Winter Days

Many of you asked me about the brown rice cream in my last post. The company Erewhon makes it and you can order it online or check to see if it’s at your local grocer. It’s a really great 100% organic creamy cereal that’s a bit heartier than cream of wheat and is also gluten-free.

On the topic of answering questions, if anybody has any others for me regarding anything, don’t be afraid to ask! I’d be more than happy to answer.

The heavenly smell of the caramelized banana was wafting through my apartment.

This bowl = Oikos yogurt + Udi’s Hawaiian granola + caramelized banana + Sunland’s banana peanu butter. Let me remind you what’s in the Hawaiian granola (which is my favorite by the way)… ginger-toasted macadamias, pineapple, and coconut. I also did something special to the yogurt–sweetened it and also added a bit of coconut extract to give it an extra tropical flair. Yuuuuum!

I quickly put together this lunch before my Literary Journalists class.

The rest of the Health Valley vegetarian chili mixed in with bulgur wheat, hickory smoke sauce, corn, and mushrooms. I also had a side of steamed kale tossed in olive oil.

Something new to try...

Remember when I found the new caramel Oikos flavor in my last post? My first thought when I saw it I was disappointed because it looked like the plain yogurt. But then it occurred to me that it was probably at the bottom of the cup. Correct-o-mundo! First I tried it alone and I have to recommend this to everyone! There was nothing weird or funky about this. The caramel and the Greek yogurt blended together smoothly and tasted so yummy together. It’s sweet indeed, but it didn’t have an artificial taste.

Then it hit me--combine a diced jazz apple with the caramel Oikos...

And another idea hit me!

I wanted nuts but also something crunchier. Solution? Top it all off with vanilla & almond granola. Caramel apple much? This was refreshing and full of flavor!

Thanks to my friend for giving me these Sabra to-go cups--mixed in some pesto and cumin.

Trader Joe's handmade flour tortilla + pesto & hummus + veggies + cilantro

I had to go to photoshoot that night for a Valentine’s Day ad for a hip restaurant around here. I’ll let you guys know when the pictures come out! It was very different to be the one in front of the lens, but so much fun!

The other day when I saw hot cocoa in Holly's post I made some that night and I stumbled upon something I miraculously forgot!

Maya’s homemade marshmallows she sent me awhile back! How did I forget I still had some left? Well I knew just what I wanted to use them for. I already knew they were delicious alone and with hot cocoa, so I wanted to incorporate them into my favorite meal of the day. I made a bowl of oatmeal with chocolate protein powder, hot cocoa mix, coconut oil, and topped them with the lovely marshmallows. On the side I also had a sliced apple with Sunland’s caramel peanut butter.

They started to melt right in!

I made a tzatziki sauce with of Oikos plain Greek yogurt + other various ingredients.

The recipe can be found here! I also added in a bit more garlic because I’m a lover.

Such a refreshing lunch... in the middle of winter!

I made a falafel wrap and a salad on the side–both topped with fresh and creamy tzatziki. The falafels I made the other day were definitely winners!

So. Good. I literally stopped everything to just sit and enjoy every bite of this wrap.

More snacking on the go!

I got back in touch with autumnal flavors with the Maple Pecan Boomi Bar. I was asked to go shopping with a guy friend of mine. He said he needed a lady’s expertise to find the right button-down shirt. Too funny!

Strike a pose!

And then I was asked if I could be treated to coffee. Yes please!

We both ordered soy cappuccinos and I dusted mine with the dolce spice. Not sure what it is, but it sure smelled good!

I love foam!

After finding the perfect button-down and some other things we headed back home, but he had to make a quick stop at Trader Joe’s. What?! I got to go twice in one week! One of the cashiers swore he saw me riding my bike on a road I know I probably wasn’t cruising down recently. I’ve been told many times that I have a doppleganger walking around. Hmm?

I woke up to this today!

Matilda had on three layers for her morning walk.

Check out my super stylin' babe!

Blinded by the light!

A whole new world.

She kind of looks like a little old man hehe.

Matilda is so tiny!

At some point Matilda let us know that walking time was over so I picked her up and ran back home to warm my poor baby up.

Then I started to prepare a hearty meal for us--perfect for a snow day.

Such a comforting meal.

I just started to cook things that I felt would be delicious together. I cooked some bulgur wheat. Then sauteed onions and garlic with curry and cumin. Then I added the water and red lentils, bay leaves, diced tomatoes, green peas, hickory smoke, vegan Worcestershire, and red miso paste. After it was all done simmering I mixed the bulgur wheat, lentils, and swirled in some coconut oil for the final touch.

