tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27726821856314768792023-11-16T01:24:21.952-05:00veggie cookieJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.comBlogger347125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-37138235393755557652011-10-10T19:02:00.001-04:002011-10-10T19:02:21.697-04:0030-Day Challenge: first eight<p>I have made it safely to the new digs! Unpacked and doing the new commute and all that entails. I’m taking at least the first part of this photo challenge as a way to share what’s been going on. These are iPhone photos, so not doing too much to improve my photography skills just yet. </p> <p>1. Self-portrait – I did not realize until I started how self-focused this little challenge was. One Saturday, October 1, I was driving myself and two of my cats 564 miles. Here you can see my boy cat, Twinkie, laying on my leg in complete terror. And shedding. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioq0xQSsw3MeqkFJVRfvQb7AfvQaZ-DGv7fhgA6LCYKudWl8oXFJ-PKzkSYXiOQdEVKt_Q1i3951pBlrV7p03EHv1wKMTTk02kJrAdZ-m7SfJqI2-yfURtuDT539Op-ogp8tWmd_S41lt/s1600-h/042%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="042" border="0" alt="042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8km_F2JHHasijw7fhB2Meku4B_BSXo-X3MfwQxYyTiiqlsGYOSyzzxZnfUfoRhLKgu9OTEm8nTcALqd6VbK-ibku9BM9Hef3ouB6Ocmeu3SR1-eIXaU0qyKlXRDcKc9GsHRK-8LgwaI6//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="393"></a></p> <p>2. What you wore today – I was moving. I almost thought I had no photos from this day, until I remembered Alex wanted to do some stunts in the moving truck and he took a few photos of me, too. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nkfq6CgbGRfnMpYqcBS8_RSHTZBr6Xe3rfjWxp4HC40pfb8gCcXc9b-iUytJn5t7SSOcBNurPp1d5ja4zgeYEk_koDsI9DTTsCL3nkwKLCO83Vo09TL-49vehWYEND5lbiwYByXfyebr/s1600-h/010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="010" border="0" alt="010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z3tD01K64KcRhukUyM2O16QLKIg0iWQsOXn7V2ugWOEDNcpzDnWAduzmmlUaLZ4ZJCkmwV28TGtJ_tGP9CI2AhzjCXgZ5dsEBMxj_QV8WndTZBh8GhDi6T9l-8292aDM4M0TQ3A18qGW//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPT-K4P1y40UtzZ0KStq7dydBRCGXMmIPMhHW63fbbzHcKfWNOctaMISLu4uNBpphRteVX25HCwJrZheyAGWGweelu-YhHg8KSp1jJvnv_ygDwWatLVIw2b7r3afxiuRIhmoWBthB2KiWG/s1600-h/019%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="019" border="0" alt="019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6-dHzakZnAFkVxGF6NuKd8FQuoyOTKYF9NPWcP5BPXxGlbgObe9O7cm7ukdV6qgJliTTRHN_aWb3nMNM2Hk-lUV-TZJTocqV5tYVnIDszcoRzu02ZEU7vcW_T5qND_BMnybqBR3Y_a6l//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>I totally could have played monkey bars on the sides of the truck and had a cooler photo. Ugh, too late. </p> <p>3. Clouds. Skip! Sorry, no clouds and nothing interesting about that. </p> <p>4. Something green. This house is surrounded by evergreens. We’ve had some great weather and the cats are enjoying the open windows with new sights and smells. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAtRBvowmUX9ixe6ZarZzuaeMvRxAPvAwLHGKkSOQ8ANgBz6HrHOB3-jOVpnQF_Uu0IqPx5be9potojp1DKKIRfW4nlmxr4ncsn_Ci7zbarj9lHZ3d4hBvfq8eRiiPU9YzzUyldTP26ah/s1600-h/081%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="081" border="0" alt="081" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFNlJu-guf5DImoDO4cDD4_Y2WhKbjU_Ko5DJ00i6aTjXYZRM5wH2uBjBjngbn07t8E93Rp1akTje1HTaTAioshEE6bsU7XvPaKeX-6Jcx7pqolQMBZkon2PqWCc7TXW4APr4SK7L5BYj//?imgmax=800" width="300" height="395"></a></p> <p>5. From a high angle: My cat, stressed-out a few days ago, has now made his home in the strawberry shortcake bed. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNi1ZHlm3mn1Oc8GmC6K-2iHWXvvT9tN_Saour6mnWnVWYkBw2K5ZkeQmXaNkIMlRGKJZ-F0QJ5Z3vIAalguxwRLvmhuxvDLwxFX2wTsUAlmFBhRF1WUvJ9n2WRfAKy-xMDcWm3xC6Tv-B/s1600-h/006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18YhX_aLeBrNqF2RZI_WhvABjfIyp5FWvFMvDMIm2N1rJFj8qM37kckG1DY9s3TrSMABt3MGCZ3c6DpRW3GtiwWd58zNKzQ1CA2j82M-UYvFMGXmlK0UVIzuPvNX9qgFi-R5nlkfkduIQ//?imgmax=800" width="367" height="395"></a></p> <p>6. From a low angle: on the floor of our living room, toward the kitchen and back door. Twinkie can’t resist me on the floor. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC31sIQ1Kiqzv4GIWlOIznnhGBSmooTuGU3kLpEhwKJbqlYGd9d3p7HTxAzpC_RiSr9yyMeqJExZUfNTv-kh9l1QsPkMallamFglBWAyfaKEfo82K2bfUwKtoCYnljAjrN7tveCb11FifE/s1600-h/072%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="072" border="0" alt="072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAuwtWF2-nvWPQmGp_ZCY299ukVOKxbNerKyLQ2eUuzod2RFYLl2NlDfVW-OWud3q0Nigsom8jhviX8ZBgtHtAanrwqnpT39Rm9rRgwXhrMXPNZIU-xvMBwtdzkWKrJoNc3hPhCIf0r8A//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="393"></a></p> <p>7. Fruit: I have been eating a lotta bananas lately, taking one to work each day. Plus you can see how white our new kitchen is. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgPtcGytNQSzwrQ-wuTWfynl4hEfg-NGXpLJiL-C3jolsjTuwHjmIGsZyJUuCjK3BZNAfnNiUqcNjlsMIGBQSFuX30fYDiB6dSnKwZro74pxrRCt90ujcw4hfPPdSz8To1Cm5lHvvYEXg/s1600-h/002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-qXJuG300VUoUxXwJFfO7ZuZPogbdNAIVkVPly2PrdMCtedFg2uhn-zl3fO_vOaG2fPVS8_0Brt9OlxvbmVVwQisZ7WCTz2iXzP7nWH-HrjMiXKKhbStCMRec1Hg7IXWAm5lbDOCNOAi//?imgmax=800" width="300" height="395"></a></p> <p>8. A bad habit. Wow, here’s a prompt! This is a photo from a our first day at the house – our landlord left a bottle of wine in a clean fridge. Win win!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AjsPR9ADoKEaQGLUGxGm-JG7cVA2QAcvvyxUdkjRkCjk_vFFIOtPPuna-gvL9o5_HICFBzxgu1ryFUOUKASOH2wf6DFcABtp7i4R3pRpSr7HTPj2YyPfs27y45-LLnfl87gZe6CLqudw/s1600-h/049%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="049" border="0" alt="049" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishT9GGOPAga3RYNG-xSlDJp3Rt-hrWk189YqgrJmtKu7LmZ9fctUAhwYIpyNQLF-2_u47K_Z9S5gZhnXgTwtnQAT8g5xEJIj6S0GU9O2iaabo5OqU8djoOWLRf1CI9h-er8LHS-wuk1sS//?imgmax=800" width="297" height="400"></a></p> <p>Well, folks, I am settled in, but still getting used to the new routine. More to come!</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-50372549619489004842011-09-27T19:34:00.001-04:002011-09-27T19:34:46.698-04:00The one with no food photos<p>I have two full days left in Cincinnati. I had to keep reducing that number as this draft grew older and older. </p> <p>I can’t believe this past month has completely slipped away. It’s been fun, but I think I wore myself out. I came down with a cold (and I <em>never</em> get sick!). Let’s look back at some of what I’ve been doing, and see if we can figure out who gave me the germs. </p> <p><strong>Task One: Spend local Groupons</strong></p> <p>This treated me to another visit at Poco a Poco (not quite as impressive as the <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2011/03/restaurant-poco-poco.html" target="_blank">first time</a>, but good), a pottery class, and an afternoon bike rental. </p> <p>It’s entirely likely I got the bug at the pottery place. I had a Groupon for two open-wheel sessions at <a href="http://www.funkefiredarts.com/" target="_blank">Funke Fired Arts</a>. Now, anyone who’s tried pottery knows that you can’t master the wheel in two sessions. Instead, the instructors guided each student to create at least one piece to take home. As in, my hands on the clay and the instructor’s hands on mine. Not as sexy as Ghost, though. And although I rinsed my hands thoroughly to clean off the clay, there was no soap until I got home. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNREDMhMTS03-EkoHsn3V-UyhC35IIk021FZ8BOpsiXhiwcmTBBVdsG2dxybvqXS0_aQNjN7xVjYal2GCOjt-Ej4qXeTDs0wBPe1fqCcODzhVkkkZ1-QJr2fxAHOm2GeKoIl9W6F7VQF-/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525289%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo (9)" border="0" alt="photo (9)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJeHvr5WAJzywsJ8Oeen8K6nQQFxnUo3abs7LqAP44tBghTOIwDkogN6C97O0USpYZrOR82c2MPnsR1JDyvaeJZTTfQDB5_lfLzD5fbiEQ8Zlm7cw5hQkKg4VcvFswTusnRSPf9VUUR4l//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="375"></a></p> <p>Last Saturday, we had gorgeous weather. This was perfect for taking a ride along the Loveland Bike Trail. Along the trail, we saw two turkeys (incredible!), a deer, and a beaver. And squirrels, including one suicidal squirrels that froze just in front of my wheel. Alex and I went from Loveland to Morrow (about 12 miles each way) on the “coaster” bikes. I was getting a little tired after mile 19, but I didn’t think anything of it (even went to <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2010/09/weekend-contrasts-quiet-walks-and-oom.html" target="_blank">Oktoberfest</a> that night), but I woke up around 3 a.m. with my knees in excruciating pain. I was a real grump, but after a couple of days, I am happy to tell you I’ve made a full recovery.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvVyeBGpgF00yFREWOd-OLAK6xLFuYrSd5RcBxikUmAh9-RSNvSZFBjgtQwjGyGR66ANhwkUz6lUOWsinu2t4CfbOY3n_iiD6guqXZk_IFsaEX1WSuG4vmSEgYDCVcj1DTJQpy2N-Umyy/s1600-h/2011-09-182%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-09-182" border="0" alt="2011-09-182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLV5WIw654mL-6Jzf7ghYbZQ9-bbs-YLwrwLBtaNedV9Rp0AvhTUeNZAU28s8TTleP_mAyeHOmp-fdjlB-SbyfwxV5KirmaTD01eeAazx99Q7hOk_HXMrHP5kZAI9Fz-3J7fETqp98FEns//?imgmax=800" width="485" height="375"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Alex with his coaster bike (pedal backwards to brake!), the trail, a view of the Little Miami we rode along the whole way. What a great day.</em></p> <p><strong>Task Two: Everything else, in no particular order</strong></p> <p>The following morning, I woke up bright and early (yes, after the 3 a.m. pain) to make one last trip to Hanover College. I advise a group of students there, and although they’re not as snot-nosed as elementary kids, I can’t help but think my comprised immune system might have picked up something from them. Plus it was a dreary, rainy day.</p> <p>Since I’ve written, last meals include: <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2011/06/fun-stuff.html" target="_blank">Loving Hut</a>, <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2010/11/restauarnt-shanghai-mamas.html" target="_blank">Shanghai Mama’s</a>, <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2011/08/excitement-and-embarrassment.html" target="_blank">Allyn’s</a>, <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2010/11/sunday-brunch-melt.html" target="_blank">Melt</a> (for brunch), and <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2010/01/restaurant-green-papaya-takeout.html" target="_blank">Green Papaya</a>. No food photos – I ordered my favorite stand-by at each. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCu8D4UxRub_OwW7m7-SwEXzf7tl7qLEzHAx4q4N80-iiXUmHAvbtnnjXCpIRLexgkKsBgDzDKZuJ8o0kObvl8OuEgqW_hrVR3LMwb07Wc3QgIvvfir5fpVovOIGA2sJCmS167Duehie4/s1600-h/2011-09-181%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-09-181" border="0" alt="2011-09-181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPswiT5IhBUdXDwEj8vIEur8dNeNv9EXewQooC7odtEAtkiBmEEMtEGBRzO4aB8hHMD92ZdM4IAdUoo4KsvcP9qSZejt6oIqMHqU2k9hBfb2S4wLH8PvSYLF4eW9rllfAcWvq4p-n0Naz//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="312"></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Me at the Loving Hut, at our table right in front of the strange little fountain full of figurines. If you think you have <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/06/health/06annoy.html?