a LivingSocial deal for Brooklyn Boulders, so we spent a few hours there.</div>
<div>
What my friends/husband looked like:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-pM8z1WKhU/T16H3hM6ZjI/AAAAAAAABHQ/IoOR5oarWm8/s1600/422978_667823010492_32100248_33885374_1354624507_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V-pM8z1WKhU/T16H3hM6ZjI/AAAAAAAABHQ/IoOR5oarWm8/s320/422978_667823010492_32100248_33885374_1354624507_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan - Courtesy of the one and only Kristine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then there was me...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igvW7eeqTBI/T16IBBWKWLI/AAAAAAAABHY/xhy7pmBmVSY/s1600/421302_667827890712_32100248_33885448_2042940399_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igvW7eeqTBI/T16IBBWKWLI/AAAAAAAABHY/xhy7pmBmVSY/s320/421302_667827890712_32100248_33885448_2042940399_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding on for dear life one foot off the ground...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I like to think of myself as a pretty adventurous and active person, but this was not my best performance. <div>
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<div>
But it wasn't a total loss, because I found THESE at a bake sale there </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rvne6sn4bI/T16IbdXGNeI/AAAAAAAABHg/BhGUpVSVkB0/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rvne6sn4bI/T16IbdXGNeI/AAAAAAAABHg/BhGUpVSVkB0/s320/IMG_0993.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, vegan cupcakes - NBD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwfSTrtgO18/T16IcWySSbI/AAAAAAAABHo/xS2RcJA2S1U/s1600/IMG_0994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwfSTrtgO18/T16IcWySSbI/AAAAAAAABHo/xS2RcJA2S1U/s320/IMG_0994.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of deliciousness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />We hit up some sushi for dinner</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yPrXvWVjaU/T16JGAFpyDI/AAAAAAAABHw/mXPBVU-2FtY/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8yPrXvWVjaU/T16JGAFpyDI/AAAAAAAABHw/mXPBVU-2FtY/s320/IMG_0995.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oysters for the boys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nZVmLteyHU/T16JGxp57BI/AAAAAAAABH4/AIxbfNFC3oA/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nZVmLteyHU/T16JGxp57BI/AAAAAAAABH4/AIxbfNFC3oA/s320/IMG_0996.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm mushroom salad for K & I *MUST recreate this!*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbfuskLiDfI/T16JINicImI/AAAAAAAABIA/0N-kSzgS2lY/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbfuskLiDfI/T16JINicImI/AAAAAAAABIA/0N-kSzgS2lY/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edamams</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prmKUemQjFk/T16JKSyImsI/AAAAAAAABIY/fFMOOvd22Mw/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prmKUemQjFk/T16JKSyImsI/AAAAAAAABIY/fFMOOvd22Mw/s320/IMG_1001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K & her noodles & veggies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ndi56YYfBAk/T16JMggh2dI/AAAAAAAABIo/aCm0xK9t9Xo/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ndi56YYfBAk/T16JMggh2dI/AAAAAAAABIo/aCm0xK9t9Xo/s320/IMG_1003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys Sushi Plate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0apl19obza4/T16JNVVwZwI/AAAAAAAABIw/CifAT-ePXqo/s1600/IMG_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0apl19obza4/T16JNVVwZwI/AAAAAAAABIw/CifAT-ePXqo/s320/IMG_1004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggie Tempura Roll for me - delish!</td></tr>
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The next morning we found the cutest little restaurant for breakfast - <a href="http://suninbloom.wordpress.com/">Sun In Bloom</a>, and it was <b>awesome</b>! I'm pretty sure it was that restaurant that solidified my need to move to Brooklyn! But then again, if I ate there often, I would be pretty freaking broke.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0maL1J-ziI/T16KPWtKNRI/AAAAAAAABJA/oJzjbyx9HqM/s1600/IMG_1010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0maL1J-ziI/T16KPWtKNRI/AAAAAAAABJA/oJzjbyx9HqM/s320/IMG_1010.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brazil Nut Chocolate Milk - ANOTHER recipe that needs to be recreated!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCdTjvOu-bM/T16KQ_bUD-I/AAAAAAAABJI/O5YqBGgl9qw/s1600/IMG_1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kCdTjvOu-bM/T16KQ_bUD-I/AAAAAAAABJI/O5YqBGgl9qw/s320/IMG_1011.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberries & Cream Lassi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddrb58ZoyoI/T16KSvaWqkI/AAAAAAAABJY/bpUQNUb8beo/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddrb58ZoyoI/T16KSvaWqkI/AAAAAAAABJY/bpUQNUb8beo/s320/IMG_1013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sesame Ginger (I think!) Tofu Scramble</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hv9ruzr86MI/T16KTlPhrWI/AAAAAAAABJg/_nJ_7pw1n0Q/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hv9ruzr86MI/T16KTlPhrWI/AAAAAAAABJg/_nJ_7pw1n0Q/s320/IMG_1014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hueveos Rancheros</td></tr>
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The food was amazing, the neighborhood was awesome, and I can't wait to go back!</div>
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Don't worry friends, I know I have been lacking, recipes are coming back soon!</div>
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In fact, I'm about to post our dinner tonight - Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff</div>
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Peas & Love,</div>
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-L</div>
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</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-22997547283797883112012-03-07T20:08:00.000-05:002012-03-07T20:08:43.908-05:00Amazing Orange Glazed TempehI can hardly contain my excitement!! I just had my favorite meal so far of 2012! If you are reading this, you MUST make this tempeh right now... stop checking facebook and pinterest - get to Trader Joes or another health food store, buy some tempeh and stuff your face! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Orange Glazed Tempeh</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_tiLCNGphaQ/T1gD6SwPljI/AAAAAAAABGg/MVd1rS9kT5k/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_tiLCNGphaQ/T1gD6SwPljI/AAAAAAAABGg/MVd1rS9kT5k/s320/IMG_0988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>8-10oz block of tempeh</li>
<li>1 cup orange juice</li>
<li>2 garlic cloves - minced/pressed</li>
<li>1 TBSP grated ginger (store ginger in the freezer - it keeps longer and makes it super easy to grate)</li>
<li>2 tsp tamari (or soy sauce)</li>
<li>2 tsp maple syrup</li>
<li>1 tsp white wine </li>
<li>1/2 tsp sugar</li>
<li>1/2 tsp ground coriander</li>
</ul>
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<i>Directions</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>In a small bowl mix: OJ, garlic, ginger, tamari, maple syrup, wine, sugar & coriander </li>
<li>Chop up tempeh - I sliced it in half width wise to make the slices thinner, then cut it into bit size pieces</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fIEeW6aZWOg/T1gE4SdNslI/AAAAAAAABGo/MA7yA31h-qA/s1600/IMG_0979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fIEeW6aZWOg/T1gE4SdNslI/AAAAAAAABGo/MA7yA31h-qA/s200/IMG_0979.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V71OKfXO7PI/T1gE57SUguI/AAAAAAAABGw/Ooq_8rVD9Q4/s1600/IMG_0980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V71OKfXO7PI/T1gE57SUguI/AAAAAAAABGw/Ooq_8rVD9Q4/s200/IMG_0980.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Drizzle about 2 tbsp safflower oil in a pan - heat over med/high heat until it gets hot (but not yet smoking)</li>
<li>Throw in tempeh in a single layer </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEfN3TIsjCM/T1gFQExKhWI/AAAAAAAABG4/Kz7hP7TWObQ/s1600/IMG_0981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PEfN3TIsjCM/T1gFQExKhWI/AAAAAAAABG4/Kz7hP7TWObQ/s320/IMG_0981.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Brown for about 3-4 minutes then flip </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyOLUh6XtYY/T1gFZNgpWPI/AAAAAAAABHA/6Escaw2SToc/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyOLUh6XtYY/T1gFZNgpWPI/AAAAAAAABHA/6Escaw2SToc/s320/IMG_0983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Brown other side for another 3-4 minutes </li>
<li>Pour sauce over tempeh</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XIbo7fiD-k/T1gFuRLcHjI/AAAAAAAABHI/I8WeZggYF_A/s1600/IMG_0984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XIbo7fiD-k/T1gFuRLcHjI/AAAAAAAABHI/I8WeZggYF_A/s320/IMG_0984.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Let the sauce cook down for about 5-10 minutes over medium heat, it should get nice & thick</li>
<li>I served it over brown rice & broccoli - delish!! </li>
<li>**Next time I may double the sauce so that it coats broccoli too** </li>
</ul>
<div>
I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!!</div>
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<div>
Peas & Love,</div>
<div>
-L</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-72795508133567021372012-03-06T19:36:00.000-05:002012-03-06T19:36:05.516-05:00Vegetarian Food Festival: NYCThis past Saturday Kristine & I got our butts kicked at hot yoga, cleaned ourselves up, and headed over to the Vegetarian Food Festival in NYC. The line was frighteningly long, but with our VIP tickets from LivingSocial we were able to scoot right to the front. <br />
Once we got inside, I'm not going to lie to you, it was seriously overwhelming. There were <b>tons</b> of people everywhere and when samples came out it was comparable to a war zone - every veg for themselves! I'm just glad I had Kristine to go into battle for me and score us some bangin samples that I was too scared to get myself!<br />