Here is some exciting news that I have to share with you all. Remember in my last post I talked about being very busy but enjoying what I’m doing and trying new things? Well recently I went to a model call for a local boutique around here. They’re hosting a fashion show featuring local talents and what not. I decided to give it a try and people of all sizes could come! I seriously thought I wouldn’t get a call back because I was lacking that “model attitude” when I did my walk, but maybe they saw something in me because I got a call back and I’m in!

I hope all of you are enjoying your weekends whether you’re snowed in, bundled up, or soaking up the sun even! Tonight I plan on going bar “crawling” through the snow with some friends. Should be fun!

Letting Things Happen and Trying New Things

Erewhon's Brown rice cream + pumpkin + vanilla protein powder + coconut oil + spices + molasses + brown sugar + Sunland's caramel peanut butter melted in.

Nothing’s better than a bowl of yummy creaminess on a cold winter’s day.

A sort of platter

I was inspired by this recipe. I caramelized the apples and walnuts, baked the brie and sesame Italian bread. For the kale I just steamed it till the green turned vibrant.

So delicious... the bread was crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside

Winning combo!

Greek yogurt + pumpkin + raisins + maple syrup + cranberry & walnut granola

I let the raisins soak in the Greek yogurt overnight–I actually forgot about doing that because when I saw it in the morning I thought my yogurt started to grow mold. You can imagine I was like, “how does this happen overnight?!” Then the “a-ha” moment was had and I remembered, “oh that’s right those are raisins.” So I happily enjoyed this for breakfast without worry of possibly contracting some sort of illness. Anyhow, I love the crunch of the granola and nuts mixed with creamy yogurt and chewy dried fruit. It’s a nice balance of textures.

When you're in a hurry, readymade food is a blessing!

I knew that can of vegetarian chili from Health Valley would come in handy some time in my semester! I added some of my own touches to it by melting in some dark chocolate and maple syrup. Then I threw in some peas and bulgur wheat and garnished it with cilantro and voila! On the side I steamed some kale and tossed it in olive oil and sprinkled on some salt and chopped almonds. Such an easy meal and tasty as well!

And look at what caught my eye at the store the other day!

A jazz apple!

It was just too pretty not to put in my basket.

On the go snacking...

Lately, when I’m in the comfort of my own home I’ve been snacking on a mixture of granola, soymilk, and peanut butter put it in the microwave. If you like to eat delicious things then I highly recommend this! However, sometimes I’m not at home when snack attack hits me. This is when I rely on dense and full of flavor bars like Boomi Bars. I luckily still have some from when I was sent a box to review. I know I’ve raved about them before, but I really have to do it again. Personally, I think bars with less ingredients taste way better because the flavor doesn’t get lost among the list of unnecessary ingredients. Not to mention, these are more satisfying and filling–just what I need!

While I was on the go I stocked up on some goods...

I got some new things to try!

I got the Gardein “buffalo wings” with the freebie coupon they sent me, so I will let you guys know how the taste testing goes. I’ve never had buffalo wings before so we’ll see what I think! I also finally found two items I’ve been on the lookout for. I’m pretty sure I will love the Sunshine Burger breakfast flavor because which flavor have I not loved so far? Seriously my favorite store-bought veggie burger. Lastly, luck was on my side when I spotted the new caramel Oikos flavor that some bloggers out there have also stumbled upon. I can’t wait to try this out!!

I also made a Trader Joe's stop as well--Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are basically next to each other so it works out beautifully.

I finally got some of their frozen yogurt to see what the dealio is. Well now I know and I must say that I really enjoy the tartness. Let’s see… I spy various fruits and veggies (some frozen) and some handmade flour tortillas. I also got manchego cheese–I have a recipe in mind for this.

Soon after I got home I set out to make some falafels.

I loosely followed this recipe.

I decided to bake them instead since I'm always afraid of burning myself when frying.

Then I made a random dinner.

Up close and personal baby.

I sauteed some mushrooms, red onions, and garlic and reduced it all in balsamic vinegar. Then I assembled the handmade tortilla like so: melted mozzarella, pesto, smoky chipotle and sun-dried red pepper hummus, sauteed veggies, and cilantro. I must say, this was quite the wrap. Randomly delicious.

Still image from my video. Click the link below!

Knowing it All too Well

I have some exciting things that I can’t wait to share with you all. Although this semester I’ve already experienced one of those weeks where it feels like it’s too much effort to even breathe, I’m doing and learning about things I enjoy. Not to mention, I’ve also been doing some things on the side and really immersing myself with new things and giving things a chance. I don’t think I can say it better than the lovely Neela herself, “sometimes in life you don’t know where things are going–right now it feels even better to NOT know where it’s going!” In a way that’s how I feel right now. I’m doing things to experience them mainly without expecting anything back, but I’m okay with that. Going out there and doing new things in itself, brings me fulfillment.