_r=1" target="_blank">misophonia</a>, like me, it’s tough to eat by the gurgling fountain. Or anywhere else, really.</em></p> <p>Freezer clean out includes: frozen tofu, edamame, artichokes, homemade waffles, Five Star Foodies burgers, chickpeas, flour, and various Trader Joes’s fruit floes. </p> <p>Packing is in full force. Also, I think I may stop blogging so much about food. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel healthy, and I’ve learned so much (why I started in the first place). I enjoy eating and trying new recipes -- after all this eating out it was refreshing to make dinner Sunday night! -- but for October I’m taking part in <a href="http://ourwiredlives.com/2011/09/04/october-challenge-30-day-photography" target="_blank">Our Wired Lives 30 Day Photography Challenge</a>. I may be a few days late getting starting while I wait on my internet installation, but I’m pretty excited about it. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-83063491466020098712011-09-14T19:24:00.001-04:002011-09-14T19:24:16.463-04:00Eating through the Freezer<p>I’ve learned a lot of things since I’ve taken cooking and what we eat more seriously. One is, cooking dried beans is easy and way better than canned. And, more notably, beans are <em>really</em> good in tofu scramble. So, I made Mexican-style tofu scramble. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9n_U_EaLR3BqkEYybP_bazX-L-9MoxdvP0BY5I3BHRPHUi6QpFdpXrCg0zs3JD0Qdlj0aWwQ6_86arE_4DNg2-ZcFMJAaz_IvkHsH7y8pfcuGYYa4rCoy2NeZI_mVKFx-Xu1JkPZcPz0/s1600-h/010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="010" border="0" alt="010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJOV63K5iCI-vQUuFz8O2hIM-60zzqXdQ4tigsS8gIgHuK-rcvLQjEa5Xs9RAQQG7IOsI_OJ17cYOmpApproY11McVMJTrk2ACb4Sy8JfsPOzxKMDQO0qDr4Ho1EVGDCvopz1oUg6BEhv6//?imgmax=800" width="539" height="342"></a></p> <p>So in my efforts to eat everything in my freezer, I had a bag of cooked kidney beans. Not my favorite beans (sorry!), but still not something I wanted to throw out. I also had some frozen potato cubes, hash browns, whatever they may be called. Those are no problem to eat up, but made a good side. </p> <p>I threw sauteed green bell pepper and onion in with the taters and topped them with salsa. I seasoned the tofu with spices like your grocer’s packet of taco seasoning. And I tossed in the kidney beans, some corn, and cilantro and green onion. Yum-and-yum. </p> <p>The best part about this was that by adding so much stuff into the scramble, I had lots of leftovers. So, this morning I enjoyed a breakfast burrito. </p> <p>What’s left in the freezer? I’m not ready to think about it. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-71094872190669672202011-09-12T13:21:00.001-04:002011-09-12T13:21:34.954-04:00Summer Roll City<p>I made a list of places in Cincinnati I want to visit again before we leave. We’re working our way through. Some of them – like <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2011/04/bangkok-bistro.html" target="_blank">Bangkok Bistro</a> – I think I’ll be okay not coming back to. I can’t quite say why. Others – like <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2010/10/suzie-wongs-take-two.html" target="_blank">Suzie Wong's</a> – might be on our “last week in the Nati” list. We went again last week, and it just can’t be the last time, can it? </p> <p>Saturday for lunch, we headed over to Saigon Café. This place just opened a few months ago, and we’ve already been about four times, and it looks like we might be back at least once more. </p> <p>It’s funny, though, because every time has been different. On each of our previous visits, we’ve gotten two different entrees and shared both. This time, we both went for the bun. The first time it came with no roll, the second and third time it came with a crispy spring roll. </p> <p>Expecting our meals to come with fried rolls, we each ordered a summer roll as a starter. On the menu, they were listed as one roll for $2.50. So we ordered two. Turns out, there was some confusion somewhere – and we got two each. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKA0L7KxMEfspvqtg7PCsNDmtdHUjpVCEK8buokX1EVWHk1UCYOiQczKdAFIQ8tGYT3bPK4HOLRduP1xhsHNJ6PWgu_SgvMG5kHpI4kn2THaZJ3fC1RnRugJ8S9493KQb-HE-SmFJ5qlIt/s1600-h/005%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="005" border="0" alt="005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8P3t7FVo1z7smgSx7h4EGpg34sq9Ox5-hLr1tu2W3IAKAKXK858PsvAFfuUlI1ZY7V3TOnC98mLsduOLbnXiyYc26n11KE3k9D8kfTJQEZOMR1hSyiP2X1V2SqJoRmt2AVea-gjHsrku//?imgmax=800" width="365" height="324"></a></p> <p>Our bun vegetable came with a cold summer roll. This was a surprise, even to our server, but not really a disappointment (even though I prefer the crispy roll). Thankfully there were plenty of crispy tofu strips. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmxNkIo2LA_RtVmNgkKQXrhkGtV2PrZ2WGqQyzEWtcy1uyc5hu4XOMcf4xc6W7kwgQtBwx_FIZRTCr7HdwXOt7W3cSwMhFsBXNHSz1bUQVUuU_vQIso2Atiz4QF3xq470UM9K0Ckk6bTY/s1600-h/008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4obEUVzuA6dCHAvSzAL9MGeMABf-PTxcZ9oKgQgO1yUHYvT9bRlauP4AsEdHq-LboClMw5GSoR3PeIrEnwd77h9e1T_eSsHqmCt_vk68Q3QmUQIRSdLg4NucI1_hGrDlEk7835ukyv53//?imgmax=800" width="322" height="366"></a></p> <p>And so marks the day of the summer roll. If you were counting, that was six rolls in total.</p> <p>If you’re not familiar, this dish is made with cold rice noodles, fresh vegetables (lettuce, carrots, and bean sprouts here – sometimes you’ll get lots more veg, like cucumbers and daikon), shredded tofu, and peanuts. Toss this all together with sauce* and it’s a delicious, hearty lunch that isn’t too heavy. This will leave you fueled and ready for a nice walk on the first beautiful day in a week. </p> <p>One thing I’ll miss about my current neighborhood is how walkable it is. I’m checking out <a href="http://www.walkscore.com/" target="_blank">walkscore.com</a> for my new address (63), but I think it’s a little misleading because of all the traffic we’ll face in the big city. Turns out Saigon Café didn’t make it on our current walkscore (72) because it’s more than a mile away. I mapped it on the walk back, still walkable. </p> <p>How’s your neighborhood for getting around? </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVZk6l7tYyzP4sdvRyYrqebfvoXVfI6ymgHr61dDFUb8aCMDDiGdPM4UH82JnCw14CxtvxDXwGdSYfByV2Ujn0HWF40La9EXrQeUE5zm0DrCr_avUfA-onuS0MH_C_OIg_Qut7ku6zOir/s1600-h/009%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="009" border="0" alt="009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9W7mkiAWN5JkLZ3-nwBfTLN14neHzXcik4kpV-IJ0yEcPJoJS-fPCPCi2RoHaDG3XXj0KuAMCuIgnfoF6U9v0fFdXmD-e8CtS1fLr-TMOppdFftweo8_cgGRfOE156Yp_oaUsaeNoIMB//?imgmax=800" width="250" height="375"></a></p> <p>*<em>Check to see if the dressing has fish sauce. I didn’t want to pollute the spring roll focus with fish sauce scares, but I know someone will think I don’t care if I don’t mention it.</em></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-73545567706970488702011-09-07T19:42:00.001-04:002011-09-07T19:42:15.919-04:00Local Goods<p>The best things in Cincinnati: <a href="http://www.grippos.com/" target="_blank">Grippo’s</a> potato chips, <a href="http://www.larosas.com/" target="_blank">LaRosa’s pizza</a>, and <a href="http://www.goldstarchili.com/" target="_blank">Gold Star Chili</a>. That is, if you were born here. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiSFbvJyoYnZ83jUY85a0fNP4ucCRod1lW6kC9C2awvsQIxw-sY2ikwy81ztMiFNpeOX2kPle7yTS0_x5MYYEWymeimumADOdpL_mfotkcWJV32wfJNrWqjytXYpU93K1TTrjflK1ovvRT/s1600-h/2011-09-01%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-09-01" border="0" alt="2011-09-01" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZJSbllwc9mOKjqf5DK66J0kiJe3bxsyfjaePvFP7FWwP1FXcoZ3NEO3I-qX1yA0y1PMrmvszXcheLUP5sozxNlJBB92KlG-jqwf5vSqVGfH_7MfGvwLRw3monll886orlvI5KrEXeFcX//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="375"></a></p> <p>For the purposes of the goodie box, I expanded my definition of local. Too bad I couldn’t include some of my favorite things, like the <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2010/11/my-mofo-finale-vegan-convert-not-quite.html" target="_blank">finally veganized Belgian waffles</a> (apparently out of production!), or un-shippable frozen treats like <a href="http://www.fivestarfoodies.com/" target="_blank">Five Star Foodies</a> burgers or <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2010/11/made-in-cincinnati.html" target="_blank">PhroZen ice cream</a>, or something made by <a href="http://fabulousferments.com/" target="_blank">Fab Ferments</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEkrLz0ZykIbPRmTyRMxGX14ux0BrUEqzVwCwItGUNDAV7gqnk1Ojv2HZZW3m6Iu2mQL2J177JFDFzFAp-mkRwy9FcQ5vCSf8dnDjvNzC1YqZrpHPBcZj2IkNsc7ozrcKrkCwAS50MCve/s1600-h/219%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="219" border="0" alt="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxTWnQzWY3Nct-conMan0lwxWSz7tf3j4ccP5HXKhTSE7XdErpNVuXjGURtY2MbKuU-5zjjUwxgZWz6HaxHmnvIIdIPveTSSxLwF1u9sP0HagXWePgQR3DfbsWfVoCCabm9K_j8UGLQp5//?imgmax=800" width="555" height="369"></a></p> <p>Here’s what the lucky winner got. The rest of you, if you choose to accept, will get to see my final days in Cincinnati as I do my best to enjoy everything I can until I leave. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp0YI9U-TbGuDDGLlGodz0PDYOPSK25H6ZquqmL4QSYcJ6ukkenm32Fo3nK_cLNh7PfVlG5VRm1SmwAeNPqmyzU0w5AKGpHAThg4KGvGx9aySly1IKxPIJFjG9jNzXSpMWhkUiNdIK2sv/s1600-h/011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8DL2poy5meVzdjgQMIg_mu5DgL0iuENNTgyQ4QsOT6CweJBOfypDK2FULzm-N_2jIg8tqLuvT9gG-8PVFNGawpSJxu2WoZUgPgYXSQtVk4uiTFXMHKuPntO3ETeMFr2G9NsJRitosQ0d//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>You see, the Gold Star has made an appearance! <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2011/03/cincinnati-chili.html" target="_blank">I actually ate it, once</a>. Also included is <a href="http://bourbonbarrelfoods.com/" target="_blank">Bourbon Barrel Foods</a> worcestershire sauce, <a href="http://www.kentuckyale.com/beer/Pages/KentuckyBourbonBarrelAle.aspx" target="_blank">Kentucky bourbon barrel ale</a>, and my <a href="http://www.localfolksfoods.com/" target="_blank">favorite ketchup</a>, which is actually from Indiana. I will be bringing several bottles of that with me when I move, and I might just have to try to make my own ketchup if I run out. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnXHMPkaYBTNwbyei7DHU95OQ-waLlYIa8yBtXkW_ZffIy14EzME_10E98g3HvsaOlORvYaR0Pr593IesKqk0SkBMUW3iJxVHiBjrEQtcU7bRQ_kwsAu3xEc87-VF_KEBxI-0lCG6jSr5/s1600-h/225%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="225" border="0" alt="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWTP-BrYLVQabFVfkGYPBh74LwDqdF2Vagy6wFJVbAY8ZlJsyNB9DsrNq6tBDK2_J-xLcxluBYuSZdnbx7MBBeQkSaGdxhVL6q4N-P_NW5MuC52TsGzgAxv_DvUZu1mGR0xIlHbiw2NKd//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="393"></a></p> <p>I’ll leave you with something possibly symbolic: the Phillies beat the Reds for four games straight. We went to one, and it was slow and boring. The best part, though, was being able to park (for free) on the street a few blocks away, being given free tickets by a nice guy who had extras (I totally thought they were fake, but no), and, after deciding to leave early, being able to drive home in 10 minutes and watch the end of the game on television. For a minute, it looked like Cincinnati was coming back, but in the end, Philadelphia won.</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-82097268260951505262011-08-29T08:57:00.001-04:002011-08-29T08:57:20.031-04:00Rejected Giveaway Ideas<p>I tossed around a few different ideas for my first giveaway. I could have taken advantage of an email offer I got about this, that, or the other. Or, now that I’m actually in pantry clearing mode, I could have offered up two cans of pumpkin. You know in a month or two people will be talking about hoarding them and buying the stores out!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42GpFUDRNYpGJhHVb9S0yvJk956-C2amySN9C3fs22KkyZ8x7Bb8VUBwm6U8g80mQrFJA0SMdWeuGNM8pFUv1k8uuLYtvYbV-cBAoYzjBsmdFDFIKSSgG76VfUPmLF0kp9nuy7kVMPZJz/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525286%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo (6)" border="0" alt="photo (6)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kam_uBTG1Nn2gtGlItBPBqnggVtv2kl4V0h2S8cFCCWBAXQKQTWmGPw6YLnyoFcY3EiCJ_aSomVj4mq-i2j9lcd2e_kYHbHPjht8uhS6zTjko3U8HWnwfjuSIjqEio4Q79Mo-NgUAU0D//?imgmax=800" width="399" height="297"></a></p> <p>Look – it’s best by July 27, 2013! Don’t worry, I made <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/pumpkin-curry-the-vegan-table/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Curry</a> and used up both cans last night. (Confusing recipe, but really tasty – made with lentils, onion, and coconut! I just still can’t figure out how much water to use once you “add remaining water” – but it worked.)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWChS_H2KZlKwrLrAKz7cFpSFy-GnHOL_7pWY0CvUVj9oCh8_aaV6jq-E6IPx-2l3LX7fye_HLSOprY1FtTRuH_ZtRV3bQM2PfIaxcxpj_7-D3hF0WphJrZEOgsIVnuVuYg8eprwJeDZU/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525288%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo (8)" border="0" alt="photo (8)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5DY7HRtgkYZ7V1VwZp3umes6y2whyphenhyphenYkZB2LmDNd2cynRQHJOqtBKoOSA_-yN5Gn6MOsOTFz-GJm0jAt0UeqQhfxqhsnZSz3HVf73Zfp6qtkGs8EjOP11eQso4cTkXctMciX0579qCr1e//?imgmax=800" width="399" height="295"></a></p> <p>One idea that I almost used – a cookbook giveaway. I have a feeling that there might be people out there who would enjoy one of my cookbooks more than I do. Now, I’m not naming names, but there might be one or two that didn’t live up to the hype. Then I remembered how much respect I have for my readers… and so I passed on that one. I took it a step further and considered letting the winner choose a cookbook, and then I’d buy two copies – one for you and one for me. But that just felt like I wasn’t actually doing the work. </p> <p>In the end, I decided it might be fun to share some local peculiarities. So, congrats to …</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs4uTprxDmYeqEzV1KmubfFa2SXpZUOqyVu1_7gnDIEtYvEVgo6okvaI0A-AQ9qNwL-Bf7_wP7nW7Lc07ViCZ9Tp4Q9GHOe6xpBXfqAXxo0uD_o3Bye_A4AdZMJE1NBG5MHAl-1Kb7guJ/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbF65PnpjCO_bbs2sXpexnsh4pJ_lSBd72AIHamvqHjeRvVhMrIyfo_b6QlYKIN23-Gu3W9oHbNI3pz93__PAlooCbTeqbECQMZL7V0nndhzK8UN6PpVFlW-0wOKK7I5bf2rmHx2Zt21xv//?imgmax=800" width="206" height="222"></a></p> <p>Isobelle of <a href="http://vgan-jar.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">VGANJAR</a>! Number one won! I need to shop for one perishable item once I hear from you, and then off in the mail it goes!</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-41413533275577815372011-08-21T21:07:00.001-04:002011-08-21T21:07:37.613-04:00Burning Questions–Answered!<p>I know I’ve left some loose ends hanging out there recently. I can imagine that the most pressing question is: “what was in <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2011/06/confession-time-healthy-foods.html" target="_blank">that package</a> from the ever-elusive <a href="http://shenandoahvegan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shenandoah Vegan</a>?” Next could be, am I moving? Did I get the job? Was a giveaway an empty promise? Read on, friends. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOTKjrSoDCMC5SYaEFRxUGcnYggVmPQ-_EReAWSp-1ZeR0NqPLUCcVoVhv_-tLAfMIKL0_2TH7CBn7_WX-uq9E0fKhxeUodRdC0QAwKJy07F_Z4f86UNTCv4OMvvV1hETG-2HEIJPo-Rn/s1600-h/008%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgthr3IEh4n7rHOa8Q1bM4zfjL88eD3v2rY9PQQVpwCUysroSakidCygFNmMyx6taWaURBLX71wcJV_UfKk-WfO6Aww6W6UGmK3zHQLCbkL__rYj7V2BB9l8Fv_7a9YkrtP1mj4xPT0Q1//?imgmax=800" width="481" height="427"></a></p> <p>Do you know what this is? I received two packages of <a href="http://www.hardtimes.com/" target="_blank">Hard Times</a> Chili. Evidently Hard Times serves up Cincinnati chili in the DC metro area. I’m actually really glad I got two, because I kinda messed up the directions on the first one. Still turned out yummy, though. </p> <p>See, I tossed in all my veggies at the beginning rather than at the end. I added jalapeno, mushrooms, zucchini, red bell pepper, and onion. No matter, though I did wonder why I was putting dry roasted peanuts in to simmer with the chili mix, which is TVP with seasonings. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX9ZdpFO4wgWXzRiG9RUF-979jeCARvHnlUJAocoIpZJl63dmpcWPd-qN01QJKc1q-v_8QB-K4DJnDOuk7c6t8QIoS1jNJg-dEsCB_YFu4kxmaJu0kzRCUDp6OImPKIypEU88ZY_e8YUl/s1600-h/2011-08-21%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-08-21" border="0" alt="2011-08-21" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZ2FOLDBWPVoCWDm-Znz151C56PjdCpmF394RzObEkbtRTFs_FFOHy8bwyXgLuGsxiDoDPNA4Khs0HdLWS0Ib3BnZwT7nqBqM1e3ECPG_CHvlwydwbe4SB23DI5XHbuE7KC-Hezl97R3x//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></a></p> <p>I really was trying to follow the instructions. I served this over spaghetti, as instructed, with Daiya and separately-cooked kidney beans. I used green onions instead of raw yellow onions, just trying to use what I had in the fridge. This is some tasty chili mix! Thanks again, Shen!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMgsDQhCjVzWXDY9TM3M7uWMEaSOZU3EJBzhgsheN6-5P9aDwG1A6TJ12obeueOzViMGFQrQFFr-O9KUOSTyWpiKMABRe5pGggzlEdGkmCUxw8CjCtL2t59Q8E4hRN1k331pPS9BbMA3d/s1600-h/011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxuSiZid7ZycsEkoF-HzQL3RLQaazKzG5IQtlLmga1UOED-uFRj4lujj54IIUxIsnH1jZtQqpiG7wuN4pRjXmjCLjqLnIrKC-0ZDZwC97fbozBiAEZ3R5-jW2_YCcIGS-5vWHcZhv83wh//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="395"></a></p> <p>In personal news, it is official – I got the job! Although we were considering leaving Cincinnati since last March, to be closer to family, Alex wasn’t actually sold on the idea of going back to Philly until I locked down the job. Now, he’s telling everyone we’re doing it for my sake. Y’all know better, right? We visited earlier this week and got a place in the ‘burbs. We’ll see how it goes. </p> <p>Just to refresh your memory, or to let you know, Alex is from Philly. I am not. We met there and came out the Cincy together 3.5 years ago. I have been telecommuting to my job back in the area, and with this new job, it will be a help to be back near the office and go in every once in a while. (Same company, so I can keep the shirts, mugs, pens, tote bags…) Truth is, we both have sort-of reasons for going back. Time will tell whether those sort-of reasons turn into enough reason to stay. </p> <p>Okay, personal interlude over. Did someone say giveaway? Alex has volunteered his time. He says that anything that happens is “between two consenting adults.” His enthusiasm for this is a little disturbing to me. So, sorry gals, you’ll have to contact him directly for that prize. Instead, I’m going with the Cincy locals package. The lucky winner will receive a goodie box of vegan treats straight from the Porkopolis. </p> <p>If you’d like to win, just let me know in the comments. Sorry, no bonus points for Tweeting, facebooking, blah blah blah… let’s keep this low-key. My sparse posting might disappoint new readers. BUT---anyone who will help with the move will get their own box, plus the traditional pizza and beer. Message me for details. I’ll let random choose the winner next Sunday night. Good luck!</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-29876999322178844622011-08-13T15:49:00.002-04:002011-08-13T15:50:35.073-04:00Zucchini and tater cakes<p>I won a copy of <a href="http://aliciacsimpson.com/books.html" target="_blank">Quick and Easy Vegan Celebrations</a> from <a href="http://feudfood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Food Feud</a> and have been flipping through it, trying to choose my first recipe to make from it. I settled on “Red Potato Cakes with Tomato and Wilted Spinach” from the St. Patrick’s Day section. But since it’s made with green and yellow squash and recommended to be served with a roasted tomato slice, it’s perfect for summer. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DDaS95FoSTNm2B11CnVlBN6-pbVDDGqZCUjhwPMBlHz_Rj3nNNzymTsppiASVkZ2ZoZjDqBb4RvQqCHZltw0NTU6yeW8GR8fHgItT__XpEOLIYZq0dphOFJEw5upVeuPl1Vnt94zl1-K/s1600-h/029%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="029" border="0" alt="029" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXZyK2cmC5FDDnFMtT2ofLgt7Qod1kgv0N9SNWKmUnIkV7ZINS-PYJw0SsWpK-F-69rE3o6Yxu7QJ43ubRS3P-ewmenS85lTV7O0dTzV_VtuhkSUt6hU0Tff-Wv7QVvmpuBlYvL-Ta9bk//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="368" /></a></p> <p>I had my doubts about this recipe, but it turned out really well. These little cakes were made with cooked potato, raw zucchini, and soymilk – then pan-fried. With so few ingredients and chunks of raw zuke, I wasn’t sure they would turn out. But they did. I used two zucchinis and left out the suggested yellow squash. My mixture was a little wet, so I tossed in some cornmeal to help hold the cakes together. These guys turned out really well! </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjuBLcIt7USt61aeZ3y9BLdeNVwU4N4kfJlt43rrPj07Hm05kXVDP-2jyTUyXrWqFBdmyNRHN2LK_cbUFhoT0sCI2lDPgBhIXoZdkLfDs1w_WQLM6QbQKFr4kK6HuvJhYCjztGJzVXw92/s1600-h/025%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="025" border="0" alt="025" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LI_o-UPGfWquaSDW8J2lSvLhaQYT9zHZocaz6D8TMchVDjiYsjobBagaHF7vyHctQoSJFVyHlNWwKJoU-yt3QAr1-Z0VGLSQwY6L4HeUK1f-5RD225-W9foG_24IxZRop8R7qVqfK19h//?imgmax=800" width="497" height="370" /></a></p> <p>The serving suggestion was to put the cake on cooked spinach and top with a slice of tomato. I roasted my huge, heart-shaped tomato briefly under the broiler and served it on the side, along with some tofu scramble and collard greens. </p> <p>Let me tell you, these little cakes were great straight out of the fridge the next day, too. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-43624924147150437372011-08-08T18:49:00.001-04:002011-08-08T18:49:37.910-04:00Summertime is Grillintime<p>I love grilled vegetables. When Alex and I moved out of apartments, I bought a cheap gas grill to celebrate, like a housewarming thing. For me. And it’s just perfect for summer vegetables. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIh4anrPwoWKJKD9BZ5CThwOFsIeJnspoCmrC_-iLTcruVL9CpvW-FeTmmkudJU4tfovEFt7mTvNtXAbbpbA92FZM_J4ZHXKt0hkAPaG6JW75gbcJYaty352PTmdZrktf2nOhapasxaG7B/s1600-h/002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5-l7_zLPLoPsoMgms4b3DrAJgZRptpQj8eWbWcx_C1IgwldC_D6EahQUAhh5LHgyZwGbEprVgZdZpIhrGj4S1or0gDKvn1Ir-J-bu1mZRwQlZNwo2V3OG5GENYPg4DiBU2g4xPoa_8zt//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>Everything I grill is my favorite. I love corn, portabellas, onions, and bell peppers. Yellow squash and zucchini are good, too. And I have okra coming in my farm bin Wednesday – it’s going on the grill, and it’s <em>all mine. </em></p> <p>Typically, I’ll cut the veg into chunks, toss it in some canola, and season with <a href="http://www.cookscorner.net/SpecialtyFood/Dean_Jacobs_Seasonings.html" target="_blank">one of those shakers with a variety of pre-mixed seasonings</a>. It’s my shortcut – I’m not endorsing it, and I can’t remember when or why I bought it. Sometimes, though, I plan a meal. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-C89SNdy9La2Vq4PMRIM7ShrmHYQI8bAKzCwusSH5X4QQGlQMwesbWE9hyphenhyphenTkAdmKDEKiBRrukDLoT-sW-B6PCJHHBlFglxVwtlNCpjPR2U8QfUFUjxEJo30rWZVz3HE0c27dMMZqy5Lv/s1600-h/0343.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="034" border="0" alt="034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3DNS0DBWC26wJRbmtRsWDor_Kc1kqCJtZPGAecE0feKPJqYGldVuvS3ihOA746vW23NoMvB5qDo7WWYe_6QcMrO3yWzSN_Dmn-vw4KRq6z__kmLW1y3kU7yfdVTROlb66xQA7xEMBfDA//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>I recently grilled kale, sweet potatoes, and <a href="http://www.fieldroast.com/products.htm" target="_blank">Field Roast</a> smoked apple sage sausages. I love sweet potatoes and kale together, and grilling them worked really well. I used <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2571" target="_blank">these instructions</a> for pre-cooking and seasoning the sweet potatoes, and I just rubbed the kale with canola and put it right on the grill. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6ckrp-BwcHIe9qk7METBakwsrZZ2tVZRJuq0v5qbM0EOoNEg7R99INhI2q7QSzQvOcfbr-TnbdTSkONaUWKwzKQsBol_ycbtN3HQdEaXSHJeM9lQjV4TgGlxCEC7a7-N5wrfFXRWd7ON/s1600-h/0327.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="032" border="0" alt="032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgpc529bcLxpJ8EO_9yJyiFWjtHqLjVrtfJABPAZReZpJJerXoRnrI5pNkEEh6x7L2gvwvz4DjrgE65HS4eMK7iUdsezJ7bOBzGqDC0CpyGt4AaOFWeUxM-FfJ10XVlR5u7DFm1K_uGIh//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>Some of it got a little charred, but that’s okay. It was delicious. </p> <p>I bought one of those vegetable trays for my grill, and I just take it inside and scrub it after each use. It’s been in heavy rotation this summer. </p> <p>In other news, I’m still waiting to hear back on the job, and honestly that’s been all I can think about lately. Sometimes I try to think about what to do for my first give-away, and here’s the problem: I learned so much about how to eat by blogging and “meeting” other bloggers. Seriously. I was eating tofu and black beans and had no idea what to do way back when. So what can give my teachers? A “best teacher” coffee mug? I am going to make a decision this week – promise. And a night with my wall-scaler Alex is still a possibility. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-82563192432093348632011-08-01T20:41:00.001-04:002011-08-01T20:41:51.569-04:00Excitement and Embarrassment<p>Let’s start with the embarrassment, in case that’s the only reason you’re reading this at all. I have been cooking, and I have some things to share, but I’ve also been eating out—and craving comfort food. For me, that’s fries and beer. </p> <p>There’s one place around here, <a href="http://allynscafe.net/" target="_blank">Allyn’s</a>, where Alex and I like to go … and the last time we were there, our waitress knew we wanted veggie burgers. It’s entirely likely that we are the only patrons that order them, and it seems like we’ve been going weekly lately. So we were recognized. And that embarrasses me, but maybe it shouldn’t. It’s not going to stop me from going back. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8O7dijxKFEiQksayWG3ZiVrtL2iYYdpMcRdYeHg53QZTmm73EEOrond7pAHgXBQJceOQ8S64iPQ1xG8cIx0fWhjMElNJCX_ZG-sGoPsXezslsEi1J6Jz5ZMxUAL1kRU-bVKy2yZ-mKtKo/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525284%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo (4)" border="0" alt="photo (4)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZYJHqQqG_YVJRyDU_wwE21Cn-BfO9kdWht3UyxParRON-3OOBo8-rbVT3XhN283GduPt6o_u4DkVVsj0sGSYPfqiXJeQ4pu9Hs06wlE-Ro2DPezgR_Hgah_2CLiaDcaq99WXMTPDWb6x//?imgmax=800" width="550" height="372"></a></p> <p>This is a house-made veggie patty, and it tastes like cornbread with black beans, onions, and other veggies tossed in. I actually just eat the burger and garnish and leave the bun. They also have a variety of hot sauces at each table and I usually slather some on, especially the chipotle or mustard sauces. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXtOkTOPxglkZvCwq4iYg8-df09aHsMKxtcvToWZYiUZ9tesAljVgxc8XNvTUTpcJRwi2S8HdDjIiB7c1uvS6iw78kzASPxmU8BWGNQ-cFzKN8tZndMSprphuNgZqkNAWMf_WsdacNWgk/s1600-h/Recently%252520Updated2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Recently Updated2" border="0" alt="Recently Updated2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4cl2Cd7Cwp9hyphenhypheny3s_CUlHE254NMJ81fCYANhqw7-yTn1AP8PtQ_vp4MZ23j9G0AVwCgiK960t8agNvHf3jVTuktgwnxFjzff3ZLwvyHmusLWwtdQHoVeXfe7jNa42zr717hpT0mbC449//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="281"></a></p> <p>It’s one of our favorites, and it comes with a side of fries for $5.95. I say: what a deal! Quick, cheap, reliable, and open late – and we get two burgers and two beers for around $22. </p> <p>So, it’s been almost a month since I’ve even unloaded my memory card. I found some really good food memories! One thing I’ve been wanting for a while – but have been putting off until we move and possibly get a bigger kitchen – is an ice cream maker. Well, I found a tiny <a href="http://www.target.com/Hamilton-Beach-Half-Cream-Maker/dp/B003R4NE5E" target="_blank">half-pint one at Target</a> on sale for $20 and went for it. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMMxYm7eggLAu1YxwDFXndABW9SnEseyBQuJNSZenOSHwIUhH9X-Hz0XBMM5QklsR-hmESLvWS_IvFCQMq6OnyY_rLDD-DeWTbrhOmNmlGfA-ll17TOy0RRPzJNG47jftQ7O86wNHCzlx/s1600-h/2011-07-31%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-07-31" border="0" alt="2011-07-31" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHe5lFdEuPMHFKYaf8AdPQS0zHfkEQg2ihoYDkM45HYUGM2bwDalzhca8fnvJcI2LQaeY4MpD-a4AjWTI8gTjR8J31HcIvl8pDXD9csKZD7GUVK50kp_wrOwLaCdYD_dZrEuRYViyM_NM//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="312"></a></p> <p>I haven’t taken time to try out any recipes yet, but I did make some fro-yo with blueberry Silk. As in, just put the yogurt in and turn it on. Easy peasy!</p> <p>So guys, this summer has found me focusing on work and trying to get a new job. Cross your fingers for me – all the interviews (and presentations) have been completed, and now I’m just waiting to hear!</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-66706376466043689032011-07-10T22:20:00.001-04:002011-07-10T22:20:40.573-04:00The weekend has been a gift<p>Yes, if every weekend is special, this one has been particularly special. I used to be one of those people who worked in stores, always dreading the Saturday crowds, and never appreciating the weekend. Times have changed. And if every weekend is a delight, this one was truly a gift. </p> <p>You see, originally I had planned to go to Philadelphia this weekend. I was going for a job-specific purpose, and that changed. Alex is always happy to go back to his hometown as frequently as we can, so he planned to tag along. But our Thursday night flight was delayed, and ultimately canceled. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXd0g84QgzSvImHQIrStu7nTSgohOrNi_IxgebiFh-tl7Enfb2TjshEuNIvbA8eZ_shFZ9uvRmrF_cD9_HVdXYDLPcWUuE6al042eazPPc56iRV79f9Hb6a-nNDy8m9pucE9YL-LnMEJD/s1600-h/IMG_0518%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0518" border="0" alt="IMG_0518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kUnJMB3Sn5uENQpT07iUCQBQXUb5WRO2lJ7EC2jvbQWY46ViAUUxzLTuq4wHmWq4x3grvkTpx8jLlWpZHb-Kwtr-pWrgDJOI827tFusbLylmsG-ZP-MKVH9iGJamq79MGMrqXpVFj3G7//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="375"></a></p> <p>I can’t help but be a little happy. After all, his mother had just finished with some pretty high-maintenance company, and my job thing had been rescheduled. So getting a refund on the tickets was quite a treat. This was worth the several hours in the airport, I think, to return home by 10:30 on Thursday instead of 5:00 on Monday. </p> <p>I didn’t do much with this extra time. My fridge was bare, so I went to the grocery and the Farmers’ Market. I also went to <a href="http://www.thecityflea.com/" target="_blank">The City Flea</a>, which was about as small as I guessed it would be. I did get an idea for my next blender: the blender bike. If I’d been hungrier, I would have loved to hop on this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuXG_wN_3wI" target="_blank">Fender Blender</a> and pedal my drink to blended bliss. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaXXLaSj6__B2UF_my39M-UPNWAWhEiLkSgBmt24U3huP3qAaIL_cwALoH9yf1D_8GMSAlmnsvI3EKBD_p1ql4FFmYLsqkcl2-RHMn4-9rlY9VOUwpCulMkU16y2KLIXZVauHVNAaaWsn/s1600-h/2011-06-30%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-06-30" border="0" alt="2011-06-30" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnos7EJ4rIq1zEHjJdrcEbLVd24VuBHgemsNc_3Y09ul3OTpGQuV0EKCQHuC3q52HnZJT7yTWsJxqqZCE1VjKnOiiyS5tufHo3BuA_Ya9K8lRwxxbC0xe3dwrx1_junR_jHs1ooP2pnmL//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="300"></a></p> <p>Back at home, I cooked some easy meals, but I also got into “cooking” mode and have plans to make something really incredible. For now, I took a cue from a restaurant we visited recently. It seems like when anyone learns I live in Ohio, they tell me to visit <a href="http://www.thenorthstarcafe.com/" target="_blank">Northstar Café</a> in Columbus. Well, I went. It did not live up to the hype. </p> <p>Thankfully, Alex’s sister wanted to go – otherwise, I’d be embarrassed to have suggested such a mediocre place. However, I did glean one bit of goodness from them: broccoli with peanut sauce. We’ve all seen broccoli smothered in cheese, or broccoli in curry sauces, but this one was simply broccoli with a side of peanut sauce. I decided to recreate that at home. Mine isn’t as thin as the stuff in the restaurant, but it was really good, and very different for me. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENkAut84Pa6ZW6wYrdXc0BGV-a4cNxdTaLODwHuCWxaLEGNamGEXPyWlBznKFmEuKIBKtWwc0LD6uP1Gw5SPD-DK26sh1vWf6D2voDmehJG_ve_uzS-G0WI83h-6uyCNP10UJGKBh-AgP/s1600-h/003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxS1BEhPY-SOG8MzQ8-4Miy0q2YHLyplZQBFz6zi4c2k6b7ZqR6Ujx6w3GiwvpvYdwIsNiDXc0WQulmZTn9NgDkwjEpyN0RlTEaXnngwheuQhBaq63h_eq2r4oNojHVLvRIlBk_uFrfzsB//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>Peanut sauce: vague mix of peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, water, rice vinegar, ginger, crushed red chili flakes, and agave. Thinned with water. It was delicious on broccoli alongside the farthest thing from a stir-fry: <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2010/11/best-lunch-ever.html" target="_blank">sloppy joes</a> and mashed potatoes. </p> <p>Oh, and the best part about not being in Philadelphia on Friday? I was home for the delivery of Quick and Easy Vegan Celebrations, which I won from <a href="http://feudfood.blogspot.com/2011/07/giveaway-winner.html" target="_blank">Food Feud’s giveaway</a>. Thanks, Maud!</p> <p>Now my faithful partner Alex has seen two blog-related mailings lately, and he’s informed me that it’s time to host my own giveaway. When I asked him what I should give, he offered a night with him – a tofu-cake (not beefcake). He’s given me permission to post half-naked photos of himself on my blog, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-18348410836147648402011-07-07T18:45:00.001-04:002011-07-07T18:45:17.642-04:00Leftovers across state lines<p>Quick supper solution: eat your leftovers. I am sometimes good about eating leftovers, sometimes bad about it. I do think my folks would have finished off the stewed zucchini and tomatoes we made during our visit, but I snatched more than half of the leftovers and carried them home in our cooler. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmkcCYSUO621n7GWX8PZOAS87tgVfSHvCpFN9Ur8eyVVKx_3rWNl0-I255lH8dPu1R_Sm3qS_HoH4a7vE3JgtAe26wXGvA7VglNo_lBA5TF_nEGGl6FDXgzrx7UugNE13S42BsL1RCk2-/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo (2)" border="0" alt="photo (2)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlDtkLFi8Q2NJuv0R79onL9c0c0IkcNkjYss7ndW6PstsJHXZg2cLnzIVK7a0CqMbhjOgtIlSk7i9l2JQL-OxPIdda9O-3Y2k92GrFXJKVSA4BhgJ0fxboBTjRXJGADbIJ_Ee9zkhnUmn//?imgmax=800" width="391" height="395"></a></p> <p>The tomatoes and zucchini were stewed with some pre-mixed Cajun seasoning and were spicy! but perfect, and at home I served them over some brown rice and with a generous side of black eyed peas. </p> <p>We’d also used a block of frozen tofu as an ice pack in the cooler, fully expecting to need to eat it on our trip, but instead I toted it home and cooked it last night. I dry-fried it and seasoned it with Bragg’s and more Cajun seasoning. Perfect, quick, and easy!</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-87356460049737976592011-07-05T20:44:00.001-04:002011-07-05T20:44:36.394-04:00Visiting Back Home–kind of<p>I think I’ve gone back to visit my parents for Independence Day for the past four years. At least the last three, and I was there right after the 4th five years ago. Anyway, it’s a fluid tradition. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLXysKsQfdVHwRfoNP0_e0hyo4Nye51OsPZFSu3bRKbkTEWBNycPSPBxsYfE0E8TjZQ10CC-U96YcKlXmT_euOv2CKcWnx5s19ZIrhF9fEMS_Y7PxiYGOlqAoXbHPy0fuDkHfGXuoGtVE/s1600-h/IMG_0444%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0444" border="0" alt="IMG_0444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd0TCRM3KoqKI5a5LCec4prUYAdCFQEWVMOffCLAckf0vSZew1vPW7_IbHzGT1LSy0pq0kSJjKDQFzqwjkPcVcpxTbKqagLKUpCfdUARi0_NuU0gRidDfE7i5qCYImgMqC1jh7gA8cfjM//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="375"></a></p> <p>We bought watermelon, tomatoes, squash, and red cabbage. Some of the vegetables came from a small farm where the family was selling boxes of tomatoes from their backyard, and the melon was from Marie’s Produce, which is set up in a gas station parking lot at the intersection of two small roads. Some of the tomatoes looked really, really ugly, with scars and bruises and other serious imperfections, but once that was cut away they were still one thousand percent better than what I get at the grocery store and two hundred percent better than what I get at my farmers’ market. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZIeiF02DAth774pDAkxLTqVOL6JITPBrearFTruKLDhNfXmxnLlLgFETwLJa3U75Qf7XMqDkmWJrsuyV-dM09LTuFqieaGaXWxOQ3l7gKb3ovabD5qq1IiLAhazshsWrAumT_ixAN3u8/s1600-h/IMG_0443%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0443" border="0" alt="IMG_0443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0PaIfmyY2Iy6PnI6OOibvSDBA57boHg-8seIV_wWEyi8oQRsJ5VMR_Ch7rGXHMAnXmPBA1Qm6hKcl1_cr2i8S-AF9Y9ktmlHTjsBuogbC_DCY_7g-flf-iqdDE7Y4Ag4pN3wrmlsEco_//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="375"></a></p> <p>We played with the dog. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeisDoVq5K1VhenUQvwEjV7KOP2dZb1ZA39AQNK4mUaijONqUIY8395CikKqULcqRM2pst6l_G7A4qUDms_QRASimJ4kjDm4B8EpoMYPjKDkLpWvoVzO8wkZ7aIIULjrJfAGP7q51LmRnD/s1600-h/IMG_0466%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0466" border="0" alt="IMG_0466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMBG46-TxBFQzh0gR363I9mS7fUlbzF_L_0FszUKAMl3nz6l7RexfqUUYm2X75dHwUgc_vj0MqBd9cHTWPP1fu9BifR1n0dZ5_gCHatRdZlqoObsGed_AziB_oTifLE_RPMpXao7XOOh-//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="375"></a></p> <p>I took photos of my folks. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqXd2tuY-MuWqcbK50ffNp5qUJwjAqDqq9AHJ0Qa63gcHlyjxU19E_YAAAimDnSUaSia-tDIJ8ZkZEYflYbjYnkVFg6gC33-xr0awxkcf-c8868OZXOguk8tRrKpkBt5uNTDgaQllRtHw/s1600-h/IMG_0457%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0457" border="0" alt="IMG_0457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgfeNXeo3zhlFh9wTWScpNqZGVdk0X3jRctzeRcaMzlqEJlpD26ryqFMHApdfaCSd-2OoO5qZs6jPkzzueXUvFjdAscuNmMZKmvP3ShLIbWUzzXE1GZOSoicqrKYC8sDe2rd2-UUBA9V3//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="375"></a></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://s3-media3.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/JTn0ZjfvjCy8gWqOLGXVJg/l.jpg"></p> <p align="center">(<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/mYMAUBP8GfN_pi9udtT3IQ?select=JTn0ZjfvjCy8gWqOLGXVJg" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p align="left">This visit, I really wanted to stick around their place more than we have in the past. This is the first trip back with no grandparents in town to visit, and the drive to Memphis and back feels pretty long. We did go out to brunch at <a href="http://threeangelsdiner.com/" target="_blank">Three Angels Diner</a>, where I ordered the tofu scramble. I didn’t take a picture because I thought it looked like barf, but it looked just like this photo posted on Yelp. It did have chunks of portabella and red bell pepper, but it was just a lot of one thing on a plate. At least I was hungry for supper three hours later!</p> <p align="left">We went to a great little fireworks show in the small town they live near, ate veggie dogs and red cabbage slaw, and generally had a good time. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-53735039438606982762011-06-30T22:33:00.000-04:002011-07-01T10:33:26.066-04:00Confession Time: Healthy Foods<p>First things first. When I went to check the mail this afternoon, I saw a package sticking out of the mailbox. My first thought was, “Oh no! They delivered this to the wrong person!” Because my last name is not Cookie. I wish it was. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1VWYv97VNVqC1WRNVr30OXHC2vFUVQGMmogXVeyyR54sbTp_-ZXsxnrZxxHFp3g7khBIdiGBHTFD_Hffl3rSn1KtJcrRVYUrP91j0iWN0XmRf8bXdA17hkIInWjz6-Kr9TE2lnoahGfi/s1600-h/001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="001" border="0" alt="001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis23EnT-38gYmJwtr6w6VRPP54mWXMgL3nDMGuHitJhRJ0qmClLO9CdjvmJVW2IzEhlc4iGPx5QR7DqLwSTRdO_meuwtTZ_WEur0UH3Ns6qqmLEIt1J72qfYQFhiQNM_QQ29qJuSOhyN4y//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>This is a much unexpected shipment from The Shenandoah Vegan, which was a reward for correctly <a href="http://shenandoahvegan.blogspot.com/2011/06/wtf-wednesday_22.html" target="_blank">identify some orange flowers</a>. What’s inside? I’ll show you when I use it. Thanks, Shen!</p> <p>I had originally planned a post about one-dish meals and healthy food. I quickly tire of both. One of my goals recently has been to cook quicker, cheaper meals. You may think I’m rich, the way I post about traveling, but I’m not. It’s time to buckle down, especially with more airfare already purchased. I also want to get dinners together more quickly, so I have time for other things, and reduce the temptation to just grab take-out. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqQ6tbvJ8KUUFqGACn8ydTeHTy0NHPAgKGTqh3qR7Nh89TM14hRjM_8_UFSB8LUaCnHX7WPTebuHhy-bPozH2uFZpX8fwF5fhXDnFB5FLgtwtTFaOnXv4RlxoP5rXGS_sgXmGY5-9Xdqn/s1600-h/017%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="017" border="0" alt="017" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MjexSrbYtezE6orkToYlqQwzokFVfYXEi7oTXao33LLfG0JIZU6oH9bqc72bNy7Zh2rTsm2HRCASVQV0eYj_lpI7hG7zTYfc7BB3uHZhahalT6jTRdxnfx_qQnxQLoqmGXlDX5T_aeec//?imgmax=800" width="519" height="395"></a></p> <p>This meal was quick and easy. </p> <p>This meal was healthy. </p> <p>I think it would make a tasty side dish for something a little more salty, and a little more filling. I get bored eating a big old helping of one thing. This is the Sweet & Sour Lentils recipe from the Moosewood Restaurant cookbook. </p> <p>The lentils are cooked in apple juice and ginger, and then combined with onion, garlic, zucchini, red bell pepper, carrot, tomato, and rice vinegar and soy sauce. The serving suggestion mentioned brown rice and scallions, and I followed that direction. Between the apple juice and vinegar, the sweet & sour flavor was perfect, and the veggie/lentil/rice combination was really enjoyable. I’d make this again, but as a side dish. </p> <p>What are your favorite quick and easy meals? I need suggestions. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-49678786185898465272011-06-27T17:05:00.001-04:002011-06-27T17:05:37.157-04:00Things in the Backyard<p>On a whim, I bought some leeks because I heard they were good on the grill. Actually, the tagline might have been <em>“great on the grill!!!!” </em>I didn’t look into how to cook them, and they weren’t good. These guys were tough and stringy. My <a href="http://honestfare.com/perfectly-grilled-leeks/" target="_blank">post-grill research</a> indicates that there are a lot of steps to grilling leeks and making them edible. I think I’ll stick to pureeing them in soups from now on. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcsINkW-KCy8pyXP2-dH7f3FeGRXxCF3rqNfLgAcfoeRDuMMysM-Flr8ndPbXiE_YJOte592yINvQFWynJSOzTqBGJxNekP-4EVZs0Bs2oCuwAMTkQGaGCMl6vXYiB5XQ53qUuUzXLeZ2/s1600-h/007%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FU_FwY30fd1ReuiRr9su2RCZynMqSunj_nRpQeJjSSt5Ugw_FjfrALNkLegq0GpjdKgSiowgJUK2JT0PE2SFyHU8En45CUNwYAk4HSF-M-sFokL7EkHnXVUQuc3X3uw3VsgrVrqsxj4a//?imgmax=800" width="420" height="320"></a></p> <p>Everything else grills up beautifully: portabella strips, red bell peppers, corn, and – grilled separately, and first – my favorite: asparagus. I feel like someone on a cooking show trying not to make eating the delicious food look ridiculous.