Here are some pictures from the day:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgHxoqgU2Fo/T1aoMtBSQAI/AAAAAAAABEo/5Pmpd5zhsd0/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgHxoqgU2Fo/T1aoMtBSQAI/AAAAAAAABEo/5Pmpd5zhsd0/s320/IMG_0929.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daiya Grilled Cheese - 2 (orange) Thumbs Up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ0OmaghqaM/T1aoN8NyfKI/AAAAAAAABEw/GZ6BxKlHCGs/s1600/IMG_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ0OmaghqaM/T1aoN8NyfKI/AAAAAAAABEw/GZ6BxKlHCGs/s320/IMG_0930.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woah - Yves Veggie Cold Cuts = Amaze</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zR5zzNoFH-0/T1aoP00kYsI/AAAAAAAABE4/lYsgfivH9JY/s1600/IMG_0935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zR5zzNoFH-0/T1aoP00kYsI/AAAAAAAABE4/lYsgfivH9JY/s320/IMG_0935.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'bows being thrown to get a sample of vegan mac & cheese @ The Loving Hut's stand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOB3KFnGd6U/T1aoTZWi2jI/AAAAAAAABFI/6eiq0zq_kqs/s1600/IMG_0938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xOB3KFnGd6U/T1aoTZWi2jI/AAAAAAAABFI/6eiq0zq_kqs/s320/IMG_0938.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Score!! So worth it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx073lIfZGA/T1aoU6embNI/AAAAAAAABFQ/NqC6ISnv8IM/s1600/IMG_0942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx073lIfZGA/T1aoU6embNI/AAAAAAAABFQ/NqC6ISnv8IM/s320/IMG_0942.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toasted Coconut Vegan Marshmallows - from Sweet & Sara mmmmm </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEH9nKyn6_4/T1aoWio54yI/AAAAAAAABFY/tZLlhzbGsRE/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEH9nKyn6_4/T1aoWio54yI/AAAAAAAABFY/tZLlhzbGsRE/s320/IMG_0943.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shot of the crowd (while cowering in a corner<br />... or more realistically while waiting in a line for more samples)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivsiwxGofpM/T1aoYaH5j5I/AAAAAAAABFg/GMimHmT4Q-U/s1600/IMG_0946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivsiwxGofpM/T1aoYaH5j5I/AAAAAAAABFg/GMimHmT4Q-U/s320/IMG_0946.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nacho Teese - if you see Teese in a store -BUY IT!!!! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDuvJjsvZfY/T1aoZ9EJyVI/AAAAAAAABFo/bhth3pcdumw/s1600/IMG_0948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDuvJjsvZfY/T1aoZ9EJyVI/AAAAAAAABFo/bhth3pcdumw/s320/IMG_0948.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got some awesome empanadas and I forgot the vendor - if you were there help me out!<br />They were awesome! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GlDshYz6XY/T1aoboqQCOI/AAAAAAAABFw/xu_PdHAaMOw/s1600/IMG_0949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GlDshYz6XY/T1aoboqQCOI/AAAAAAAABFw/xu_PdHAaMOw/s320/IMG_0949.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philly" Cheesesteak" for K </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHRequOpOgY/T1aodHJDDsI/AAAAAAAABF4/t1t8hgTIL7E/s1600/IMG_0950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lHRequOpOgY/T1aodHJDDsI/AAAAAAAABF4/t1t8hgTIL7E/s320/IMG_0950.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbian for me - delish!</td></tr>
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<br />After the food fest we got some manis and visited the Museum at FIT. I wish they let us take pictures inside, the pieces were amazing, if you have a chance to check it out - you should. After all that of course we ate some more!! Since the Loving Hut left such a lasting impression (and it doesn't hurt that K works in the area and gave them rave reviews) we headed there for some munchies: <div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iE2s0Ll_mZo/T1arsdudGnI/AAAAAAAABGA/VyDQFZ-YsHs/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iE2s0Ll_mZo/T1arsdudGnI/AAAAAAAABGA/VyDQFZ-YsHs/s320/IMG_0954.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veg Dumplings</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4d0Hgs0H5M4/T1arvgDPmvI/AAAAAAAABGQ/aVGyFuOkFNU/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4d0Hgs0H5M4/T1arvgDPmvI/AAAAAAAABGQ/aVGyFuOkFNU/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlicky Broccoli <3</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3aOJa4EVwY/T1arycLOpmI/AAAAAAAABGY/zyA6QwOsMAs/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3aOJa4EVwY/T1arycLOpmI/AAAAAAAABGY/zyA6QwOsMAs/s320/IMG_0957.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Full Plate of Mac n Cheese - Oh Yeahhh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It really was a perfect Saturday!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!</div>
<div>
-L<br /><div>
<br /><br /></div>
</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-31334602896497733292012-03-03T07:31:00.000-05:002012-03-03T07:31:32.509-05:00Kale & (Vegan) Sausage SoupIt was a rainy day in NY, which usually gets me down. This time I was just happy that it wasn't snow! We've made it this far without a blizzard - come onnnnn Spring!!<br />
I think the best thing to do on a rainy day is to change into PJs and eat hot soup, whose with me?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Kale & Vegan Sausage Soup</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3lDN8sxX-c/T07eleMRhVI/AAAAAAAABC4/s0uEaCrtjqE/s1600/IMG_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3lDN8sxX-c/T07eleMRhVI/AAAAAAAABC4/s0uEaCrtjqE/s320/IMG_0925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>2 onions</li>
<li>3 cloves of garlic</li>
<li>1 package of Lightlife Gimme Lean Sausage (or any veggie sausage)</li>
<li>1 16 oz can kidney beans (although I bet white beans would be great also)</li>
<li>1 28 oz can Crushed or Diced Tomatoes</li>
<li>2 cups veggie broth</li>
<li>5 cups kale </li>
<li>3 cups water </li>
<li>1 TBSP red pepper flakes </li>
<li>Salt to taste</li>
</ul>
<i>Directions</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Either spray or drizzle a large pot with EVOO - brown sausage over medium high heat</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-td0GbLPgfAQ/T1ILnoNAuFI/AAAAAAAABDI/_HCwt9bgQRc/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-td0GbLPgfAQ/T1ILnoNAuFI/AAAAAAAABDI/_HCwt9bgQRc/s320/IMG_0914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gimme Lean Sausage looks gross & is super annoying to work with raw,<br />but it tastes awesome!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WO4yesXSPpg/T1ILp6VWKlI/AAAAAAAABDY/_GLsWo3AeKY/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WO4yesXSPpg/T1ILp6VWKlI/AAAAAAAABDY/_GLsWo3AeKY/s320/IMG_0916.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You really have to put a little muscle in to break it up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Chop up 2 onions and throw in the pot with sausage - get them nice and translucent/brownish</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARN11HqCjPE/T1ILrkU53EI/AAAAAAAABDg/LXYhhpUDkHs/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ARN11HqCjPE/T1ILrkU53EI/AAAAAAAABDg/LXYhhpUDkHs/s200/IMG_0917.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzaJGx28wnQ/T1ILuK_nVXI/AAAAAAAABDw/NBp-cgggtzM/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JzaJGx28wnQ/T1ILuK_nVXI/AAAAAAAABDw/NBp-cgggtzM/s200/IMG_0919.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Add in the crushed/minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes - stir frequently</li>
<li>Add can of chopped tomatoes & red pepper flakes</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOK-Uen-JZI/T1ILvj9PPFI/AAAAAAAABD4/BFkdDBeiOdk/s1600/IMG_0920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOK-Uen-JZI/T1ILvj9PPFI/AAAAAAAABD4/BFkdDBeiOdk/s320/IMG_0920.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKn3sPNxp-M/T1ILxE_TPGI/AAAAAAAABEA/R1vXSpzi7QQ/s1600/IMG_0921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HKn3sPNxp-M/T1ILxE_TPGI/AAAAAAAABEA/R1vXSpzi7QQ/s320/IMG_0921.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Add veggie broth, water, and beans </li>
<li>Let it all cook down for about about a half hour</li>
<li>Prep the kale - cut off pieces from the rib (I love to use kitchen shears for this, it makes it so easy!) and rip into bit size pieces - wash thoroughly</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpY6JSUYiHM/T1ILxxhzQhI/AAAAAAAABEI/78jSoy4koIQ/s1600/IMG_0922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpY6JSUYiHM/T1ILxxhzQhI/AAAAAAAABEI/78jSoy4koIQ/s320/IMG_0922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Throw it into the pot - it's going to look like it's taking over the world, but it cooks down pretty quickly</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YfPEQWTSHk/T1ILzCeEQGI/AAAAAAAABEQ/dFH4dJjGiBs/s1600/IMG_0923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YfPEQWTSHk/T1ILzCeEQGI/AAAAAAAABEQ/dFH4dJjGiBs/s320/IMG_0923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ul>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vMl05BU_aU/T1IOdHJk8eI/AAAAAAAABEg/Ewc5xz63UQ8/s1600/IMG_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vMl05BU_aU/T1IOdHJk8eI/AAAAAAAABEg/Ewc5xz63UQ8/s320/IMG_0925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm about to head into the city with <a href="http://kayventures.wordpress.com/">Kristine</a> for some Bikram & the vegetarian food festival!!! I can't wait to tell you all about it!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peas, Love & Happy Saturday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-L</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-66277979986137149532012-02-29T21:20:00.000-05:002012-02-29T21:20:29.907-05:00Vegan Creamy Stuffed MushroomI have an obsession with mushrooms, especially portobellos! The other night I was in the mood for a stuffed mushroom, but not being able to use cheese can be challenging. I used a recipe found on <a href="http://www.dailygarnish.com/2012/01/creamy-vegan-kale-stuffed-mushrooms.html">Daily Garnish</a> and modified/tweaked it based on what I had. <br />
When I first started cooking I was so afraid to change up recipes, but after sending J on one too many road trips to the grocery store for 1 or 2 items, I tried subbing other ingredients and changing recipes around a bit. I was so relieved when my kitchen didn't explode and our food still tasted good. I have realized that I can use recipes as templates and change them around depending on my mood, ingredients on hand, and personal preferences. SO with that being said, please feel free to change this (and all recipes!) around as much as you would like ;)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Vegan Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpJP8FpTlWM/T07bVl7YqAI/AAAAAAAABCQ/-igXIoDMSC4/s1600/IMG_0897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpJP8FpTlWM/T07bVl7YqAI/AAAAAAAABCQ/-igXIoDMSC4/s320/IMG_0897.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>4 portobello mushrooms (I used 6 mini portobellos that looked way too cute to not buy at Trader Joes)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwqz25Fhcvw/T07bv4ptoUI/AAAAAAAABCo/gYg9D9RSgcQ/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwqz25Fhcvw/T07bv4ptoUI/AAAAAAAABCo/gYg9D9RSgcQ/s200/IMG_0879.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>1/2 package frozen organic spinach</li>
<li>1/2 onion</li>
<li>2 TBSP sundried tomatoes </li>
<li>2 garlic cloves</li>
<li>1 TBSP nutritional yeast</li>
<li>1 TBSP Tofutti (Better Than) Cream Cheese</li>
<li>2 tsp red pepper flakes </li>
<li>1 tsp salt (and more if necessary - taste as you go)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Preheat your oven to 375 degrees</li>
<li>With a damp paper towel, wipe off mushrooms</li>
<li>Remove stems from mushrooms </li>
<li>Spray or lightly wipe down mushrooms with EVOO </li>
<li>Roast face up for 20 minutes</li>
<li>Prepare your filling: </li>
<ul>
<li>Sauté chopped onion over medium-high heat until they become translucent</li>
<li>Add garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes </li>
<li>Add chopped sundried tomatoes to the mix for another 2 minutes </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8f4-nCiCj8/T07boK9LETI/AAAAAAAABCg/6zbky8Y_MTw/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8f4-nCiCj8/T07boK9LETI/AAAAAAAABCg/6zbky8Y_MTw/s320/IMG_0885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul><ul>
<li>Throw in the 1/2 bag of frozen spinach and let it thaw in the hot pan with the rest of the ingredients</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmxNwlQk2aE/T07b9DmyEhI/AAAAAAAABCw/KjhUVYgqN1w/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmxNwlQk2aE/T07b9DmyEhI/AAAAAAAABCw/KjhUVYgqN1w/s320/IMG_0888.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul><ul>
<li>Once the spinach has thawed out and everything is all mixed together - add nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes, cream cheese and salt </li>
<li>Taste & add any more spices & flavors you think you need</li>
</ul>
<li>Once the mushrooms have roasted for 20 minutes - flip and roast face down for another 5 minutes </li>
<li>Take mushrooms out and stuff em!! </li>