Food, not the bad four letter F-word

Thank you all for your kind and honest words! It seems I’m not alone, but I didn’t think I was really. There’s a condition called “seasonal depression” – I think this feeling, however, is totally natural. All seasons have a purpose and I think our personalities go with the cycle. We rest, recuperate, and comfort our souls. Then when spring and summer come around we’re bursting at the seams with energy and vibrance!

Anyway, let’s eat, shall we?

Friday night dinner

I didn’t do much cooking for dinner, but it was so good nonetheless. I baked some kale chips and served them with Gardein “chicken” tenders, and Newman’s Own Organic pretzel sticks. To polish it off I had an Original Hermit topped with sunflower seed butter – yum! The Gardein “chicken” tenders were actually quite delicious and I do recommend them. They didn’t taste like those freaky mock meats that make me do a double take on the ingredient list. You can find them at Whole Foods, but I’d also check your local grocer as well just in case.

This is my sketchbook... or actually where I write down my ideas for projects.

I’m currently working on creating a peaceful environment for myself. Not necessarily something that’s sacred, but somewhere I just feel comfortable. I’ll be setting it up, documenting, and doing things with it in open fields around my area.

Up close and personal!

Crispy apples

For breakfast I prepared a bowl of Brown Rice Cream with raisins. After I was done cooking it, I topped it with a chopped apple, pumpkin pie spice, NuNaturals vanilla liquid, Artisana almond butter. It was missing something though. That’s when it hit me! Maple & Apple syrup! Personally, I wasn’t too keen on Artisana’s almond butter.

I decided to get a little fashionable for my Saturday morning class with a pair of cool tights!

My breakfasts never hold me over for the entire class which goes till 11:40. And I always forget to bring a snack! Today someone did a presentation on Japanese gore films, and I was still ravenous despite seeing all that gross stuff. Oh my gosh I can’t even explain how disgusting the clips the guy showed us were. I can usually handle things like that, but this was too much. Anyway! When I got home I knew just what I wanted to make. I put on a big band record on the turn table, and me and my roommate prepared our lunches side-by-side.

With all the bread I have now, I knew I'd be making a sandwich.

I cooked some portobello slices, red onion, garlic, and tomato in a balsamic vinegar reduction with black pepper. Then I spread on some goat cheese on one slice and toasted it all in the oven. I used two slices of French Meadow Bakery’s new Our Daily Bread – awesome sandwich bread! Once it was done toasting I snuck in some basil for the finish touch. For the kale I wanted to try something different. I sautéed it in olive oil with raisins, toasted pine nuts, sherry cooking wine, and seasoned it well. Afterwards I grated some parmesan on top. Delicious! Delicious! Yum yum yum.

So freaking good.

I was actually browsing for awesome sandwich ideas and I stumbled upon this little gem I thought I’d share with all of you: Vegetarian Sandwiches to Take to Work .

And to finish my meal I savored a piece of chocolate.

I decided to try the Orange Dark Chocolate sample the people at Newman’s Own Organics sent me. This was delightful! I usually have a hard time letting things just melt away in my mouth – like hard candy. But chocolate has never been a problem, especially if it’s a good one!

Today I ran a lot of errands and got some things to start my latest sculpture project. Dinner time rolled around and I whipped out The Accidental Vegetarian once again.

Gnocchi with wild mushroom and rosemary ragu

Simon Rimmer be my best friend, please?

This was, too put it lightly, absolutely delectable. I didn’t use regular red wine when making the ragu, since I only had sangria on hand. But it’s safe to say that the sangria did no harm. The hint of citrus might’ve amped the flavors a bit – but in a good way.

So this leads me to today’s truth…

I love food!

The Way to Someone’s Heart is Through Their Stomach

Heyy everybody! So I’ll be compiling the questions and I will answer them via video post by the end of this week. If any of you come up with a question randomly throughout the week, just comment! Moreover, you guys are all so sweet. I should read your comments everyday before I head out the door!

On Friday I played catch up with one of my bests, Kelley. We went to a local coffeehouse and talked for some hours.

Best friends since 9th grade!

Ya dig?

Then we got ready to go to our friend's birthday shindig.

I saw some old friends that I had wondered what the heck happened to them. I was so glad to see them and just hang out. There were lots of beats made- it’s crazy what you can do with technology these days. And there were a couple of freestylers and anyone else who felt like taking the mic.

