This Is The End...

Wow. I don't know what to say...the end of my first Vegan Month of Food. What a month it has been! While I have been vegan for over 15 months, this is the first time I have tried to blog about it regularly. And while it was challenging some days, and I missed more days than I would have liked, it was definitely a rewarding experience. I may not try to keep at the almost-daily pace, but I will definitely keep at it while expanding my topics to include health, making jewelry, volunteering, and much more...but I'm always looking for suggeestions...

Back to today's topic, Vegan MoFo. I am so happy to be back home. We rolled into Austin about 12:30 this morning, back to the land of plenty (vegan options, that is!). The girls let me sleep in til about 10 am until Mischief decided it was time to wake me up by licking my eyeball...it worked. I have decided today is going to be spicy Asian noodle day as my allergies are going full force and my head feels like it's going to explode. I need some spicy stuff to break open my nasal passages...

I had hoped to talk the Man into meeting at Kim Phung for lunch as I really could use #43 (tofu, vermicelli, lemongrass, onion, red pepper, lettuce, and other yummy stuff I am having trouble recalling but have written about in another post). Since this was his first day back to work in a week things have been very crazy and he didn't take a lunch break like I had hoped-apparently he had some left over Pringles from the road trip. :-/

So instead of meeting at Phung, I had some Soy Ginger noodles here at home and poured on the hot chili sauce. My left nostril is currently working. WOO HOO! We have made plans to go to either Phung or Fire Bowl tonight for a quick dinner so I will be able to continue my Asian noodle with hot sauce theme...maybe I'll be able to get my right nostril functioning. Keeping my fingers crossed. Then, tomorrow I want to go to Counter Culture for her tempeh reuben sandwich...those things kick ass! Oh, and since I'm back home I'll also run by the grocery and pick up some miso soup. Yep, think that covers the next couple of days...other than the fact I need to bake something. I want something sweet and I want bread. Ugh...so many things to bake!!! (and eat :-)...

Thanks for keeping up with my food exploits this month and I hope you'll continue to follow along as I am sure I'll manage to find some trouble to get into along the way. Happy MoFo all! Stay safe and healthy this holiday season...

Interstate Taco Lover...

Well, here we are. About 100 miles outside Dallas and we still have a ways to go...oh, how I can't wait to be out of the car. Sometimes it isn't so bad if I get to do some of the driving but when I'm traveling with the Man, well, let's just say that isn't an option. Thank goodness for iPhones...

Earlier today I did manage to talk him into actually stopping in Jackson, TN, for lunch. We had stopped for gas and was about to get back on the interstate when I looked over at a vehicle next to us at a stop light. This guy was noshing away on tacos and that was all it took. I. Wanted. Tacos. 

So, off to Moe's we went...I really like Moe's. I got a couple of crispy tacos with rice and black beans. Had them pile on the lettuce, pico, guacamole, cucumber, black olives, cilantro, jalepenos, and salsa then sat down to dive in. I'm sure it quite a spectacle as I paid no mind to etiquette. Lettuce was flying, salsa was running down my chin and all over my hands, and taco goodness was falling out of the shell and all over my tortilla chips. I kept on going 'til the tacos were gone and was quite happy to find that I ended up with a nice side of nachos... all the fixin's were great on the chips. Unfortunately once we were done it was time to get back on the road. We still had  a long way to go...ugh. Butt us quite numb. 

On another note, I just tried a smoked almond. Don't think I liked it. Blech.

Blech.

Well, it's finally Sunday and I am ready for it to be over with already. I do not feel very well...I think I am trying to come down with something, no wait-scratch that, I have come down with something which is not good since we are going to be stuck in a car for 16 hours tomorrow. We had originally planned on splitting the drive up into two days but since we are taking kitty #1 and kitty #2 back with us we are going to do it all in one. So instead of driving today we sorted through some stuff in my MIL's basement that we need to get ready to move to TX and went and finally bought a pet carrier for the kitties.

Since I am feeling crappy nothing has seemed very appetizing in terms of food. For breakfast I had a whole wheat bagel with peanut butter and jelly. It was quite tasty but I forgot to add the wheat germ...oops. At the rate I'm going it's going to take me years to work through this jar of wheat germ. Unless I can put a crapload in some bread I'm going to make...hmmm, that's an idea! May have to try that. As tasty as it was, what I am really craving is miso soup. And edamame. I'm needing it...bad...just don't know if the grocery would have that here. Kind of doubt it but may have to brave the cold and go see.

For lunch I had my left-over pasta from last night with broccoli and cauliflower and some squash. I think I remember reading somewhere that garlic is good at fighting off the crud so I loaded it down with garlic...I *really* liked that and it's funny when my husband swears it's my new perfume. I wish I had something to eat now that I could add a lot of garlic to...I seem to be craving that as well. And sriracha. What up with that?

Dinner. No idea what I'm going to have but I wish it was comprised of miso, edamame, sriracha, and garlic. Too bad I only have the garlic. Most likely it'll be a peanut butter sandwich...and some green tea. That would be quite soothing to the throat...and it's been 24 hours since I have had any. Which brings me to the question, 'Can one have too much green tea?'