<li>I used the leftover mixture and put it in our farro that we ate on the side - super delish! </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bABtkFBWSvQ/T07bYOVrPZI/AAAAAAAABCY/KdqngBJpHmM/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bABtkFBWSvQ/T07bYOVrPZI/AAAAAAAABCY/KdqngBJpHmM/s320/IMG_0904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-752062862212965602012-02-27T17:40:00.000-05:002012-02-27T20:18:01.029-05:00Vegan on VacationSo obviously I didn't get to post at all on our vacation, but I kind of knew that was going to happen! This was my first vacation eating vegan, so I knew it would be a little challenging. Luckily we stayed with my grandma, who is <b>the</b> sweetest & cutest person on the face of the Earth, so I knew if all else failed - we could always cook there. Our first stop (after hitting the pool of course) was to the Whole Foods hot bar right down the block. We also picked up some essentials for the next few days (tofu, almond milk & soy yogurt) and we were ready to be serious beach bums! Here's a run down of our trip/meals in case you ever find yourself in Fort Lauderdale looking for some veg options:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Tuesday</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Lunch - WF hot bar</li>
<ul>
<li>What we ate - J: A ginormous salad, Me: Mix of tofu curry, grilled veggies & salad</li>
<li>Rating - Just OK, the hot bar near me is better & has more flavorful options</li>
</ul>
<li>Dinner - Grandma's </li>
<ul>
<li>What we ate: Split Pea Soup & Salad</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGvrz4TrTbU/T0v9TmIBVGI/AAAAAAAAA_g/hKLFOAXeFCU/s1600/DSCF0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGvrz4TrTbU/T0v9TmIBVGI/AAAAAAAAA_g/hKLFOAXeFCU/s320/DSCF0265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Rating - Awesome of course, it's <i style="font-weight: bold;">Grandma's</i>! (Disclaimer: Unfortunately I don't think you can dine there while vacationing in the FL region)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hdtNdaE3dA/T0v9VoPLOJI/AAAAAAAAA_w/cS6avQFd7Ew/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hdtNdaE3dA/T0v9VoPLOJI/AAAAAAAAA_w/cS6avQFd7Ew/s200/IMG_0831.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Later that night: Drinks & Bar Food!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qn7h_T4Q3LE/T0v9WRl3LPI/AAAAAAAAA_4/flkPBWqvZtk/s1600/IMG_0832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qn7h_T4Q3LE/T0v9WRl3LPI/AAAAAAAAA_4/flkPBWqvZtk/s200/IMG_0832.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Potater Tots!? Yes please</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b>Wednesday</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li> Breakfast - Grandma's Kitchen </li>
<ul>
<li>What we ate: <a href="http://peaslovebalance.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html?recipe_id=6010328">Tofu Scramble</a> </li>
<li>Rating - I made a tofu lover out of my Grandma and Aunt Gina - who can be tough critics so I would say it's still a winner! </li>
</ul>
<li>Lunch - Grandma's Balcony</li>
<ul>
<li>What we ate: Yogurt Parfaits </li>
<li>Rating - Good, but isn't a parfait always good on a hot day??</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1i_D625ScI/T0v-MJHAmyI/AAAAAAAABAA/D-_4i_3ec4w/s1600/DSCF0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1i_D625ScI/T0v-MJHAmyI/AAAAAAAABAA/D-_4i_3ec4w/s200/DSCF0269.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soy yogurt + fresh fruit on a hot day - nothing better!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOSATpBB_BQ/T0v-NoNL9II/AAAAAAAABAI/HLYzGRP3Hh0/s1600/DSCF0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GOSATpBB_BQ/T0v-NoNL9II/AAAAAAAABAI/HLYzGRP3Hh0/s320/DSCF0273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Soy vanilla for me - Organic Regular for J!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZGxSslgZX4/T0v-PAS_PAI/AAAAAAAABAQ/9nP-u_bF4iQ/s1600/DSCF0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cZGxSslgZX4/T0v-PAS_PAI/AAAAAAAABAQ/9nP-u_bF4iQ/s320/DSCF0274.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Yogurt with a view!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<ul></ul>
</div>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dinner - Sushi from the local Japanese market</li>
<ul>
<li>What we ate: J & Grandma - lots of specialty rolls & sashimi, Me - Vegetable roll & Cucumber/Avocado roll (my fave)</li>
<li>Rating - As for mine, it doesn't change much wherever I go, but it was delicious! Grandma & J said their fish was very fresh</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Thursday</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Breakfast - cereal with fresh fruit & almond milk... no description necessary</span></li>
<li>Lunch - <a href="http://www.greenwavecafe.org/menu.html">Green Wave Cafe</a> (I bought a Groupon for this a few weeks ago) - it's an all raw & vegan cafe; when I broke the news to J on the way his response was, "<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What?! You mean it's not cooked??"</i></span></li>
<ul>
<li>What we ate: </li>
<ul>
<li>Super Nachos - These were amazing, I need to learn how to make these chips & cashew cheeze sauce </li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SluolTS4_Y/T0wAWDV68bI/AAAAAAAABAg/ATw1dgKDC2k/s1600/IMG_0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SluolTS4_Y/T0wAWDV68bI/AAAAAAAABAg/ATw1dgKDC2k/s320/IMG_0850.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looked weird - tasted GREAT!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Vegan Cheese Burger - J thought it was just a little <i>too</i> vegan for him; the bread is more like a big thin cracker, and he assured me that it tasted <b>nothing</b> like a burger - but he ate it like a champ!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkwSZyeSO_E/T0wBcbCYrVI/AAAAAAAABAw/1bT_I1icONM/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkwSZyeSO_E/T0wBcbCYrVI/AAAAAAAABAw/1bT_I1icONM/s320/IMG_0853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Vegan Burrito - it came out looking like a big sprouted salad rather than any burrito I ever had; the flavors of the cheeze sauce & guacamole were delicious, but you had to make sure the sauces were on every bite! </li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcDKwKFM_jU/T0wB4WlRjcI/AAAAAAAABA4/BaLa09f8-X4/s1600/IMG_0852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcDKwKFM_jU/T0wB4WlRjcI/AAAAAAAABA4/BaLa09f8-X4/s320/IMG_0852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake - J was very nervous when it came out looking very... er, <b>gray</b>... BUT it tasted awesome and was definitely one of the best parts of the meal - next to the nachos!</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3F1QwWuqNw/T0wCSjTvpxI/AAAAAAAABBI/ugK6LEDCy1E/s1600/IMG_0856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3F1QwWuqNw/T0wCSjTvpxI/AAAAAAAABBI/ugK6LEDCy1E/s320/IMG_0856.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">um... this is grey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW9wNx1hiHc/T0wCUc37_lI/AAAAAAAABBQ/cJmjDxr5OLw/s1600/IMG_0858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW9wNx1hiHc/T0wCUc37_lI/AAAAAAAABBQ/cJmjDxr5OLw/s320/IMG_0858.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now its GONE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Dinner - *<i><b>The Best Meal of the Trip</b></i>*<a href="http://sublimerestaurant.com/"> Sublime Restaurant and Bar</a></li>
<ul>
<li>What we ate:</li>
<ul>
<li>Appetizer: Steamed Pot Stickers </li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x41i2tDDzM8/T0wDyvBnqrI/AAAAAAAABBY/laDFCujJOy8/s1600/IMG_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x41i2tDDzM8/T0wDyvBnqrI/AAAAAAAABBY/laDFCujJOy8/s320/IMG_0861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul><ul><ul>
<li>For J: <b>BBQ Cheddar Pizza with BBQ sauce, red onion, dairy free cheddar & cilantro </b>- very good, tasted a lot like our BBQ Seitan/Tofu Pizza</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0pqB8IBmFAQ/T0wD7XW7BbI/AAAAAAAABBg/9JY4wZx2BdM/s1600/IMG_0864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0pqB8IBmFAQ/T0wD7XW7BbI/AAAAAAAABBg/9JY4wZx2BdM/s320/IMG_0864.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul><ul><ul>
<li>For Gma: <b>Veggie Burger with black japonica, red mahogany rice, black beans and jalapeno mayonnaise - served with some bangin sweet potato fries</b> - this was awesome!! It was a huge & think burger and we all helped Grandma eat it, one of the best veggie burgers I have ever tasted </li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ylBmezhpr8/T0wEFV8bTbI/AAAAAAAABBo/N0QKrk7vZsM/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ylBmezhpr8/T0wEFV8bTbI/AAAAAAAABBo/N0QKrk7vZsM/s320/IMG_0863.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul><ul><ul>
<li>For me: <b>Portobello Stack with sauteed spinach, tomato, rosemary & mashed potato</b> - this was also very tasty! I love me some portobello mushrooms, but it was especially yummy in a hearty marsala sauce</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XQygmVXU6XM/T0wEOUiRKhI/AAAAAAAABBw/A6DrRM1Zfw4/s1600/IMG_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XQygmVXU6XM/T0wEOUiRKhI/AAAAAAAABBw/A6DrRM1Zfw4/s320/IMG_0862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul><ul><ul>
<li>Dessert - <b>Coconut Cake </b> - Amazing! we split it 3 ways and since we all licked our plates clean already, we had a tough time even making a dent in it, but don't you worry - we powered through ;)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul><ul><ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<b> Friday</b> </div>
<div>
This was our last day, so we took it easy with the food - I think we were all still full from the night before! For lunch we had what I like to call a kitchen sink salad - throw literally everything in but the kitchen sink. We had a huge salad filled with lettuce, peppers, onions, chickpeas, beets, avocados and I'm sure more veggies that I can't remember at the moment. Grandma made a simple balsamic olive oil & oregano dressing which definitely hit the spot. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdusdaVt1Aw/T0wEk3dnqKI/AAAAAAAABCA/IP3xUR83kJA/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdusdaVt1Aw/T0wEk3dnqKI/AAAAAAAABCA/IP3xUR83kJA/s320/IMG_0874.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen Sink Salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had a wonderful few days away, but I didn't forget about you! Look we brought back some sunshine ~ </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who else is ready for summer!?!?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As always, Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-L</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-74863083683327919802012-02-20T10:20:00.000-05:002012-02-20T10:49:08.436-05:00Sunday Morning PancakesI know it's not Sunday, but J and I <i>never </i>have our days off together so when we do it kinda feels like a Sunday. He works at a hospital, so he works weekends. When we do have mornings off together we like to make them special, which usually involves making pancakes! It always brings back warm memories of being the "flipper" while my dad made pancakes on Sunday mornings. There's really no reason to buy Bisquick or other prepackaged pancake mixes that usually have lard (bleh!) and other sketchy ingredients in them. Making your own pancakes is super easy, much healthier, cheaper, and delicious!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Vegan Pancakes</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZMr3unPJvA/T0JjzxoRs9I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/_ON66KCqXyA/s1600/DSCF0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tZMr3unPJvA/T0JjzxoRs9I/AAAAAAAAA_Q/_ON66KCqXyA/s320/DSCF0247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 C Whole Wheat Pastry Flour</li>