Remember how I told you guys about my date being moved to Monday? Well in the short span of a weekend, I almost completely forgot that I’m going on a date… TODAY! I’ll definitely report back. I’m still excited, but things between an old crush of mine have been rekindling. Is it it just me but when one person shows interest in you, then a whole line of them all of a sudden show up? Well, this is definitely happening. My friend who had the birthday on Friday also randomly texted me the next day saying that we should get breakfast some time. This is while I was hanging out with my “old” crush. Oi vey!

Honey Chobani

This was the last Chobani flavor I had left to try out. Honestly, I didn’t think it was really that good in terms of it tasting like honey. The texture was on point as usual, but where’s the honey??? I had gotten use to seeing chunks of fruits, that I expected there to be swirls of honey in here. Here’s what I ended up mixing it with…

MultiBran VitaTop + banana, and cranberry raisin swirl toast with cream cheese and one half with Crofter’s fruit spread and the other half with Creme of Date and Almond spread.

I surprisingly liked another Bran VitaTop. It’s also a very versatile VitaTop because you don’t have to worry about any interfering flavors. It’s almost like a blank canvas, except it tastes good… so it’s not really blank!

Well my “old” crush ended up staying over and I made him a delicious bowl of oatmeal. I can’t even remember what I made for him, but he really liked it. He couldn’t finish it though! I think it’s hilarious that I can eat more for breakfast than he can. Actually, that’s how it is in most cases when I’m with friends, and there I am with a clean plate! My mom is also known for having a good appetite hehe. Guess it runs in the family! Anyway, so the “old” crush asked if I wanted to go to Trader Joe’s with him. YES! While I got ready he offered to take Matilda out for a walk. How sweet! He loves Matilda, but really… who doesn’t? We were heading over to Trader Joe’s, then I asked him about that store World Market. I’d always seen it but I never knew what their deal was. I’ve heard they sell furniture but then I also heard my friend say that she bought a crate of mangoes there once. As you can see, I was very confused. He asked me if I wanted to go, “yes,” then he managed to switch over 3 lanes to the right and pull into the parking lot! Whoa! I went to the imported food section and I bought something you will see later in this post. Trust me, you will appreciate it! Next stop was Trader Joe’s and I got some more new things to try out. Since Whole Foods is pretty much Trader Joe’s next door neighbor we went there as well.

Funkay town!

So far the day was awesome! Our last stop was an Indian grocery store. He had never been. If you’re a friend of mine there is some point in time of our friendship that I will take you over to some specialty market.

Bags of puffed rice. Check out the mondo one!

So colorful

After we got some more new things to spoil our tastebuds (aside from the incense *their prices are always way lower than anywhere else), we headed over to the new Indian pastry shop next door.

INDIAN PASTRY SHOP!

He asked me if he could buy me a veggie samosa. How cute! And did he even need to ask? Of course I’d be okay with that!

Just a couple of the things I got to try out.

GINGER SYRUP! I had no idea that the folks at Ginger People also made a syrup. Where have I been? This is what I got at World Market. Oh my goodness! When I saw this I knew I had to have it no questions asked. I also got Tofurky’s Italian Sausage – a freebie thanks to the kind folks at Turtle Island Foods. The jar of Tamarind-Date Chutney isn’t new, just restocking an old favorite. But those are the famous peanut butter filled pretzels I’ve seen on a countless number of blogs! They were very yummy – and I dipped them in even more peanut butter; Jenny you’d be proud! I also got some other sauces to try at the Indian store, but I’ll leave those for another day.

After some hours apart (haha) my “old” crush came over to watch The Lost Boys. Yes, that old 80’s vampire flick! Anyway, because my apartment is too cozy to ever leave, he slept over again. This time I was able to snap a picture of what I made him for breakfast.

All the boys around here should be jealous!

He commented on how beautiful it was! I’ve been joking around that I will seduce him through the powerful ways of Majesty Oatmeal. I just sliced an apple, threw in some almonds and poured on a bit of the Maple & Apple syrup. However, I used a new grain that I got to try out that morning too. Have you ever had Cream of Wheat? Well this was a brown rice version. Erewhon sent me a box of Brown Rice Cream; made from organic brown rice. How could I forget?! I also sprinkled a generous amount of pumpkin pie spice I picked up at Trader Joe’s.

For me?

Pineapples and cashews! And the ginger syrup, of course.

The Brown Rice Cream looks kind of funky because I mixed in a scoop of vanilla Spirutein.

I really enjoyed how creamy this was. I’ve never blended oats, but I’d imagine this is what they’d be like. Another wonderful and versatile breakfast grain!

In other news, Angharad from Eating for England asked me to do a guest post for her. Heck yes! Check it out: Putting your twist on things. Guest posts are so much fun!

p.s. next post = serious food porn. Viewer discretion is advised… okay that sounds scary. I swear it’s not, but it will make you drool a lot!