Monday, November 1, 2010

Chilly First of November

I’ve just returned from a whirlwind weekend trip to sunny California, so now the below-60 degree temperature in Cincinnati feels extra cold. This was one of those trips were I probably tried to do too much in too little time, and this was a trip that leaves me hungry rather than stuffed with good food. Hungry and cold, it was an easy choice to have soup full of vegetables for my first meal back at home.

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I rehydrated dried mushrooms in hot water that forms the stock for the soup, and then I toss in the rest of my vegetables. This time I had fresh mushrooms, celery, carrots, cabbage, snap peas, green onions, and soba noodles and white miso. I tried not to put in too many vegetables because I’ve had so many soup pots and stir fries grow out of control when I keep adding everything I like. I managed to keep this to two really hearty servings.

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Served with a side of baby bok choy, sauteed and seasoned with garlic and soy sauce, I feel like I’m caught up on my need for green vegetables. I’m warm and happy and just hoping I can adjust back to eastern time, get to bed early enough, and wake up and go back to work tomorrow.

Yeah, the trip? I was going to a football game with my brother and sister-in-law. We geared up in Titans wear and saw them fight it out but ultimately lose. By now, that’s nothing new as I generally choose the losing side. It’s different though, taking flack from the sore winners.

005Here we are slightly sunburned but smiling after the game.

I’m also excited to participate in Vegan MoFo! Last year, I read lots of blogs but did not participate. Before that, I had no idea it existed. But I’ll be showing lots of stuff I make for myself that I don’t usually consider blog-worthy, just to show a more complete picture of regular life. I’m also going to try lots of new recipes and do something completely new at least once a week. I’m setting the bar low to guarantee success; it might be more often than that. Right now, I’m excited to see my reader fill up with great posts from other bloggers! I’ve said it repeatedly: reading blogs has been most helpful to me in finding new foods to eat and new ways to cook.

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10 comments:

  1. Kudos to posting right on the tail of returning from a fun whirlwind trip. That soup sounds/looks so satisfying and tasty...

    That football pic (sorry your team lost) but is adorable...if you guys ever have kids, I think they will be very cute! (no pressure)

    Happy MoFo-ing!

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  2. I never participated in mofo either, until this year! Love your post..haven't worked with dried mushrooms before but its def somethig I've been thinking about and of course, bok choy with anything is always yum!

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  3. That soup looks amazing! I am making that soon.
    Happy MoFo'ing.
    :)

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  4. Happy Vegan MoFo! That soup looks incredible & perfect for warming up!

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  5. Can't wait to see your regular eats. We're loving the Fantastic World Foods Sloppy Joe Mix you introduced us to.

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  6. Your soup sounds great but it is everything I love so I guess that is no surprise. I bet Ohio does feel cold after a weekend in California. Stay warm.

    Ali

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  7. Yay! I'm glad you're MoFoing!

    That soup and baby bok choy look delightful.

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  8. Hey; you were in Nashville?
    I hope after the Titans game you had a chance to go down the street to the vegan restaurant, The Wild Cow!! Let me know next time you're in town! There's a group of Vegans who get together quarterly in Nashville; even Miss Vegan Crunk from Memphis comes :)

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  9. That soup looks awesome!
    I know...it stunk that the Titans lost. I love going to their games though...win or loose! :o)

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  10. I've had the same problem with soups/stir fries getting out of hand with all the veggies I add. Sometimes I just can't help myself :)

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