<li>3 TBSP Sugar</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder </li>
<li>1/4 tsp Salt</li>
<li>1 1/2 C Almond Milk</li>
<li>2 Flax Eggs (2 TBSP Flax + 6 TBSP Water)</li>
<li>3 TBSP Olive Oil</li>
<li>1 tsp Vanilla Extract </li>
<li>1 TBSP Earth Balance Butter</li>
<li>*Optional* Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Bananas or any other topping!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Make your flax egg & set aside</li>
<li>Heat a large heavy skillet on the stove over high heat - when it starts smoking it's ready!</li>
<li>Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl (flour, sugar, baking powder & salt)</li>
<li>Mix wet ingredients (almond milk, flax eggs, olive oil, vanilla) well and combine with dry - leave a little lumpy </li>
<li>Rub Earth Balance over the hot pan, <b>wipe off with a paper towel</b> (you don't want your pan super greasy), turn heat down a little to med/high</li>
<li>Pour about 1/4 C of batter for each pancake into the pan</li>
<li>If you are adding any optional ingredients - push them into the pancakes now (I made the mistake of mixing them into the batter and lost all control... DON'T be like me!)</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKRj3_zS7tI/T0JjwnDrJwI/AAAAAAAAA_A/BvtJneIfVB0/s1600/DSCF0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKRj3_zS7tI/T0JjwnDrJwI/AAAAAAAAA_A/BvtJneIfVB0/s320/DSCF0245.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monsta Pancake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Flip when you start to see little bubbles around the edges & they are golden brown </li>
<li>Enjoy with pure maple syrup :)</li>
</ul>
<div>
If I make extra I love to freeze them and take them to work as a quick breakfast treat!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
J & I are off to Florida TOMORROW so if you don't hear from me, I'm too busy basking in the sun B-) (That's me with sunglasses in case you were wondering)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!</div>
<div>
-L</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-53072132407128844992012-02-19T14:20:00.001-05:002012-02-19T21:48:42.169-05:00The Best Salad I Have Ever MadeWith warmer weather coming (c'mon Spring, I really miss you) I have been craving more refreshing and lighter foods than the heavy comfort foods we have been eating. I even busted out the Cuisinart blender to start whipping up <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/01/13/classic-green-monster/">green monsters</a> again in the morning. I came across <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/09/02/long-weekend-grilled-salad/">Oh She Glows Long Weekend Salad</a> and used that as my starting point. I made my dressing (for the first time I actually created it myself - woah!) and once I stirred it all together and tasted it,<b> I fell in love</b>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Refreshing Corn, Bean & Quinoa Salad</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87xc9Axe1Ec/T0FKJ_IZykI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/1Murzz-cqS0/s1600/DSCF0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87xc9Axe1Ec/T0FKJ_IZykI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/1Murzz-cqS0/s320/DSCF0239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>2 zucchinis - sliced length wise equal widths (does that make sense??)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_i1SXnka04/T0FC6hYtusI/AAAAAAAAA8g/03SOt0tmgq0/s1600/DSCF0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_i1SXnka04/T0FC6hYtusI/AAAAAAAAA8g/03SOt0tmgq0/s320/DSCF0229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>2 bell peppers (any color) sliced in pretty big chunks</li>
<li>1 C quinoa</li>
<li>2 avocados</li>
<li>1 bag frozen corn (I used Trader Joe's fire roasted)</li>
<li>2 15 oz cans of black beans </li>
<li>2 limes </li>
<li>2 garlic cloves</li>
<li>1- 2 TBSP chopped cilantro</li>
<li>3 TBSP EVOO </li>
<li>dash of cayenne </li>
<li>1/2 TBSP maple syrup</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Start cooking your quinoa in 2 C water </li>
<li>Slice zucchini & peppers </li>
<li>Throw zucchini & peppers onto either a hot grill or a grill pan - about 5-7 minutes or until they get some nice color </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCYqB7QTzzg/T0FDFDLP-SI/AAAAAAAAA9A/WU_xrGs6OMk/s1600/DSCF0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCYqB7QTzzg/T0FDFDLP-SI/AAAAAAAAA9A/WU_xrGs6OMk/s200/DSCF0233.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f-NpF1-VsG0/T0FDO79oCtI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/oN58QeQ_LlA/s1600/DSCF0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f-NpF1-VsG0/T0FDO79oCtI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/oN58QeQ_LlA/s200/DSCF0236.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>When the veggies are cool - dice them up </li>
<li>Rinse & drain black beans </li>
<li>Peel, pit & dice avocados</li>
<li>In a *large* bowl - combine grilled zucchini & peppers, cooked quinoa, diced avocados, bag of corn and black beans: give it a stir</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuamRA4zzJw/T0FDRlwEp7I/AAAAAAAAA9g/rVvU9OOwoK8/s1600/DSCF0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuamRA4zzJw/T0FDRlwEp7I/AAAAAAAAA9g/rVvU9OOwoK8/s320/DSCF0237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>In a small bowl - combine: the juice of 2 limes, EVOO, diced or pressed garlic cloves, chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of cayenne, and maple syrup - whisk well</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SH1ZlW43QAA/T0FDTPHJW9I/AAAAAAAAA9o/fLl989oL1LU/s1600/IMG_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SH1ZlW43QAA/T0FDTPHJW9I/AAAAAAAAA9o/fLl989oL1LU/s200/IMG_0824.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtqhpxt7T9I/T0FDXO6QsgI/AAAAAAAAA-A/dTClvnhLTB0/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtqhpxt7T9I/T0FDXO6QsgI/AAAAAAAAA-A/dTClvnhLTB0/s200/IMG_0827.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Pour dressing over salad, mix well and either serve right away or store in the fridge covered in saran wrap</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdk5Puc-bc4/T0FDYVC0F6I/AAAAAAAAA-I/YmaQiOTlDG0/s1600/IMG_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdk5Puc-bc4/T0FDYVC0F6I/AAAAAAAAA-I/YmaQiOTlDG0/s320/IMG_0828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope that you enjoy this salad as much as I did!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peas & Love,</div>
<div>
-L</div>
</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-13494452528070001892012-02-15T20:14:00.000-05:002012-02-15T20:17:29.328-05:00Chili's ComebackNix what I said about <a href="http://peaslovebalance.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-vegan-chili-kinda-day.html">that chili</a>, J & I both had it for lunch the next day and it was unfreakingbelieveable! I've noticed that when I make chili and have leftovers the next day, it's <b>so</b> much better than the day before. From now on all chili will be forced to hang in the fridge overnight before being eaten :) <br />
<br />
I now feel confident enough to give you the recipe:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hearty Vegan Chili</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvoFgNRyVZE/TzxYPh0yoFI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/ywWNDql0vTk/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvoFgNRyVZE/TzxYPh0yoFI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/ywWNDql0vTk/s320/IMG_0799.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Based on <a href="http://healthygirlskitchen.blogspot.com/p/healthy-recipes.html?recipe_id=6013485">this recipe</a> - Thank you healthy girl's kitchen!)<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups chopped onion</li>
<li>6 garlic cloves - chopped or pressed </li>
<li>2 28 oz cans diced tomatoes </li>
<li>3 15 oz cans black beans</li>
<li>1 bag frozen corn (I used Trader Joe's fire roasted corn)</li>
<li>1 4 oz can green chilies</li>
<li>1 TBSP olive oil </li>
<li>4 TBSP chili powder </li>
<li>2 TBSP oregano</li>
<li>2 TBSP cumin</li>
<li>1/2 tsp cinnamon (<i>my secret chili ingredient - don't tell anyone!</i>)</li>
<li>1 tsp cayenne (omit if you don't like spicy)</li>
<li>Salt & Pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat </li>
<li>Add onions and let them cook down for 8-10 minutes </li>
<li>You may want to add a little water before adding garlic so it doesn't burn</li>
<li>Add garlic and let it chill out with the onions for about 2-3 minutes </li>
<li>Add tomatoes with juice, green chilies & spices - let them cook together about 10 minutes </li>
<li>Rinse beans well and drain - add them along with the bag of corn</li>
<li>Let it all hang out for a while!</li>
<li>Stick it in the fridge and eat <b>the next day</b> for lunch or dinner - get ready for an explosion of sweet & spicy deliciousness!</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
I hope that everyone had a great Valentine's Day! J & I celebrated at our favorite Thai restaurant - tofu & veggies a plenty!</div>
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<div>
Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!</div>
<div>
~L</div>
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<br />Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-69704877764473522532012-02-12T21:11:00.000-05:002012-02-12T21:11:43.458-05:00It's a Vegan Chili Kinda DayIt is fuh-reeeeezing here in NY today! Since we don't have a washer and dryer and I despise laundry mats (where else can you go to get things clean but feel so <b>dirty</b> at the same time?) I often go to my parents house to get that annoying little chore done. I hate to be a mooch, so tonight I'm bringing along pumpkin cornbread muffins and ingredients to make vegan chili! I stumbled upon <a href="http://healthygirlskitchen.blogspot.com/p/healthy-recipes.html?recipe_id=6013485">these recipes</a> after losing a few hours to pinterest & recipage.<br />
Fast forward a little and the verdict is in: the chili unfortunately didn't get rave reviews - but I made a lot of changes to try to make it my own. It was a little too dense so next time I may add some veggie stock to thin it out a little and I will actually follow the recipe! This was the kind of chili that you really need to eat as a dip with tortilla chips... <b>so</b> the wheels started turning in my head and this little baby was created tonight:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oy1fImfYOA/Tzht-q_v6pI/AAAAAAAAA7I/Ww8XHFQDwxU/s1600/DSCF0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oy1fImfYOA/Tzht-q_v6pI/AAAAAAAAA7I/Ww8XHFQDwxU/s320/DSCF0218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vegan Chili Dip</span></div>
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(Serves 2 Pretty Serious Snackers)</div>
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<i>Ingredients</i></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Vegan Chili (I used <a href="http://healthygirlskitchen.blogspot.com/p/healthy-recipes.html?recipe_id=6013485">Healthy Girl's Kitchen's recipe</a>)</li>
<li>2 TBSP Tofutti (Better Than) Cream Cheese</li>
<li>2 TBSP Salsa</li>