Hope your Sunday is treating you well as I'm sure it's your fun day. You know, that you don't have to run day. Happy Mo*cough*cough*Fo. Oops, sorry 'bout that...

Greg and his mommy, two of our traveling companions tomorrow:

My most-likely dinner option (picture obtained from here):

A Watched Pot Will Boil...If You Wait Long Enough...

Morning all (yes, I know it's after 10pm CST, but hey, it's morning somewhere, right?). Another long day, punctuated by an early awake time while at my parents' house as my brother and his girlfriend came out for breakfast and a visit before I had to leave, heading back to my mother-in-law's. Despite the fact I was not very awake, it was a good visit and I had a nice hot bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and a sliced banana. I was freezing when I woke up and the oatmeal hit the spot. They had biscuits and gravy and that made me kind of crave some, so when the Man and I get back to Texas, I have a feeling I'll be making some of Happy Herbivore's Southern-Style Biscuits and Gravy. I *heart* this recipe and I must say...if you haven't tried it yet you are seriously missing out.

After all the eating, drinking (coffee, of course!), and visiting were over, it was time to head back to my MIL's. My dad drove me half way to meet my husband in Bardstown, KY, and before leaving there the husband and I decided to grab some lunch. Options were a little thin but we did spot a Fazoli's so we headed on over and I had some spaghetti with marinara and a side salad. It was a nice break from the holiday food of the past several days.

Once getting back to Glasgow we made an ill-fated attempt at locating a specific style pet carrier we wanted to buy as we are planning on taking our two kitties, Mommy Cat and Greg, back to Texas with us. No ordinary carrier will do...we want them to ride together and MC is approximately 15# but her son, Greg (aka Greg A. Muffin) is a solid 28#. So the search continues...if only something like the Kurgo 00044 Skybox Pet Booster Seat would work. That would totally rock.

Dinner time finally rolled around and I decided to continue the noodle kick. We had some whole wheat pasta that was begging to be cooked up...so that's what I did. Contrary to popular belief, if you watch a pot long enough, it will indeed boil. Just thought I'd throw that out there...

There was some stray broccoli, cauliflower, and squash lying around and I decided to saute some up to have with my pasta. A little bit of EVOO and garlic and things were smelling good...

Finally, everything was done and it was time to eat...I was so hungry I didn't take time to plate it up all 'pretty-like' but added just a bit of rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper, and the taste was good nonetheless.

While I was cooking I decided to have some bruschetta on pita crackers for a quick little app. As you can see, there was a little bit of evil eyeballing my cracker...

That's about it...think I'm going to have a small (or maybe not so small) glass of soynog while reading. Happy MoFo all...

Why Did The Turkey Cross The Road? 'Cause There Was A Vegan On The Other Side!

Finally, a chance to sit for a few minutes and think about all the food I have seen pass before my eyes today...As we are with family this holiday, we had a 'mixed' meal on the table...but I believe ours was the best by far! Since we are on the road we knew it would be a little difficult to find things that would make an easy meal here in KY, so prior to leaving Austin, I picked up a Tofurky Vegetarian Feast, 3 lb. 8 oz.. I am quite thankful I did...

As we all gathered around the table today, my husband and I sat down to an excellent Tofurky roast with stuffing that was cooked to perfection...thanks to my husband. He let me sleep in while he got it in the oven early this morning. He had also placed some potatoes an brussel sprouts in the dutch oven with the roast and they were cooked to a tender perfection. I was in charge of cooking the vegetable dumplings with cranberries and apples. Well, the end result was not very pretty, but I got the job done! But, I did manage to heat the mushroom gravy without incident.

The meal was very very good, but made even better by the fact we were with my husband's family. This is the first major holiday since his father passed away in May. It has been quite surreal being back in Glasgow as I had been here helping care for him during the entire duration of his illness. Today we were with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and her husband, and their 2 yo daughter, 'B'. Walter is missed but we focused on the positive things thus dinner today was a very joyous one.

I hope everyone had a happy, healthy, cruelty free day. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy MoFo...

It's The Stay Puffed Vegan Marshmallow Man/Woman...

I don't have much to write about today that's new as we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Enchiladas y Mas, and had some kick-a$$ veggie fajitas. This place makes the best...their grilled onions and green peppers are to die for...and trust me 'cause I'm kinda picky when it comes to my grilled onions. Their fresh guacamole served alongside fresh pico de gallo on a bed of lettuce...well let's just say it didn't remain untouched for long! Their salsa keeps me on the edge of my seat, too, as it sets me on fire most times! I know it's hit because even my husband gets a case of the hot lips when he eats it...but, that's just the way we like it! Their corn tortillas are pretty darn good, too...I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it all.