* </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3PzKt_zljTBcTpiwOMbugXejYKhGO3DD3n8FlpkQGewwnIGBYEz4KputYi2cS1Bj9Lw7ZLusB1K2c2Znb4kv5cEb-u77bTtO8lPeQMGSDcM7NFuoPVH8IKGNJ1wvMpcvc6QcxVU7xuIj/s1600-h/005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="005" border="0" alt="005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gtU1CMUjc78ZA0ivRRStG1puyG0_jBRpLDdUkpEjpwtXpiF-5NiovI9zMFzpQ2G33ATR5l-CY8xn4SvJ9RKKBWYj6VsTVZ1JbD9zgFwJFAtXhXOyxT1MlIzj19zM2jpC8duMpF15C9Ku//?imgmax=800" width="320" height="245"></a></p> <p>Besides grilling up the veggies, I decided to break out something I’ve had for years and never actually used. It’s a rainbow cat harness and leash. Our three cats are all indoor-only, but we treated the bravest two of them to a walk around the backyard over the weekend. Athena went first, and she overcame the indignity of wearing the harness as soon as she realized she was outside. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIzO2FlT_QF0HA4mRKoZbaKwtRpLvsN72dv0_34Zo-k9K0iJiW_0vaTEnkhxg6HcU4pY8GcLwIqhldIYORO_QY3NVDex24BmOWYyTGg2DrXV40kFxFXwPv74ZS5mzrZnDP0CYcDzJJRP_/s1600-h/Recently%252520Updated%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Recently Updated" border="0" alt="Recently Updated" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9e_fkDHNPy6tzmD8Pz2aeS2-4ACMSPgUwF7nsik-E74CXtSYZAfTOa7FWZQFAaRu6xFXLjBSNji5khP8hfcx31PQNIIvVFA3u3dIXU5vDYhfjCknbwJLZJMpVB1YC-7GGVQusjtAtgHFs//?imgmax=800" width="252" height="420"></a></p> <p>Twinkie was distressed that we didn’t take him out. He was less accepting of the harness, but once we got it on him, he was more eager to explore. Poor cat hadn’t been outside since he was four months old. I took this photo through the glass door while he whined. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSsU99uugsS8bruigFpdz6RJEp8Ay0dfyhsvKqBVCMIRfUD-qF2keb4gxCiyAWtEyDdBBHaoA7D4q98JyKFGs57FRT9f052xRUFoZQwoFDFIEX0J9fLRVkrUxCb2OtaT0FSi9cTFV9tyV/s1600-h/IMG_0397%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0397" border="0" alt="IMG_0397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizznYaEQ7pD9KP5YK_cCIhrhUaM22crOsOwll0eIkjdJ05swuz0tb_zG4559izfO6zDnHIdTwBrPvme3_w0f6hJLuBmEDvNPCIdLifuHqY-5LlLKLg6V4cdub148GJjtbS-kEicnODdGlM//?imgmax=800" width="300" height="395"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4VmTMp6zbuSr7N2nRWKZ2dFsGhnCkI6sMpnCiowWZnOXNHymazFkJQxZ_dMZTbHgQrP9gIcZiMVR87anxhOqBl2uCVz7O6jEdepnMDz0cCct-TYF-LOdSVGMhkePZLZWJU7hZ9gg8wmb/s1600-h/Recently%252520Updated1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Recently Updated1" border="0" alt="Recently Updated1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5NtbTaWDxBkK3QkTAUyFk5KbyVl5n1Vs8MJsxb2XKRXRKIfeVMIHrDFtbWfSqll58W3ryc9igULAVHxfT0k0nxjBG9GHZBIX9bX93sllWdr-hZ3Vihs7iPswvI_SrwOrgrvJM0Ba9T5f//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="300"></a></p> <p><font size="2">I’m sure this is something we’ll be doing a lot more of. Yes, grilling, and taking the felines out. </font></p> <p><font size="1">*I know it doesn’t help that I’m wearing a gross t-shirt with the neck cut out. I don’t like things around my neck. This is yet another work gift, and I blurred out my company’s logo, leaving a blotch that looks like a grease stain.</font></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-16741744717287868632011-06-21T18:12:00.001-04:002011-06-21T18:12:13.339-04:00Fun stuff<p>I guess I should be glad it’s already Tuesday. Every single day has been flying by lately – between being busy with work and trying to have some fun, I find myself almost halfway through another week. I like rounding in the most favorable way to me. </p> <p>Saturday, I made a dreaded but infrequent trip to the mall for new clothes. Thankfully, my job also rewards me in Macy’s gift certificates as well as logoed items. So I spent them. Afterward, Alex and I went to our local <a href="http://lovinghut.us/cincinnati_01/" target="_blank">Loving Hut</a> for lunch. </p> <p>I ordered their special “Golden Wrap,” which was Gardein tenders with lettuce, tomato, and avocado, along with the nacho-style golden sauce. This was super tasty. I also got a side of cauliflower soup. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBWXiTGS97YE9Oi7RUBTigwKxQQtfq5PQRx6ctJp7llIRMiDr0Io1xKrVkbD6IitTi15YyALRMlKr9nX59ecvGb-6iTX0fNy7VP1923i6GaDWD0EenisFLbr_nl5sq8XiGuchVC3NmTHf/s1600-h/IMG_0374%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0374" border="0" alt="IMG_0374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRqv3PZJzQ-E7eksUaer0zBg_RSwBXhxtg791d2x4fYMULN1cAseoToOuvPZxeOX0Unw0Kx7XSNG5AvBjWrtAIoywdUj1AErVJ5QtO9ZTtsjquEjvYBbtWgxRTYkPKKFewfJ7F2zAHf0r//?imgmax=800" width="513" height="398"></a></p> <p>Alex selected a burger which was also topped with a generous portion of the Golden Sauce. This sauce was better on the chips than on the patty; I agreed with him that the burger would be better with ketchup and pickles. (That’s not typically my style, but this beef-less burger was screaming for ordinary condiments.)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoXPOhg9p6kOJ0uM8KDw00fZix4wfV7KOEZDn8UERTrXd75HIuOcloutsK-W6EDmQkXldBNwM9vYRrVPIrIq7ydpXJYjb_JqD1yZX4Ro0tcSAjdkKQYYNKelhQx_mEOCrrXauS2fVoktB/s1600-h/IMG_0375%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0375" border="0" alt="IMG_0375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWEnJXZ3eSxUdwMWdaPzuZEuC36LtVjiKOevot4ivEv7lDZIyLe3T9nogBwWxBUdtpV_bVf1LZCiNz-EVlvlIASIgRfFDTUa9hAHx-6b5PCWBcNpZnVPAiqcyk3HwUYhzc7O1jBJrmdZm//?imgmax=800" width="506" height="403"></a></p> <p>After we stuffed ourselves at Loving Hut, Alex offered to accompany me the library to hear <a href="http://www.charlaineharris.com/" target="_blank">Charlaine Harris</a> talk. I’ve been reading her books and listening to them on recordings I can download through the library, and we’ve been watching True Blood together. Of course, Alex is interested in the nudity as much as the storyline, but I think he’s a super sweetheart for tagging along with my interests. Anyway, we drove downtown, parked right in front of the library, heard the author speak and answer some questions – she really impressed me and made Alex laugh – and headed on home. Things like how easy that is make it difficult to decide to leave Cincinnati. Right now, moving plans are on hold. Indefinitely. </p> <p>I rewarded Alex with the <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2009/04/san-francisco-and-magical-coconut-bars/" target="_blank">Magical Coconut Cookie Bars</a>. After seeing these about a dozen times over at <a href="http://shenandoahvegan.blogspot.com/2011/06/monday-june-20th.html" target="_blank">The Shenandoah Vegan</a>, I finally decided to make them. That was a great decision. So go, make them. You can thank me later. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOmKsZo-t5lTxJA7nd3FtsRT-OpL9wRWTuh8iqU5ud5Vibj-foTXyqxEa1X1czbC6AXDaodJST3XLyyn5M9qvgFmVuWytCY4na8j_pgeXTF4jzof-RGxUXc9rz5OKWt7xt4gYcwcdMRuI/s1600-h/006%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQue54nYMfvYpBxmz9SvB4bH5p7_qPUxzcb44EW2R7Nd8NBDsqOLryaUbnUf8wqDL-5RRw5LS6MjaX5chgPF6lXPfNOWW0APQP0_9QU9JPtTWKgdUcugJbcm4Cdc9BxLf6-foY-stJ_rH//?imgmax=800" width="528" height="389"></a></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-13964385649716305712011-06-15T22:06:00.001-04:002011-06-15T22:06:49.675-04:00Callaloo–what?<p>Wow, where did summer go? I wore long sleeves all day today and was chilly. I talked to my mom – she says it’s cooler in her area, too, because it’s not 90. Oh. </p> <p>I went back and forth on trying this new recipe. Turns out, I picked a perfect day for it. This recipe caught my eye in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moosewood-Restaurant-Low-Fat-Favorites-Flavorful/dp/0517884941" target="_blank">Moosewood Restaurant</a> cookbook I picked up at a used bookstore recently. It’s called callaloo, which apparently is both a green and a dish. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNN-cjsuXgN8eocHyeeXhfE4QCtPgMmo6rbHZJKtHTxZk5FXAKObsY4JMDztYI6P5c0huEF-b62eFD2WnfbZktwNYtQmPxX8QQ7hCoPMxF32-rhDKp6-rCMGv0oNecaQEZQFZVL2dL1Ge4/s1600-h/0363.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="036" border="0" alt="036" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5oB0MQfgA9oVT3mcXogXJzojOgeo1KN8wxMrOvCoxr-NzR8bEE6P6dsy-a3a6xgP82hch-6zoq87yyHC4uKG56udEHoxpSvtIba7C6rHR1iFuE4fT1L07bmSSgnEGt8BllTl3kgtomAd//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>Unable to find callaloo (possibly because I only went to my mainstream grocer), I used red kale. This dish is most like a soup, but it’s made with lime juice that brings a summery flavor to it. This soup is made with onions, garlic, ginger, spices (turmeric, coriander, thyme, allspice), sweet potatoes, kale, okra, and tomato. All that simmers in broth, then it’s finished with coconut milk and lime juice. </p> <p>Yep, the okra and sweet potato combo both intrigued and disgusted me. In the end, though, this was a tasty soup. I thought it needed some heat, though, and I wish I’d cut my grape tomatoes (like the recipe suggested). </p> <p>Since that soup is not too pretty, I thought I’d leave you with a cute photo. Now that winter is over, the cats are out of their cat beds and taking over a chair. I’m glad they’re sticking to one – I don’t like to sit in fur. Anyway, sometimes they take turns, but often, in this cooler weather, they pile on top of each other. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5v3xbyT0ildFUVOOWDtrHvyGPlcMWGoYSLp8uS33x9BRVG7ZiJfoAAQ8khxHVP-1xo_i2Wl0TeTkQzUiMEC7LltVi5M6W50CxyuJYtGZ-MY110doC6sjdmuMbTP2eEOnGe1pvXFNa96B/s1600-h/2011-06-15%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-06-15" border="0" alt="2011-06-15" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsi_0y4DXRq00vjBv0ES_HxrFg-9hkH4P_qCzwykLjTWFV0WuguorBnPMwG0xhUalDNS5rGw6VvRzgzqWRx6GhbFL6qMqmYp8tXtZBrx5W_3oWZ5IPBqHaQjNdNrCTw6PtgOixB1SqjErT//?imgmax=800" width="387" height="500"></a></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-29754632678198918662011-06-12T21:00:00.001-04:002011-06-12T21:00:20.439-04:00Summer Tofu Salad<p>Hi friends. Have you been enjoying summertime? I really have been; I finally went to a Reds game, we celebrated our second anniversary (not on the actual day). Most days, after work, I sit out on the back deck and read a book. I get a special pleasure out of pouring a beer into a logo travel coffee mug I won at work for exceptional performance and taking that out with me.</p> <p>(No, I don’t use the lid. Since it’s an insulated travel mug, it doesn’t sweat in the heat. Also, it has my company’s logo on it.) Does anyone watch How I Met Your Mother? There’s a reference, somewhere, to getting bonuses in gift cards. I get t-shirts, mugs, a water bottle, a shopping bag, pens, etc. with my company’s logo on it. Instead of a raise. So. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPewQrL26S7ccgZoU4SjobvmMFn50gp7uKOKQEsMeKfJD9xQeZXt72DDWqf61pGw4IGThVN9xFMXmhAi1MQDdUwsjr-zwLh3FZqkV3eKbP_mojhuBvW3ngxSXwj2vihi5xDunEDMeblgN/s1600-h/014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="014" border="0" alt="014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbZvGAxZSXl0o4I5I_aq5lvW-6J5nC_YzlTSUzu1Jxng7jPJ2-AwhYQipUFdUSA-gltdn3z4aAuD3Kzh7VbNskp6KioeCXIoAS-OEMu2hkaXNUMSNbV97p001nKm2r7gsfhgPmFqrQkuL//?imgmax=800" width="523" height="352"></a></p> <p>I’m back on track, though, and I went to two grocery stores and a farmers’ market this weekend—with a list—to get stocked for a few meals. (I also realized that through my local library, I can download books through NetLibrary and so I plan to listen while I cook). </p> <p>I am trying to cook on the cheap, after so much traveling, and recently made this meal from things in my freezer and cabinet, plus half a leftover napa cabbage. This is the <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/577" target="_blank">Peanutty Udon Noodle and Tofu Salad</a> from the Whole Foods App. </p> <p>Since I looked at the recipe on my phone and only saw the photo of the dish in a half-inch square, it’s funny to look at it on my computer and see so many other colors. I omitted the radishes and carrots because I didn’t have any. In fact, I found this recipe by searching for how to use up the last of a napa cabbage I had leftover from making some soup. Genius! </p> <p>I ate this salad at room temperature. The udon and tofu were hot, but the cabbage and sauce were cooled. This salad is dressed with soy sauce, brown rice syrup, rice vinegar, chili paste, peanut butter, and garlic. This was really good. </p> <p>How about you, are you cooking more or less this summer? Or, have you disappeared like I have?</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-3589033556023512222011-05-19T20:21:00.001-04:002011-05-19T20:21:20.280-04:00No more Nashville, no more Boston, no more Oakland<p>I spent the past few days trying to make sense of Los Angeles. Alex and I took a last minute trip when he was invited to compete in the American Ninja Warrior 3 trials. Mostly, all we did was hang around Venice Beach where the show was filming, but we had lots of great meals that were just as yummy as the shirtless athletes. </p> <p>Sunday, we went to the <a href="http://www.getty.edu/" target="_blank">Getty Center</a>, and we had lunch there. This was my first meal in the city and it was better than I could have wished for. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdcUatjekq4R7iVUhoWCLpOCaxBIxCEnMGItzQsRMQStu9dByRfE-_FKXCWcHJTKovZUFb1x5UdgYX1POytuKecdUT0VV19WVgbJ46UFJJa0wQDCQ0ppw6JjRdcdzJnTlouEVIH1xsxny/s1600-h/iPhone%20126%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iPhone 126" border="0" alt="iPhone 126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-B_ZJG16PlhJoh6HdipW2TWbyC4t6Rgxi9GQJqJku_t-v473Y9S3NkwOQgGEYyn4ocqBQ04lErjRvtpJfdJakQSL5N4RVQlIS-7ryBXFAYm0_Ike7ddlWV2ulEWfkRZuy2dFGVOnVejc//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="375"></a></p> <p>Somehow, I only came out with one photo of this great meal. I didn’t bring in my camera (I wish I did, but I didn’t think I would need it at a museum) so these were taken with my phone. If you’re in the area, I would highly recommend a visit – bring your camera, and your appetite. </p> <p>What I liked best about the café where we ate was there were tons of selections, and everything was labeled with all of its ingredients. Plus, it was decently priced for a museum cafeteria. We got all this for $20.80 + tax. </p> <ul> <li>Wrap filled with carrots, daikon, sprouts, and mint – with a <em>very </em>spicy tahini sauce on the side</li> <li>A large entrée salad of baby greens, couscous, currants, cucumbers, and lentils with a lemon parsley vinaigrette (can you believe it? a filling salad with no cheese?)</li> <li>Side dish of Swiss chard</li> <li>Side dish of “garbanzo stew” – onions, tomatoes, yellow squash, and chickpeas</li></ul> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fEmh4o7XzA4HlTRi1RTBqL_zS_3N8g7VQUU3CtcoaF37qy1KGi2k_EI2VFEzsI1gzIPzgcf7ZnsCob0xnwvsU1nstqwjz5er9w0LDkslHQBLZLidzxhnnhacf1CaxHTOTZbnVVTIaWA9/s1600-h/iPhone%20123%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iPhone 123" border="0" alt="iPhone 123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSM3PqoJhtJ-Gl7bJnsQmeigT9pKFzec_MVy-XkumwSG7H1PrBqXC8rs7-DOplYPqfQ4RHWqDEB3lya22Y6_rrqbnz_IZsATWKPFO3dayvlDOuqZxeqb3ohOmCncdxUUo9gYb7KOrrfdFU//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="375"></a></p> <p>The salad and wrap were pre-packaged, but the two side dishes were from a hot-foods cafeteria line. That garbanzo stew impressed us both – look forward to me giving that a shot here at home. I even overheard another diner complimenting the dish. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZG1WrDsiO1RWbLeAmnt9EFyNHatNMXe1R7YynGm49xnVUCopfQXrJfjrgFUzBu3LedQvdLfxCns7gyeqFfNGXFliQS8Kmh3mzo-WHMulAkyFw2owCgbztYb-MIkNEdXMg80ePvSafuUz/s1600-h/iPhone%20136%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="iPhone 136" border="0" alt="iPhone 136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzdWZtiIPHhn9mxouIsDmr0BIMg53F7j3pjgSwWMgm7KbBItvRmtDuGrYY7K0R8uqv2ChvzAqotJPBE9LLL0DWVLJNsBuVTnSPS9F9vAfU0FQqw9bNuz60jsA7V0A1KvlmVxVgxWdgPJ9//?imgmax=800" width="378" height="372"></a></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-39761962942939892562011-05-11T18:08:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:24:47.728-04:00My new favorite dessert<p>You may have noticed that I’m not really a dessert person. Every once in a while I can go for a muffin or pancake, but besides a sprinkle of sugar in my coffee, I’m not a sweet person. I mean, I don’t have a sweet tooth. In retrospect, maybe I should have chosen a different name for my blog. I’m not really a fan of personal branding, though, as much as they yammer on about it at work. </p> <p>So anyway, just to confuse you, I <em>need </em>to tell you about my favorite dessert. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd2hdk7GNkId0T3eBH2evO9wSEG_puCfEeSLnEw0lTX789XJRLkFegHts1SMXKq2oQZugpSMpdtKySTFVxlOA-Px4H4ZJjdt8zLTxwL2kQ3h-EwFuHkxniBx0zXOxDg7yg5fivycwrPwF/s1600-h/008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLX9SYyHOhFJwFL82GeD3felRaRDIw58HDlu0WB6THtwfJ6CKq6nBwvqqBKYNwQvMPIHGRRus6jJN3pz6YzL_ayPvepwlS9JkvrICrv7SsjdDJy_LIaHwn_JcLb8hUkc5DWesjf8lruLPD//?imgmax=800" width="271" height="395"></a></p> <p>Gone Bananas! One bite at a time. From Trader Joe’s. We got a box of these a while ago and went through them like a dose of salts through a widow woman. Then, like many things at TJ’s, they were mysteriously out of stock for months and months. When I saw them Monday night, I snatched up four boxes. Three are currently hidden in the freezer, under okra and artichokes where Alex will never look. (Don’t worry, he is not a regular reader.)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWs4wzddBXiTyAo-cGI6I1vZ0DX8gA2RoqJQ8W3SdU1V4XvDBBH7q_uXx8YzeGjPkN7XJH0ft5kCSnq9gxzZhzYSQpXCvuSoQMeV1xEbchdcrHqMw4OE5g0ayyzyz63EnpislQyr4pioP/s1600-h/003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBL49vFBHV4SsrGGLQm9u_Q_5ShWf0ZXvW-VaWteOxQ0fouFTZTXlb4_03_RHpBPlwy6ZJLigKI50jweZy5rAa1hyphenhyphenWaCnB5gRZjJ9qIRy9P8DSK3-2VKVFbwJNcvsCe7mMtl6q5kwZvmQ//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>These chocolate-dipped frozen banana slices are so good. I can’t really figure what it is about them, but they are perfect. I encourage you all to try them if you can get your hands on them. I would not encourage you to follow the serving suggestion, though. Too much banana. </p> <p>When I went out back to take the photos outside, I scared off one of our stray cats. Alex has a little sheltered set-up to feed the locals and I scared this poor guy. I snapped his photo through the window, but I know he’ll be back. What do you think we should name him? (Possibly her?)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoMjrJChyqPoRbnnA2pU-Qj1uvp8pHFsAdiq2Igf7WahUa9WhpoMFnu7UhjO52NNRdfi534b6FyFNoFEKJ3PY5L1x5DVpH7Q6Gor-y-QJbiYUkNDCDEmegLE6KcHdD-fkPMhozn__N_zL/s1600-h/020%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="020" border="0" alt="020" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qJxkPQ_449mC4NBfDmZniJtTnSxaG7fsD9BohTsrDedpBC5NPZw4PmrQ1oyJnuNmv9zTZCts4xQfBw-IlMArBRsLX5LAkueOPmh397YWdNImDOwmrV9OXtMNPGvP1RQ5WYg91g6-RbGl//?imgmax=800" width="500" height="395"></a></p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-52915535988712432942011-05-10T00:11:00.001-04:002011-05-10T00:11:15.487-04:00Momma, we need more photos!<p>This is one of my favorite photos of me and my mom. It’s almost five years old, but I’m usually the one holding the camera. And when I hand the camera over, I usually end up with weird, bad, blurry shots. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEPytiPqMtqf3xVFvchatYNDbpy_DjYYtPSYO7AL20gp0ht8_bGrmrp2ySGTg_CR2tM65ScCRaZGBAPbPTe98PXXwJjhIdNSdL-RmNWfm1E40SoDaYkRjSG5_278xBlRCxj6Qft6RIFve/s1600-h/IMG_0056%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0056" border="0" alt="IMG_0056" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7dWz_za-8OJR-exOdLNC4gkg-1SX2zZUiu9K2ZnTjhyphenhyphenSsujtWlyHaNcfoM8i48V1M3qlFGQMP3buObpFdaFwkuPwML2OVxLWLGQUZR56ZpnjDd6U9zdLWlmoV-yBWwtNqC61eaQkRHS2//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="395"></a></p> <p>So, happy (late) Mommas’ Day, and to my grandmothers, too. This photo is from Christmas 2004, in the house I grew up in. My mom’s mom is on the left, my dad’s mom is on the right. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwC7FOmgQlTlDNFKPWPtdVlXf_E9vcxSwGwY_Kor2A3BDoGUnCah56PwIcjUa-EahwTNHV5QOPi_lwJUe-cGc7YCf9Bfu9EHHtYsEAXqCgQqKY0vvqZCuvE7CO7REUguYQIoqdPt58OJ1/s1600-h/IMG_0021%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0021" border="0" alt="IMG_0021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbPwT6CxQx_iuV3vElT5wG-EzrHQwXzklCmnW50BJfLVdkouz5zPNka0_3YG7WQsjid9kOJpxmFmqA5OhQZxMKAdRrfVwoSTvb_1XR6MxfFa_LfrDyrv3W7Lv1fdeEbnLvYzlc9nVSdtW//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="395"></a></p> <p>I spent the weekend on a surprise visit to Philadelphia. I got home late last night, and I have to stay up late again tonight to pick up Alex from the airport. He stayed an extra day because there was only one seat at the lower fare Sunday night. Here’s Alex, his mom, and her dog. After more than a mile walking, the dog was ready to be carried. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt2wa_oyhtc1BMVIWIVOI8iKJspKub3EnxPtqrDqUmmRPvBOZgRC2yFgSiP8afQgydFWPjXgit_BuVcGu66jKSLsRU8qI96d37B2XcohwZFI8EfkobqRMEFGi1ntz7Yln2DJP8Hg3fCcG/s1600-h/photo%20(1)%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo (1)" border="0" alt="photo (1)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor2a6BQZ0Ua-O6ieyKul35nCa_mERHYu2kE3hz2KVwqAuQbKQJORVj3aPSVZiBIrI8T-iNqb-sl-wpL8Tc2COomhDj61Lar9wma3LptLkNlqzHErj-f9BVOaXP552Y96-crUAryb_6IVU//?imgmax=800" width="375" height="375"></a></p> <p>Plus, lately, Alex is always eager to lift and carry. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9MWeB7eQJ4" target="_blank">Here’s</a> a peek at what we’ve been doing for him lately. </p> <p>In other (yes, completely boring) news, I went to Trader Joe’s tonight. I bought giant beans and skipped the tiny taters (they were looking ragged). My coffee was $1 more, but I bought it anyway. But I’ll be cooking, soon, unless there is another demand that I make a quick pointless trip. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-27210904890392196372011-05-03T21:50:00.001-04:002011-05-03T21:50:10.383-04:00Buffalo Beans and Greens at Home<p>Remember way back when I posted about my <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2011/03/you-liked-it-and-i-do-too.html" target="_blank">visit to Nashville’s Wild Cow</a>? I keep thinking about that. We ate there three times in March and were about 95% (or more) sure that we were moving to Nashville. Now, everything is up in the air. <em>Everything</em>. </p> <p>No matter where I live, though, I can create good beans and greens at home. The buffalo tofu is a nod to them, though. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U3Y7CcQYuTfqZlTwXXX2s3I3TqIsep9jslMd3USsv_Q__zHwMw1_sTdsgoSWkS29c1LAC-A426X1Mp0NypPDbGESc1xxilzsgC7o4k3ota6HQ26Hpf5T3MvNJYoNmszW2Lc6Fp0OAb-J/s1600-h/029%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="029" border="0" alt="029" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvdGL81FjZG6H212GG6aHp1DQxUoc4xTenp0P70wt3WaZMSW2eW_ABkBQONUa_WpLbx2ntZXteA88glkyrPfVJ_EwjPIJXRiHeoe8Wa66j2qa77dI7uBbyJK2941iTsUCRYS_GVZ9EuEG//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="362"></a></p> <p>I dry-fried my tofu as I learned from <a href="http://www.itaintmeatbabe.com/2011/04/now-you-will-make-some-vegan-club.html" target="_blank">It Ain’t Meat, Babe</a> (basically taking out any remaining water in pressed tofu) and then doused it in Frank’s Red Hot and a little Earth Balance. Not pictured – I made some ranch-style dressing from Vegenaise, onion powder, and garlic powder, thinned with some water. I’m still looking for my go-to ranch recipe. It seems like all the ones I find online call for a million ingredients. I’m not up for that. I just need a little something for my tomatoes and hot sauce. </p> <p>I started with brown rice, spicy kale (made with veggie broth and red pepper flakes), black eyed peas, and the tofu. Although this was another time I didn’t remember to make my peas with garam masala, these leftovers won’t last too long. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRPE4ub10vfWoQv6Lmy5QVwXBaO1Gb8ndj5KpRNAhn1gajg4eayOqnKq5errohZKoAhOjkCCR25Og5okUoIefqc516LU3fCVvG_JypQWYq9PG-K4qwFwLQo0L1wBeu07dZUGRQ1I2P2qa/s1600-h/031%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="031" border="0" alt="031" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-EE-kHYd9sNc8zgTnyRc7LxIzS3kJT4kzvvsfrNPoNhSRFmM9VvzHRoZBHWBVKVENYtMDXr_YbIs4t2CC-nNHKuI_CGxVsglX6Mh4pXwyTBRZBtp0jsIZhAaBEhTLrzIRbwg3NoBWE5e//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="361"></a></p> <p>Looking at this cube reminds of a so-called news story I heard a long time ago – does anybody else love tofu? <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30112394/ns/us_news-weird_news/" target="_blank">You can’t say so on your license plate in Colorado</a>! Um, the kale was my favorite part of this plate. Or the black-eyeds.</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-36248554535504831332011-04-28T22:43:00.001-04:002011-04-28T22:43:46.219-04:00Still Spring Soup<p>April is almost over, and I’m not sure it feels like spring yet. It seems like for the past two weeks, it’s been both rainy and stormy every day. And it’s been cold. So I took the opportunity to make soup. I considered making cookies, but soup won out. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI46i2fXDppjdV2sWn5DEmwOwIKuc6e4k_jC3t5hIjN59-I77Bkhhn_HPvj9Sm-Tzk8LffRbhAzU4jW84ScuCMKukKUu0yHot-jbveVIvDWwrfmhN2Hkwm5KxbFCxqssvn6bDkTzepqi8/s1600-h/012%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="012" border="0" alt="012" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf6_yHNaE-8PCMwwBPCm3E5WvA4_hs0fPW2I1na4wcXr0JNKR1Mdv6vqzhk2ABlGNcHjw6G1wL9Y71kzm8lr_XbLo5u0wgm2cAfUqBRFu5N-wizgE8xXKUrirf4SadfRJEJGk1wFl_g1Q//?imgmax=800" width="526" height="350"></a></p> <p>I pieced together a few recipes for minestrone, and of course I did not measure. But this soup was perfectly delicious. Besides all the goodies in it, I think it’s the broth (Better Than Bouillon and pesto). This soup is made of:</p> <ul> <li>Onion, Carrot, and Celery</li> <li>Potatoes</li> <li>Green beans</li> <li>Cannellini beans</li> <li>Spinach</li> <li>Macaroni</li> <li>Diced tomatoes in sauce</li> <li>Better than Bouillon</li> <li>Amore Pesto Paste</li> <li>Maybe some other stuff I forgot to mention</li></ul> <p>Part of what I’ve been doing lately is kind of a pantry challenge, using up stuff I’ve had on hand for way too long. Sometimes those are interesting to read about, but mine seems a little scary. </p> <p>The green beans were the last of a bag of frozen beans I’ve had a while, and I think the pesto paste was a Christmas gift year before last. Thanks to blog, I can tell you the macaroni was left over from November when I made <a href="http://www.veggiecookie.com/2010/11/blog-to-blog.html" target="_blank">mac and cheeze</a>. I have been eating this soup for a week and I haven’t been sick. I think I have pretty good judgment when it comes to expired food. </p> <p>I’m in spring cleaning mode – I’m also clearing out my closets. Cleaning out the pantry is more fun, though. I am too young to have so much junk I don’t want to think about. Have a great weekend, everyone!</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-11473974871385135532011-04-27T19:03:00.001-04:002011-04-27T19:03:10.696-04:00Bangkok Bistro<p>I have had this at least three times since I last posted. Make that six, because the portion is so huge I always have leftovers. I finished off portion #6 today for lunch. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKTges_FFyWqBgLpMv37EYHhcwbo7Y8iinCpXJtNJReuAfA1qooK2Co7L_JSriyECaLDpU3A6Mou37qJBu6AoefTsiEBbvEyI7IGTZoOdUNMo390pkbyN1sbHcuz3JApmei49IIaD_v7w/s1600-h/003%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUOnPAmTaZuyKGV_wUJiIGsngczQdWYpLKD3ywQxQGAjclg5vLpYrNYtoqHYnXToUK79FKL230Gr2IHk6YLKtYTuPAXC5grP5xecLvYr2okUZFjKI1HG4Lur9Ia6kqsFWDQw_vslTXUt7//?imgmax=800" width="413" height="378"></a></p> <p>One of my favorite Thai restaurants added a new dish – this spicy ginger sauce, with green beans and tofu. I love it. </p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2772682185631476879.post-1892661103152779842011-03-31T19:48:00.001-04:002011-03-31T19:48:45.083-04:00I like what others don’t like–or do I?<p>I know I’ve been writing about eating out lately, but I have been cooking at home. It’s just not as exciting! I’ve made some real flops (keep reading), but I did make one recipe that was unexpectedly delicious. </p> <p>I’ve been trying to use up things in my pantry and freezer. In this recipe, I used some lentils I’ve had for a while, as well as some frozen artichoke hearts. I found the recipe on the Whole Foods Market recipe app, and you can view it <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2882" target="_blank">here</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJyYUOW0k9ulc7jOnT5Mh45RREqRfnzy6P3K2GBUncjcaYLeo9Qo31bUFb2Fh59nOFTSaOnF15_XEwSxu05p8c2naOaWU4BjOJ6dfdP8Gt4npQOkD2CsrT5Xm7uX6yxLYXoirkBYdstgH/s1600-h/024%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="024" border="0" alt="024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ3vsBlceMhH3_gfjflv7sZlrcuff1TpiBzBvG-5YTpjxZgmXX7kuc7Vyf8NjAC2evmq5qHKfp5PNFv1zNpdlFiPFWCTYgbiDJ3lxeh_x_TgZiLXpLJX2OQFoWbnWEZmhZKzpprjWPO9n//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>The recipe is <em>Linguine with Spinach, Artichokes, and Red Lentil Sauce</em>. I ate a heaping helping on a salad plate, and I even finished the leftovers for breakfast. This was delicious, and one of my favorite new discoveries. The sauce starts with mustard seeds, onion, garilc, and lentils, and finishes with lightly cooked spinach and artichoke hearts. Add some lemon juice, salt and pepper and whole wheat pasta, and you’re good to go. </p> <p>I was surprised to look up the recipe online and see that it only got 2 of 5 stars. I mean, people who wouldn’t like the ingredients wouldn’t choose to make this, right? To state the obvious, I used spaghetti, not linguine. Maybe that’s why I liked it better – no, that’s a stretch. </p> <p>I really started to question my taste (or, the rating system) when I checked out another recipe I tried, <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2672" target="_blank"><em>Quinoa Loaf with Mushrooms and Peas</em></a><em>. </em>That recipe earned 4 of 5 stars. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSiPSi9PFQLJgKC4fEOdXsxGQOIpoCuXW7FaFgHSDPFwABltXddQ3K5HUvALxR36sXviLEHIvvkyM3l_K6xmTOFqfDHCToH5CFzggs0Smbp1x9XNC9w8iUIDvHnez0i9spM99yloYE774/s1600-h/008%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="008" border="0" alt="008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-59VbDO7YXwFVcCQPd9EwVD6mIcjmQFcWSIXPrQvi7umTChMeAlt3AwJCdv1JgZlalL8DWFDQxHbbXFiCmgbsjxJtgPvWxqBo29Dm1nhlcJVelzYvQbzE16i3lD4eHk0DohKuJTuf_ZN//?imgmax=800" width="512" height="358"></a></p> <p>This was not great, but I took lots of photos, so I’ll share. This is how you know I don’t lie to you: this looks good, so I could rave about this and trick you all! Don’t worry, I would never do that. Plus, even though the star rating is high, most of the comments agree with me. And I didn’t write them all. Actually, I didn’t write any. Maybe 4 of 5 stars is a poor rating, and 2 of 5 is a good rating?</p> <p>Alex and I both thought it was bland, which is strange because it’s packed with flavorful ingredients, including quinoa, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and red onion. These goodies were bound with a paste of pureed chickpeas and oats, plus some green peas and parsley. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VkrK6MfFYaI6IXZHcUw0uld-ucafI7B1lbDoa6ixx5vdlJwYpcOtdUcNWL7TrilRW8PhrLMQgkS3UyNB3WdkteLzF_w1VbWaoozBgZjhfv5vrU0tPfpzMovxgBDXv5FfCGab_RFKTNkf/s1600-h/015%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="015" border="0" alt="015" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJx7MeLJ34ZuGwocP2CYMTMnJ3ujmXJwqIG9MKLoYGnmk3dburfe3b5pDIGd16xinLjc1OaWHuylc1vRYF0vmMgznPviuhMJROuEMBPRFN-30pv-aXQdxSqCDo-K8W4qgYqtODWatE-81//?imgmax=800" width="504" height="365"></a></p> <p>After baking for a long while in a loaf pan, this sliced pretty easily. Alex enjoyed his with ketchup, and I doused mine with sweet onion mustard (not pictured). This looks good, served with a baked potato and brocolette, so trust me when I say it was bland. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4cX981tCbpnMKgLOeq1aqWQiFhseK-zxhHpv5C5ym1-ITSiNzgCEiky3LiFbe_7WiQaeTAEkRZTSOPjzq54gf0l3vdStodRf0vBb4D3ol638GM8DPGlZE5-oJt06KoUspW3TntlwLYI3/s1600-h/013%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="013" border="0" alt="013" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkppsFNRxBMODeYamNc7zDKkVdR5dt-RXk3FtGJkxp-AtJtVkcwks1MdfLe719C0l0CZ_POJTBY83VQ-sznbgll2iFuhpIkBeNLFKlVm2mIuF0UYycwyDjeWuxv_oNsvcZHZlcH_LRn1PC//?imgmax=800" width="520" height="355"></a></p> <p>In eating this, I was really puzzled about why my preferences were nearly opposite the online ratings. I guess I’m glad I didn’t see them ahead of time! How about you out there – do you like what everyone else does? Do online ratings inform your choices?</p> Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14917367078025519399noreply@blogger.com9