<li>Sprinkle of Daiya </li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Spread the Tofutti evenly in a microwave safe dish</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SwwKjlmmRs/TzhvPq7_f1I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/_fWhaqQ3DDU/s1600/DSCF0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7SwwKjlmmRs/TzhvPq7_f1I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/_fWhaqQ3DDU/s320/DSCF0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add the layer of chili </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bggFHm-N4H8/TzhvxJNLhtI/AAAAAAAAA74/EkQYDFc56-s/s1600/DSCF0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bggFHm-N4H8/TzhvxJNLhtI/AAAAAAAAA74/EkQYDFc56-s/s320/DSCF0212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add the layer of salsa </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sk-9DcgFniw/Tzhv3l8N4BI/AAAAAAAAA8A/tp1mwWxBr28/s1600/DSCF0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sk-9DcgFniw/Tzhv3l8N4BI/AAAAAAAAA8A/tp1mwWxBr28/s320/DSCF0214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sprinkle Daiya over the top</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V76qHqoWu9c/Tzhv-5L9xQI/AAAAAAAAA8I/ny_6LSxp6yQ/s1600/DSCF0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V76qHqoWu9c/Tzhv-5L9xQI/AAAAAAAAA8I/ny_6LSxp6yQ/s320/DSCF0216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>Microwave for 2 - 2 1/2 minutes until the cheese is nice and bubbly </li>
<li>Let cool for a minute (if you can stand it) and dig in with tortilla chips!</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This is what J and I are munching on while watching the Grammy's - what are you eating?? </div>
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Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!<br />-L</div>
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</div>
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<br />Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-32598798659053250122012-02-11T10:30:00.000-05:002012-02-11T10:30:56.263-05:00Quinoa For Breakfast?I came home sick from work yesterday, and am still not 100% today. So like any sicky, I wanted something bland but slightly sweet, something with <b>texture</b>, and something that would warm me up. My first thought was oatmeal - but since I have it for breakfast <i><b>all the time</b></i>, I wanted something different. After a quick google search, I had it! Breakfast Quinoa (which will now be called BQ)! Before I get into the recipe you should all know I went on a little shopping spree last weekend with the one and only <a href="http://kayventures.wordpress.com/">Kristine</a>, so this week I put myself on a spending freeze (something my dad coined when I was younger - looking back, I'm pretty sure we were on a "spending freeze" for about 90% of my childhood). This meant no ordering out for dinner, no manicures, and <b>NO </b>food shopping this week! In the infamous words of Tim Gunn, we had to <i>make it work</i>. The dinners came out pretty good; we dined on veggie burgers (of course), stir fry, spaghetti with tomato sauce, and a tofu version of my <a href="http://peaslovebalance.blogspot.com/2012/01/pizza-pizza-fruity-hoe.html">BBQ Seitan Pizza</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzsDS4Kflfk/TzaI6ysoi-I/AAAAAAAAA7A/NrzspkyqywM/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzsDS4Kflfk/TzaI6ysoi-I/AAAAAAAAA7A/NrzspkyqywM/s320/IMG_2487.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBQ Tofu Pizza </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The dinners were all pretty good and we cleaned out our fridge - score!<br />
Since we wiped out all of our fresh veggies, I had to be creative when looking for my BQ toppings. Alas I found one little lonely apple! I knew she had to be cooked down with a little EB (Earth Balance, duh) and cinnamon so it would be like a quinoa apple pie. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Apple Breakfast Quinoa</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ftCbO1fabk/TzaH2BvUt0I/AAAAAAAAA64/lxI5H7mTJiU/s1600/IMG_2504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ftCbO1fabk/TzaH2BvUt0I/AAAAAAAAA64/lxI5H7mTJiU/s320/IMG_2504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvcsc8WeCWI/TzaH0HBskFI/AAAAAAAAA6w/IvGt_Xz9zfk/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvcsc8WeCWI/TzaH0HBskFI/AAAAAAAAA6w/IvGt_Xz9zfk/s200/IMG_2492.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original ingredients - more joined the mix later!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 cup almond milk</li>
<li>1/2 cup quinoa </li>
<li>3 TBSP brown sugar (I cut it down to 2 - and will use pure maple syrup next time)</li>
<li>(around)1/2 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1 TBSP Earth Balance </li>
<li>1 apple - peeled, cored and chopped</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Bring almond milk to a boil</li>
<li>Add quinoa and bring down to a simmer; cover and let cook for about 15 minutes - stir frequently</li>
<li>While you are waiting for your quinoa to cook - add chopped apples, earth balance & a sprinkle of cinnamon to a microwave safe dish</li>
<li>Microwave apple for 45 seconds, remove & stir, and microwave for another 45 seconds</li>
<li>When quinoa is cooked & no liquid remains, add the remainder of ingredients: cinnamon, brown sugar or maple syrup and apples</li>
<li>Let them cook together for about 5 minutes over a low flame </li>
<li>Taste and add seasoning to your liking :) </li>
</ul>
<div>
This should be enough for two, but I inhaled the whole pot... so make extra if you're anything like me!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!</div>
<div>
-L</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-42730848716847719152012-02-08T19:27:00.000-05:002012-02-08T19:27:35.150-05:00Vegan Super BowlI know... it's just a little late... but maybe you can bookmark this and come back to it next year when you're just <i>dying </i>for some vegan Super Bowl recipes ;)<br />
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I am a pretty bad food blogger. I have all these great ideas, and take pictures of <b>every</b> meal I make, but when it comes time to sit down and type it all out, I don't do it. I'll work on it... New Years resolution part deux. Why not? Especially since the coffee addiction has been beaten! <br />
I hope everyone had fun watching the GIANTS WIN!!! (sorry to our friends & family from New England!) Of course I hope that everyone enjoyed the yummy Super Bowl snacks. Most house parties probably had the usual suspects - some pizza, wings, nachos, maybe hotdogs & hamburgers. Our spread however, was a little different. Sure there was a six foot hero - but we also munched on a <a href="http://kayventures.wordpress.com/2012/02/05/superbowl-7-layer-dip/">vegan 7 layer di</a>p, buffalo tofu with dairy free blue cheese, guacamole (of course), and finished it all off with vegan cookies & cream truffles. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Buffalo Tofu </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrNy-aWLZbg/TzME4vadnxI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/kam9IyFhrPA/s1600/DSCF0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DrNy-aWLZbg/TzME4vadnxI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/kam9IyFhrPA/s320/DSCF0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<i>Ingredients for Baked Tofu</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Firm or Extra Firm Organic Tofu</li>
<li>Panko Bread Crumbs </li>
<li>EVOO </li>
<li>1 TBL Nutritional Yeast </li>
<li>1/2 tsp Cayenne </li>
<li>1/2 tsp Granulated Garlic </li>
<li>A Shake of Salt & Pepper </li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Ingredients for Buffalo Sauce </i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1/4 Cup Franks Red Hot </li>
<li>1/8 Cup Earth Balance </li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions </i></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Press/drain tofu well - at least 30 minutes</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 375 </li>
<li>Cut the tofu into bit sized pieces </li>
<li>Combine panko, nutritional yeast, cayenne, garlic, salt & pepper in a medium sized bowl</li>
<li>Dip the tofu in EVOO then right into the panko mixture, make sure to coat all sides</li>
<li>Place tofu on a cookie sheet (make sure you spray it so it doesn't stick!) and bake for 30 minutes - flip it at the half way point</li>
<li>While your tofu is cooking, melt your earth balance in a sauce pan</li>
<li>Once the EB is melted, add the Franks Red Hot (or any buffalo sauce of your choice) and stir until well combined - keep on the stove on a low setting </li>
<li>When your tofu is nice and crispy, toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture and serve immediately - with vegan blue cheese of course!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QeWHFsBbEU/TzMFElKNKTI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/zBcexTLByIo/s1600/DSCF0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QeWHFsBbEU/TzMFElKNKTI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/zBcexTLByIo/s320/DSCF0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice & crispy tofu - Ready for a buffalo sauce bath!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dairy Free Blue Cheese</span></div>
</div>
<div>
This is by *no* means healthy - but you can't have buffalo anything without blue cheese dressing!!</div>
<div>
<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup Veganaise </li>
<li>1/8 block tofu - be sure to press out all moisture</li>
<li>1/8 tsp tahini </li>
<li>Tiny dash of: garlic powder, lemon juice & apple cider vinegar</li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Mix all ingredients - except tofu</li>
<li>Add the "dashes" a little bit at a time - taste and tweak to your preference, the vinegar & lemon juice give it that tangy taste </li>
<li>When it tastes how you like it - crumble up the tofu and mix into the dressing - it will now <i>look</i> like blue cheese!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Guacamole</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_9n10NozDM/TzMHEaLz5QI/AAAAAAAAA6I/Fr0FV92Yqgk/s1600/DSCF0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_9n10NozDM/TzMHEaLz5QI/AAAAAAAAA6I/Fr0FV92Yqgk/s320/DSCF0168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>3 ripe avocados (should be soft to the touch)</li>
<li>1/4 red onion - chopped finely</li>
<li>Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime </li>
<li>1/2 can tomatoes with green chilies (you can of course chop a few tomatoes and chilies - I was lazy)</li>
<li>Salt & Pepper </li>
<li>1 tsp cayenne</li>
<li>1 tsp Vegan Worchesteshire Sauce </li>
</ul>
<div>
<i>Directions</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Peel and mash up those avocados - I like to use a potato masher </li>
<li>Add the rest of ingredients and stir until well combined, I like my guac chunky - but stir more if you like it a little smoother </li>
<li>Cover with saran wrap so that the wrap is literally touching the guac - if air gets in the avocado will oxidize quicker and turn brown </li>
<li>Refrigerate for at least an hour </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cookies & Cream Truffles</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-B3DgmJXEs/TzMLrpszzYI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/3PZvQldxw1k/s1600/IMG_2475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-B3DgmJXEs/TzMLrpszzYI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/3PZvQldxw1k/s320/IMG_2475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Ingredients</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Large package of Newman's O's</li>
<li>1 8 oz package of Tofutti (Better Than) Cream Cheese</li>
<li>2 cups dairy free chocolate chips </li>
</ul>