Well, my plan was not to talk about my glorious fajitas but to talk about my yummy puffy cloud-like treat I had today. While at the grocery the other day I saw some vegan marshmallows and had to get a bag. I hadn't had any since I was in KY and had eaten Sweet and Sara's vegan 'mallows. I was one happy camper, especially since soon after eating those I discovered her Smores. Holy. Crap. Nom nom nom...after returning to TX I sadly haven't had any more of either delectable treat...can't find them anywhere. I figured I was out of marshmallow luck until we visited KY again so imagine my surprise when I came across 'Dandies' vegan marshmallows. I didn't know if I would like them or notbut I was willing to give it a try. I am so glad I did...nothing makes me happier than little pillows of vanilla goodness, well, except chocolate, and cookies, and cupcakes, and...well you get the point. They were good!

So now that I have my 'mallows I need to get my chocolate and Graham crackers as it is the perfect time for smite!! I can't wait.

Happy MoFo...go get some pillows of goodness.

Tall, Dark, and.....Nasty!

Morning all! Hope the day is going well for everyone. Things are better. Well, now that I've had some soup and edamame for breakfast they're better! This of course was after a failed attempt at a smoothie. Oh what a horrible tasting smoothie...

Yesterday, my friend and I were talking about smoothies and she told me about a smoothie her husband had made the night before using yogurt, fruit, etc., so I thought I would try to replicate the yumminess. I pulled out my Ninja (the coolest blender/food processor ever!) and threw in some banana, orange, soy yogurt, flax seed, and a few ice cubes and blended away. Then I thought I needed to add some green so I added a bunch of spinach and a splash of agave nectar. Again, I blended away...once it was ready I poured it into a clear glass, ready to drink. Bottoms up!

Well, I took a big swig...and then promptly spit it out. Yuck! Ick! That was by far the nastiest smoothie I have had in quite a long time, and I usually like the smoothies I make. Not this one. Down the drain went my breakfast. Crap...what to have??

At this point I was super hungry and didn't want to take a lot of time to make something else so I decided to plunder through my refrigerator to see if I had any breakfast-quality left overs. Fortunately I found some potato leek soup and sourdough bread (I toasted that up and it made an nice accompaniment to the soup).  Then I brewed a nice cup of coffee and drank that up nice and fast! MMMmmmmmm......

After this, I was still hungry...so I decided to do up some edamame and that finished off breakfast on quite a yummy note...

Remember the yummy lunch I talked about yesterday? Well I have the pictures to show just how good it was...don't be too jealous! :-)

And Michelle's HUGE portabello sandwich...

Happy MoFo!

Death Of A Computer...And Then I Ate A Salad

Hello all! I had hoped to wow everyone with pictures of my dinner from last night, but that won't be the case. Seems my 'Midas touch' in regards to computers has returned...I've killed my laptop for the time being. Never fear as my trusty iPhone is providing me with what I need to blog tonight...yay, iPhone! I love you!

I didn't plan my meals very well today so I'm afraid I don't have much to write about tonight. Breakfast was ALOT of coffee followed by a few pretzels with roasted pine nut hummus. Unfortunately lunch was in the car and consisted of more coffee and a Luna Bar...oh how I love these. I believe the flavor was Nutz Over Chocolate-one of my faves. Dinner was much less hectic however.

I am babysitting the daughter of some friends of mine tonight so I am out at their house. My friend, Michelle, is also participating in Vegan MoFo so I knew there would be veg options for me out at her house. She had some left over 'Sloppy Joes' in the fridge that I had some of along with a salad of butter lettuce, leaf lettuce, red bell pepper, red onion, balsamic vinaigrette, and slivered almonds. Let me just say, 'Yum.'

I will try to add a picture of the salad tomorrow. It was quite tasty. As tasty as it was though, I'm seriously craving some chocolate. Must bake something soon! In the meantime it is my bedtime now. Night night and Happy MoFo!

Mmmm, Breakfast of Champions.

Gooooood Moooooooorniiiing Veeeeeeeeegaaaaan MoooooooFooooooo!!!!!!!!!

This morning I wanted something really good but I didn't know what...finally decided on oatmeal. But I didn't want the usual oatmeal. Normally I do a nice mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon but today, I wanted something a little more reminiscent of pumpkin pie. What can I say...it's that time of year...

After cooking my oatmeal I then added a touch of brown sugar with a nice dose of pumpkin pie spice. The oatmeal was a little thick and I should have added a splash of vanilla soy milk, but I was too hungry to take the time to do so. I know...lame excuse. Still though, even without the soy milk the end result: great oatmeal! Very pleased with the flavor and will definitely be repeating the experiment!

Flavor aside, I should consider adding oatmeal to my diet several times a week. As a whole grain, there are numerous health benefits. As it is widely known, oatmeal helps reduce the body's concentration of LDL, or bad cholesterol. Studies show it may also provide protection against high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.* Recent studies have also shown a link between oatmeal and an anti-inflammatory effect, for those paying particularly close attention to foods in that category.*

So eat up...just watch what you add to this nutrition grain-don't add a lot of crap-and start your day off right!
 














*Heartier Benefits Seen From Oatmeal