<i>Directions</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>In a food processor, grind up the cookies until they look like a delicious cookies n cream powder yummm (or put cookies in a large freezer bag and smash with a rolling pin - get some aggression out!)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ptLvHWFxfY/TzMSNa4H6mI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/AY22yx8BuyY/s1600/DSCF0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ptLvHWFxfY/TzMSNa4H6mI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/AY22yx8BuyY/s200/DSCF0172.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AL9M2fAJVY/TzMSPLYMWjI/AAAAAAAAA6g/-Rp4JB2LQpg/s1600/DSCF0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AL9M2fAJVY/TzMSPLYMWjI/AAAAAAAAA6g/-Rp4JB2LQpg/s200/DSCF0173.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li> Move cookies to a stand mixer and add package of Tofutti and beat with the paddle attachment until it is mixed throughout - you can do this by hand with a spoon, but it will take a long time and you will have sore arms</li>
<li>Refrigerate cookie mixture for at least 30 minutes </li>
<li>Melt chocolate chips either in a double boiler or microwave for 30 second increments (4-5 times) stirring after each time until the chocolate is melty & shiny </li>
<li>Roll chilled cookie mixture into 1 inch balls and then roll around in the chocolate until covered</li>
<li>**BONUS STEP** get sprinkles in the color of your choice and cover them before the chocolate dries</li>
<li>Transfer to parchment paper & refrigerate chocolate covered balls for at least an hour</li>
<li>Try not to eat the entire batch - they may be vegan but they are by no means low cal!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcnCqx4rKio/TzMSgR2MHnI/AAAAAAAAA6o/BcY2SzgL7d8/s1600/DSCF0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcnCqx4rKio/TzMSgR2MHnI/AAAAAAAAA6o/BcY2SzgL7d8/s320/DSCF0199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
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<div>
And I just realized why I never post - it took me all freaking night to write this!! My computer has been <i>so slow</i> it is painful - Mac friends, what's up with that!?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, I'll try to post again soon!</div>
<div>
Peas & Love,</div>
<div>
L</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-8439699958588513742012-01-31T20:21:00.000-05:002012-01-31T20:21:53.481-05:00Convenience DinnersI'm sorry friends... I really am the WORST food blogger. It's a good thing this isn't my day job! It seems like recently I haven't really had anything great to share - work has been crazy busy so my dinners have consisted of super easy meals (lots of veggie burgers) on the go. Today I cooked, but <b>believe me</b> it was convenience food at it's finest. <br />
I like to stock up on easy things for nights like this - where I want a nice home cooked meal, but I don't have to time to make it. Usually I like to pick up:<br />
*Gardein Crispy Mandarin Orange Chick'n (a must try for herbivores and carnivores alike)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qo5hOqC4oEE/TyiHsJ-QntI/AAAAAAAAA3w/e-xFAVnh80Q/s1600/chrispy_chken_org_295.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qo5hOqC4oEE/TyiHsJ-QntI/AAAAAAAAA3w/e-xFAVnh80Q/s320/chrispy_chken_org_295.jpeg" width="268" /></a></div>
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*Some veggie burgers - my favorite brand being the Veggie Patties by DonLee Farms which I stock up on at Costco</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jw35nmkqx4/TyiH9KbUWuI/AAAAAAAAA34/9HakeQTfouQ/s1600/6a00e54fe2d2648833011571131427970c-800wi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Jw35nmkqx4/TyiH9KbUWuI/AAAAAAAAA34/9HakeQTfouQ/s320/6a00e54fe2d2648833011571131427970c-800wi.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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*Frozen corn, spinach and broccoli- and any other goodies I come across in Trader Joe's or Whole Foods frozen section<br />
Yesterday my black rice & farro from Earthly Delights came knocking on my door, so I <i>knew</i> the rice had to be a part of my dinner tonight.<br />
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I wound up making the Gardein Mandarin Chick'n with broccoli over black rice. It comes with a really yummy mandarin orange sauce that you pour over the chick'n after browning in some oil - I suggest using safflower or sunflower oil since you will be cooking over high heat. The black rice added such a nice crunch; not crunchy like undercooked rice though, it was a goooood crunch.<br />
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If you have a hungry husband like me, one package isn't going to cut it for two of you! I also made Edamame & Tofu Nuggets with Gyoza dipping sauce - both from TJ's. <b>After</b> gobbling up two, J asked me how much protein was in them. It was then that I found out that they are NOT vegan - they have egg white powder in them DOH! Read ingredients Lindsay! But they have a decent amount of protein and were pretty good in case you were wondering. The gyoza sauce was a little too salty and soy saucy for us, if we use it again I may add a little agave and sesame oil to sweeten it up a bit.<br />
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Tonight I am putting together crock pot stuffed peppers, so be on the lookout for a new recipe tomorrow!<br />
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PS - I have been vegan for 1 MONTH and I am feeling great! I have more energy, I feel healthier (which is a good thing when you work with kids who seem to have perpetual runny noses) and my hair is shinier and more manageable. The hair thing may seem weird, but ever since I was introduced to Hot Tools (my high school savior) back in 9th grade, I have needed to straighten my wavy & frizzy hair with every blow dry. Over the past few weeks it has been so smooth that I haven't needed to straighten it at all! Very exciting things happening, girls - you understand ;)<br />
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PPS - J & I booked a trip to Florida in February so it's time to hit the gym harder than usual, maybe I'll start posting my workouts! What are your favorite butt kicking pre-vaca workouts??<br />
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Peas & Love & Thanks for Reading (that is if you haven't given up on me through all my annoying hiatuses... errr hiatusi??)<br />
-LLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-87630737832920887522012-01-23T19:05:00.000-05:002012-01-23T19:05:20.018-05:00Pizza! Pizza! & A Fruity HoeHappy Monday everyone! After a long day of work I love to come home to my pup & husb, cook a nice dinner, and relax on the couch in PJs with a glass of wine... I wish I could say that was my plan for tonight. J is in class until later tonight and I have a meeting at 8pm - I'm pretty sure wine & PJs aren't allowed ;) So right now I'm just waiting for my <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2012/01/18/easy-weeknight-dinner-crispy-breaded-tofu-strips-sweet-potato-fries/">Crispy Breaded Tofu </a>strips to come out of the oven and I figured what better way to kill some time than share to a delish recipe?? Last Friday J and I had a serious craving for some <a href="http://peaslovebalance.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-weeks-restaurant-reviews.html">Backyard BBQ pizza from 3 Brothers</a> but it was definitely out of our way, so we decided to take a road trip to my favorite place on earth, Whole Foods, and pick up some ingredients for it. While in heaven (Whole Foods), J was very excited to see some of our favorite beers Hoegaarden and Lambic, so we picked them up to make some yummy Fruity Hoes to go with our pizza.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u>BBQ Seitan Pizza</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qag57omS2Q0/Tx3y0po_EFI/AAAAAAAAA1s/YY7KDEhjNJs/s1600/DSCF0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qag57omS2Q0/Tx3y0po_EFI/AAAAAAAAA1s/YY7KDEhjNJs/s320/DSCF0142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><u><br />
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<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
(The easy way)<br />
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<ul><li>Whole wheat pizza dough (trader joes)</li>
<li>Sliced Seitan (Westsoy Brand)</li>
<li>1/2 Sliced red onion</li>
<li>BBQ sauce </li>
<li>Daiya mozzarella cheese</li>
<li>Daiya cheddar cheese</li>
</ul><div><i><br />
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</i></div><div><i>Directions:</i></div><div><ul><li>Preheat oven to 425, put pizza stone in oven to heat up if you have one</li>
<li>Slice up the seitan and marinate it in about 1/2 cup BBQ sauce </li>
<li>Roll out dough on a floured surface and press it out with your hands to form a large circle (or whatever shaped pie you want)</li>
<li>When the oven/pizza stone gets hot enough (should be at 425) take the stone out & spray with cooking spray</li>
<li>Carefully put dough onto stone - it should sizzle! This helps it get a nice crispy crust.</li>
<li>Poke some holes with a fork in the dough and cook it by itself for about 5 minutes, until its a light brown color</li>
<li>Add toppings; we did BBQ sauce first, then seitan, onions & cheese and drizzed a little more BBQ sauce on top</li>
</ul><br />
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<ul><li>Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly </li>
<li>Slice it up and dig in!</li>
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</div><div>Of course we took the easy way out, we could have made our own dough & seitan but who has time for that?! And I tried to make seitan once and I think I'm scarred for life - BLEHHH! </div></div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fruity Hoe</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PutkcYcd6Mo/Tx309Lyh3EI/AAAAAAAAA2c/l83_4G2VwN4/s1600/DSCF0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PutkcYcd6Mo/Tx309Lyh3EI/AAAAAAAAA2c/l83_4G2VwN4/s320/DSCF0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pour half Hoegaarden & half Lambic into a glass<br />
Give it a quick stir<br />
Sip & Enjoy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well, I put way too much garlic in my spinach - better go brush my teeth so I don't scare everyone away at the meeting!!<br />
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Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!<br />
-L<br />
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</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-44429098403233023692012-01-21T13:25:00.000-05:002012-02-27T18:31:37.011-05:00Why Vegan?Although the amount of times I get this question has decreased, I still get it on a pretty regular basis. Clearly when people first learn about my new eating habits, they ask why. I don't mind explaining it, but I am always nervous that I may be offending others. Just because I don't eat any meat products doesn't mean that I am judging others in their personal choices. I always find myself adding "but I don't care if other people eat meat, I just don't really like it" because I don't want to make people uncomfortable... which almost always happens anyway as they glance down at their ham and cheese sandwich. I have found that once I say the word "vegan", it's <b>over</b>. I get an eye roll, uncomfortable head nod, an uneasy "oohhh", or just a look of shock and confusion. There's so much negative connotation associated with the word because people immediately think of a stereotypical PETA obsessed, red-paint throwing pothead. I have nothing wrong with any of these things, and I definitely support PETA, but I think the extremists are scary to people who don't share the same beliefs. Many of the reasons why I embraced this lifestyle was due to the fact that I learned a lot about factory farming and animal cruelty; but I also love <b>food</b>. I love cooking, I love dining out, I love eating, and now I love the new options I have found for myself. I love the way I'm feeling and the energy I have gained. The truth of the matter is, I did so much research before diving in and <b>I learned things that I can never unlearn</b>. If you are thinking of going vegan I can recommend these books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kind-Diet-Simple-Feeling-Losing/dp/B004WB19LM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327168745&sr=8-1">The Kind Diet</a> by Alicia Silverstone is a good one to start with, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Vegan-Guide-Compassionate-Sacrifice/dp/1461088011/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327168819&sr=1-1">The Ultimate Vegan Guide </a>by Erik Marcus is a 99 cent download on Kindle, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Vegan-Complete-Adopting-Plant-Based/dp/1570671036/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327168852&sr=1-1">Becoming Vegan,</a> and if you have a sense of humor I recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skinny-Bitch-Rory-Freedman/dp/B0026IBX0U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327168895&sr=1-1">Skinny Bitch</a>. Once I started reading about it, I couldn't stop. If you are interested, be aware that you will read disturbing things and if you're like me you may become completely turned off by consuming all things meat, dairy, and animal related. <br />
I also love this video of Ellen explaining why she has chosen to go vegan:<br />
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I must also say that not all reactions to what I eat have been negative, not even close! So many of my friends and family members have embraced this and are truly interested in learning more. My parents were a little afraid of veganism, but they are most definitely trying! They had J and I over for a veggie chili and are open to learning and trying some more vegan dishes. Many of our friends are trying to limit their meat consumption and genuinely want to know more<br />
I hope that vegan is not always a <b>dirty</b> word, and I hope that with practice I won't feel the need to make excuses when I am explaining myself. I am proud that I choose to eat things that are good for my body and that my beliefs come from facts instead of happy-go-lucky advertisements the dairy, beef, chicken, and pork industries have been selling to us all our lives. <br />
In reality there will always be people who think like this:<br />
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But that's OK, because I'll probably be around longer than them anyway ;)</div>
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Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!<br />
-LLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-42251688031870438062012-01-17T22:03:00.000-05:002012-01-17T22:08:14.253-05:00Rainy Day CookiesOn a yucky, rainy night, what's better than some comfort food & cookies? Nothing, except maybe a little red wine to go with it. Tonight was supposed to be my day back to the gym (after resting my back) since Thursday, but as one problem gets better, another introduces itself - whatup awesome hacking cough!? And thanks kids! So <b>tomorrow</b>, I <i>promise</i>, I will be getting back to NYSC. I will finally test out my new Vibrams and go to a total body class - my body feels so... <i>unsore</i> and I'm not liking it. <br />
Since my day was a wash anyway, why not make some cookies!? I've been having fun searching google, not for vegan recipes, but for recipes that I can <b>veganize</b>, yeaaaaaaah. I figured no one wants to read a blog that just remakes what all the <strike>better</strike> other blogs make, so I'm on a mission to veganize some favorites. Todays challenge: Fig & Flax Thumbprint Cookies (this actually isn't a favorite, I just have a gigantic bag of dried figs but maybe it will <i>become</i> a favorite - positive thinking people). I am literally making this while I type, so I won't have the opportunity to make it, hate it, get discouraged, and never tell you about it. I guess I could just delete what I've written so far, but I won't do that this time - I promise I'll be honest; if it sucks, I'll change the title to <b>Sucky</b> Rainy Day Cookies.<br />
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<u>Fig & Flax Thumbprint Cookies</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FQSorCEnIs/TxYy2rOjJXI/AAAAAAAAA04/dbLeAgNViRY/s1600/DSCF0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FQSorCEnIs/TxYy2rOjJXI/AAAAAAAAA04/dbLeAgNViRY/s320/DSCF0101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i><br />
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<i>Fig Preserve</i><br />
Ingredients<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmOcl7FlHuI/TxYxpZBIpCI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/ODICBGGt0ow/s1600/DSCF0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmOcl7FlHuI/TxYxpZBIpCI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/ODICBGGt0ow/s320/DSCF0072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>1/2 cup dried figs</li>
<li>1/2 cup water</li>
<li>1/4 cup sugar</li>
<li>1 tsp lemon juice</li>
</ul><div><br />
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Directions</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Chop figs, place in saucepan with water, bring water to a boil and let simmer </span><b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">covered</b><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> for about 25 minutes until the figs are soft</span></li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eB7xhF5G1g/TxYvyvF20RI/AAAAAAAAAyg/-ZX9G_VV4_I/s1600/DSCF0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eB7xhF5G1g/TxYvyvF20RI/AAAAAAAAAyg/-ZX9G_VV4_I/s320/DSCF0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fjBDIOc9zs/TxYv6IGKU6I/AAAAAAAAAy4/GKtdK6Yw03c/s1600/DSCF0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fjBDIOc9zs/TxYv6IGKU6I/AAAAAAAAAy4/GKtdK6Yw03c/s320/DSCF0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div></div><ul><li>Pour contents of the saucepan into a blender and blend until pureed </li>
<li>Pour back into saucepan and combine with sugar and lemon juice </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbYNB8EZpZM/TxYyde4NqyI/AAAAAAAAAzY/wm14cOJ9ERk/s1600/DSCF0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbYNB8EZpZM/TxYyde4NqyI/AAAAAAAAAzY/wm14cOJ9ERk/s320/DSCF0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><ul><li>Let all ingredients cook over medium head for about 15 minutes until it looks "jammy"</li>
</ul><div><i>Cookies</i></div></div><div>Ingredients </div><div><ul><li>1/2 cup earth balance </li>
<li>1/2 cup brown sugar (separated)</li>
<li>1 flax egg (1tbsp ground flax & 3 tbsp water)</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1/2 cup whole wheat flour</li>
<li>1/2 cup all purpose flour</li>
<li>2 1/4 tbsp flax seeds (separated)</li>
<li>1/4 tsp lemon juice</li>
<li>1/4 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1/4 tsp nutmeg</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
</ul><div>Directions </div></div><div><ul><li>Preheat oven to 350, prepare flax egg & let sit</li>
<li>Beat earth balance & 1/4 cup brown sugar until creamy </li>
<li>Add flax egg, vanilla and lemon</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoWK086JxIY/TxYypBhzGeI/AAAAAAAAAzg/ZWGtFlGB9d0/s1600/DSCF0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoWK086JxIY/TxYypBhzGeI/AAAAAAAAAzg/ZWGtFlGB9d0/s320/DSCF0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>Wisk flours, 2 tbsp flax cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a separate bowl until well combined</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ez90PG9ILWM/TxYysK28WcI/AAAAAAAAAzw/ISadFRICFAc/s1600/DSCF0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ez90PG9ILWM/TxYysK28WcI/AAAAAAAAAzw/ISadFRICFAc/s320/DSCF0092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>Slowly add flour mixture to wet mixture and beat until well combined </li>
<li>In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup brown sugar & 1/4 tsp tbsp and mix well</li>
<li>Dip rounded teaspoon sized cookie dough balls into brown sugar & flax mixture and roll</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLrrllCCmEM/TxYz2ijBtaI/AAAAAAAAA1A/gMCNZOiD2PA/s1600/DSCF0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLrrllCCmEM/TxYz2ijBtaI/AAAAAAAAA1A/gMCNZOiD2PA/s320/DSCF0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li> <span style="text-align: center;">Put dough balls onto a baking sheet, press thumb into the middle, and spoon about 1/2-1/4 tsp fig preserve into middle</span></li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rG0QoXk-Mv8/TxYz30ShxdI/AAAAAAAAA1I/cxj5DUFkTqI/s1600/DSCF0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rG0QoXk-Mv8/TxYz30ShxdI/AAAAAAAAA1I/cxj5DUFkTqI/s320/DSCF0096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNuZsJj74MA/TxYz4nE3f5I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/PQARfR_KPCE/s1600/DSCF0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNuZsJj74MA/TxYz4nE3f5I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/PQARfR_KPCE/s320/DSCF0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Bake for 14-16 minutes </li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwJx7s7VLaM/TxYz5gh74aI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/7NlC5fUV_jY/s1600/DSCF0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwJx7s7VLaM/TxYz5gh74aI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/7NlC5fUV_jY/s320/DSCF0100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Verdict: J has proclaimed that after my 3 hours of slaving away... They DIDN'T SUCK!! Since I made a mini-batch, I will be confident enough to make a full batch soon because I kinda loved these :)<br />
<div></div></div><div>So there ya go, start to finish, my homemade Fig & Flax Cookies... and I didn't have to change todays title.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Peas, Love & Thanks for Reading!!</div><div>-L</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-49892386528039001222012-01-16T10:06:00.000-05:002012-01-16T10:06:58.723-05:00This Weeks Restaurant ReviewsHow do food bloggers do it? Posting either everyday, multiple times a day, or at the very least every other day! This week has been so insanely busy I felt like I didn't have a spare second. On top of that I somehow messed up my back which has laid me up pretty badly over the past few days. I have not, however, missed out on some pretty great restaurants over the past week. Warning: you may or may not have the reflex of slapping someone after eating at these establishments out of pure joy.<br />
Let me preface this by saying J and I <i>love</i> to go out to eat, me probably more than him, but he's more than happy to tag along ;) I love the whole dining experience, which is probably due to the fact that I waited tables throughout high school & college; and I just really appreciate being on the other side of the table. (Sidebar: I think that every single person that goes out to eat should have to serve for a little while - they will never act like a rude piece of crap at a restaurant again, but I digress) Holy tangent, back to J and I loving going to restaurants - this had worried us a little when I started eating a strict plant based diet because we didn't know where we would be able to eat other than in our kitchen and sometimes living room (when we're feeling a little <b>wild</b>). After doing some research I learned that Long Island is an incredibly isolated bubble with limited options for me and Brooklyn has some really great vegan restaurants. So clearly when we went into Brooklyn last saturday to see <a href="http://jameskatz.com/">James Katz</a> play (check him out, he's <b>awesome</b>) we had to go find a vegan restaurant for dinner. We had a recommendation to try Wild Ginger and I am so glad we did!<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><div><u style="text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;">Wild Ginger</u><span style="text-align: center;"> - www.wildgingerny.com</span></div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa-Z_gzmsmU/TxQw6-5MynI/AAAAAAAAAwY/Pn6IVXOsYUo/s1600/wild-ginger.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa-Z_gzmsmU/TxQw6-5MynI/AAAAAAAAAwY/Pn6IVXOsYUo/s320/wild-ginger.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from brooklyn.about.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The decor is a little cheesy, donned with string lights that resembled those from my college dorm room, but I kinda liked it. We sat on benches towards the back of the restaurant, next to the two oddest girls. They didn't say a single thing to each other the entire time - except, "this is good", and then back to silence. I didn't like that - but don't worry I don't think they'll still be there ;) <br />
We ordered indian pancakes with curry dipping sauce - omigah (in case you're wondering that was just my white girl 'oh my god', but <i>really </i>meaning it). I guess anything deep fried served with a curry sauce would taste great, but this was pretty magical. Then came our miso soups - which we're pretty standard, but who doesn't love a miso soup? Of course we washed everything down with hot sake & Sapporos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcDqJ1RCQ4U/TxQxBE6lVRI/AAAAAAAAAwo/WsGyfY8QYQw/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kcDqJ1RCQ4U/TxQxBE6lVRI/AAAAAAAAAwo/WsGyfY8QYQw/s320/IMG_0671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J going in for the dip - <i>nice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For dinner I ordered General Tso's soy protein and J ordered a tofu green curry dish and both came with brown rice. Mine was <b><i>awesome,</i></b> it was so crispy and yummy (and definitely far from healthy). It tasted exactly like chicken - I need to learn how to make soy protein! J's was good, but he said that my (Trader Joe's) <a href="http://peaslovebalance.blogspot.com/2012/01/comfort-food-for-chilly-night.html">green curry tofu</a> was better, *swoon*. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8h8iQ_DfKU/TxQ0qIhEVNI/AAAAAAAAAww/rA5Qlsrz4z4/s1600/IMG_0672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8h8iQ_DfKU/TxQ0qIhEVNI/AAAAAAAAAww/rA5Qlsrz4z4/s320/IMG_0672.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad food blogger! Forgot to take the picture until halfway through:<br />
Front & center: General Tso's soy protein, behind - J's green curry tofu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And for once, we had no room for dessert! Next time we will have to make sure we don't completely gorge ourselves on dinner, the reviews I read raved about their dessert!<div>My Rating (because as you all know I am <u>beyond</u> qualified to rate restaurants): </div><div>4/5 - we'll DEFINITELY be back!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCfwWMojsMc/TxQ133-ZmfI/AAAAAAAAAw4/qqjgcxQxlUI/s1600/Vibram-KomodoSportLS-GreyBlackPink.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCfwWMojsMc/TxQ133-ZmfI/AAAAAAAAAw4/qqjgcxQxlUI/s200/Vibram-KomodoSportLS-GreyBlackPink.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
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</div><div>Over the week J & I took a road trip to REI to pick up my new shoes - whatup Vibrams! They're cute and you know it, don't hate. While we we're out that way I really wanted to try a pizza place with tons of vegan options that I had read about. Here it is again - OMIGAH. If you are every anywhere near Rockville Centre you have to try this place - SO good.</div><div><u style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>3 Brothers Pizza Cafe</u> - 3brotherspizzacafe.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DE_T16NxfC4/TxQ3tRa-wQI/AAAAAAAAAxA/nF3YRsq_u2A/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DE_T16NxfC4/TxQ3tRa-wQI/AAAAAAAAAxA/nF3YRsq_u2A/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We ordered a small backyard BBQ pie with seitan; it had red onions, seitan, BBQ sauce, and Daiya cheddar & mozzarella on it. To. Die. For. We also split a plain (Daiya) cheese slice, for good measure. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8L1uUqKMHY/TxQ4ECXx93I/AAAAAAAAAxo/7bjRP67pw78/s1600/IMG_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8L1uUqKMHY/TxQ4ECXx93I/AAAAAAAAAxo/7bjRP67pw78/s320/IMG_0673.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backyard BBQ Pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The atmosphere was like any pizza place, which is fine by me. <div>My rating: </div><div>5/5 - I LOVE pizza, and we have to travel to RVC more often (confession: on our way home I told J that I wanted to move there just for the pizza, normal?)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess now it's time to get back to cooking some healthier meals and not surviving on left overs this week - but only because we're all out. Big plans for today - hitting up Whole Foods & going to pilates in a few, I <i>love </i>Mondays when I don't have to work. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Peas, Love & Thanks for reading!</div><div style="text-align: left;">-L</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br />
</span></div></div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2434672032014894200.post-33215976731262575142012-01-07T16:42:00.000-05:002012-01-07T16:42:31.202-05:00Quickie Dessert & Addiction UpdateSeven days into January, seven days without coffee, first day without a headache! I really didn't think I was going to be able to do it, and I definitely didn't think it was going to be this easy. The first few days <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">sucked</span></b></i> but then each day got a little bit easier, the headaches got a little less debilitating (my first day back to work I'm pretty sure I wasn't forming real sentences and my students were quite scared of me), and then finally today I am wide awake at 3:41 pm feeling like an actual human without the help of any caffeine - suck on that coffee! I'm sure I'll still have coffee sometimes, but I'm glad to know that I no longer <b>need</b> something everyday just to function normally.<div><br />
</div><div>On another note, there are many nights that J and I are hit with sugar attacks. These are moments that we must have sugar, and we must have it RIGHT NOW. Usually when these attacks hit it's a few hours after dinner and we are watching our shows on the couch (FYI: we love The Office, Parks & Rec, Modern Family and our new fave is Up All Night... ya know, just so you can get the mental picture) and I would send J out for frozen yogurt or sometimes even ice cream (tear). We haven't had an attack recently so I forgot just how extreme they can be. The other night, all the sudden, it hit! We NEEDED sweets and the fro yo & ice cream kind were out of the question.... <b>panic attack</b>. I googled away and found a recipe for 5 minute microwave chocolate cake so I decided to veganize it. Totally hit the spot, yummy & easy - my two favorite things!</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Five Minute Chocolate Cake</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(makes 2 decent serving sizes)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f_fdV3VX24/Twi2mV3CPiI/AAAAAAAAAdg/8s3hM_s1jJE/s1600/IMG_2451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8f_fdV3VX24/Twi2mV3CPiI/AAAAAAAAAdg/8s3hM_s1jJE/s320/IMG_2451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><u>Ingredients</u></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0pZhlMNo44/Twi2Aa8ZbCI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/6FYPRnua940/s1600/IMG_2407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l0pZhlMNo44/Twi2Aa8ZbCI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/6FYPRnua940/s320/IMG_2407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>4 tbsp whole wheat flour</li>
<li>4 tbsp sugar</li>
<li>2 tbsp cocoa </li>
<li>3 tbsp almond or soy milk</li>
<li>3 tbsp vegetable oil</li>
<li>Tiny bit of sea salt </li>
<li>3 tbsp chocolate chips </li>
<li>splash of vanilla </li>
</ul><div><u><br />
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</u></div><div><u>Directions </u></div></div><div>*Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar & cocoa)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZKbBewXMeA/Twi2R93Nk3I/AAAAAAAAAcY/IXu97X3cttY/s1600/IMG_2412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZKbBewXMeA/Twi2R93Nk3I/AAAAAAAAAcY/IXu97X3cttY/s320/IMG_2412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Add nondairy milk of choice & oil</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdKFCDsiBE8/Twi2TdgXBUI/AAAAAAAAAcg/BGrnGWdV03U/s1600/IMG_2417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdKFCDsiBE8/Twi2TdgXBUI/AAAAAAAAAcg/BGrnGWdV03U/s320/IMG_2417.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-mVp19P1x8/Twi2Xm0RCBI/AAAAAAAAAco/ScaM47UykT8/s1600/IMG_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-mVp19P1x8/Twi2Xm0RCBI/AAAAAAAAAco/ScaM47UykT8/s320/IMG_2418.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gewww creepy double jointed finger alert</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">*Stir together, leaving the batter a tiny bit lumpy</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft8B_5guiAI/Twi2bxDlj-I/AAAAAAAAAcw/oVomE8t5HJ0/s1600/IMG_2419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft8B_5guiAI/Twi2bxDlj-I/AAAAAAAAAcw/oVomE8t5HJ0/s320/IMG_2419.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">action shot</td></tr>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">*Fold in chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and a few small turns of the sea salt grinder</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tldB8O0Rgos/Twi2eaYqdlI/AAAAAAAAAc4/4wFiKZvk5mE/s1600/IMG_2425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tldB8O0Rgos/Twi2eaYqdlI/AAAAAAAAAc4/4wFiKZvk5mE/s320/IMG_2425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4LVBgmKTJIU/Twi2gYBl6rI/AAAAAAAAAdA/8W0Hdj-iol4/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4LVBgmKTJIU/Twi2gYBl6rI/AAAAAAAAAdA/8W0Hdj-iol4/s320/IMG_2427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*At this point I realized how large this cake was going to be, so I split the batter into 2 smaller bowls evenly</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsjAAgVc9d8/Twi2iHGohsI/AAAAAAAAAdI/W3FdEr9GJjA/s1600/IMG_2432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BsjAAgVc9d8/Twi2iHGohsI/AAAAAAAAAdI/W3FdEr9GJjA/s320/IMG_2432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, keep an eye on it here! It will start to rise up over but don't worry it will come back down once you take it out</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Dig in with a cold glass of almond milk, I bet it would be awesome with some nondairy ice cream on top</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVRO7-Aqssc/Twi2lJ05LlI/AAAAAAAAAdY/ZsbTnFy5B3Y/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zVRO7-Aqssc/Twi2lJ05LlI/AAAAAAAAAdY/ZsbTnFy5B3Y/s320/IMG_2450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_BJO3QeQzhM/Twi2nvt5j6I/AAAAAAAAAdo/EwnhmbaQ5ME/s1600/IMG_2454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_BJO3QeQzhM/Twi2nvt5j6I/AAAAAAAAAdo/EwnhmbaQ5ME/s320/IMG_2454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for making your blographer debut J!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for reading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Peas & Love,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">L</div><div><u><br />
</u></div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14818215815644371498noreply@blogger.com1