For the Love of Chickpeas

Greetings, friends! I apologize for my sporadic posting as of late. A lot of things have been going on in my life, and not even my friends that are closest to me are filled in on all of that business. It feels kind of crazy actually, but I am well!

See!

For my blog I’ve been figuring out how to weave my backlog of things to share with you all so it doesn’t seem so random. Themed posts came to mind, and that’s the direction I’m going in for right now until things have settled more and the posts have caught up with my current life. Phew! I am starting to sound more like a strategist right now! Oh that is all part of my plan… not really. I think all the job searching, formal writing, and business matters have gotten to me. Anyway, like all good strategists I’ve got to get the job done! So onward with the post.

The title of this post is straightforward about my sentiments, and the recipes that you’re going to  want to make! Yes, you will want to make these.

This may be featured as a “Thanksgiving” recipe, but I actually whipped this up during the summertime.

Chickpeas were an unexpected ingredient in this recipe.

And did you know that allspice is actually a dried fruit?

I didn’t! Not until I saw this container of these peppercorn-like things in my parents’ cupboard.

So what was this mysterious (not in a cafeteria lunch way) dish I made?

Butternut Squash Mash with Mango, Ginger, and Allspice, which you can easily make veg-friendly by omitting the pancetta. If you love flavorful things, and want to taste butternut squash in a way you haven’t before then I suggest this recipe. It’s very easy to make, and can also be used as a love spell.

This pot was just big enough!

Another “warming” dish during the summertime as if South Florida heat isn’t enough.

African Bean Soup

The common addition of peanuts and peanut butter in African soups really does add something wonderful to them. This one in particular left my family wanting more. Luckily, the recipe makes eight servings, which can be eaten in one sitting.

I am, for the most part, not a fan of parsley.

However, Italian flat leaf parsley walks the fine line for me, and it crossed over to my good side in this tabouli recipe. I’ve also been trying to cook with different grains to add more variety to my family’s diet. They say consistency is key, but sometimes being so consistent can give people an upset tummy.

I added chickpeas, well, for the love of chickpeas!

Now for a sweet take on chickpeas.

I made Katie’s ‘Blondie Batter Dip‘, and you want to know how long a batch lasted me? Let’s just say I managed to incorporate it into a lot of things…

Folding it into homemade strawberry-banana soft-serve.

Plus, eating it by the spoonful like it was pudding, you can imagine a batch didn’t last me too long.

I also made up a hummus recipe

Cilantro Hummus

This is a very fresh and flavorful hummus, which is just what I need to liven my tastes!

Ingredients

-2 cups of cooked chickpeas, reserve some of the cooking liquid*

-2 cloves garlic, crushed

-1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

-juice of 1 large lemon

-2 tbl tahini

-1/2 cup chopped cilantro, you’re gonna love it!

-2 tbl cumin

-2-3 tbl extra virgin olive oil

-atleast a 1/2 tsp of sea salt

*a big can of chickpeas can be used as well

Directions

1. Puree the chickpeas in the food processor, with about 1/4 cup of the reserved liquid to a chunky consistency.

2. Add the ingredients from the garlic to the cumin in the order in which they are listed. Blend until smooth.

3. Pour the olive oil and sea salt in the puree, and mix well.

What’s your favorite chickpea recipe? Do you even like chickpeas?

Build Me Up Butternut

The other day I received a package with no return address and a secret admirer was the sender.

My heart leapt with joy because I knew it had finally arrived! My friend–whom I stayed with when I was in New York–had sent me a package awhile ago. I knew it was from her when I read that it was to her chickpea; she’s deathly allergic to them so it was a joke. Isn’t that unfortunate though? To be allergic to chickpeas… Oi!

There was a surprise beneath every layer.

A canister of delicious chai tea and handmade stationary!

I am seriously blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Really and truly, every day I am given so many reasons to smile. From random bump-ins on the street, to constant messages from dear friends, and to comments I get from you all. Speaking of comments, my mom finally left her first reply in my last post! Whenever I’m in Florida we sit around the kitchen table and I’ll read my posts out loud to them. This blog makes them smile 🙂

It just so happened that before I opened the package I turned on the burner to heat some water for a cup of tea.

The chai tea was delicious and flavorful with all its spices. I had it with a warm lemon poppyseed Heart Thrive + coconut oil. After the picture was snapped I decided to spread on some cranberry preserves as well. This is the best way I’ve enjoyed this flavor of Heart Thrive. For some reason, it just tasted better this time around.

Dinner was something I was very much looking forward to... more so than usual.

Not too long ago while blogreading I checked up to see if the lovely Angharad was still alive and kickin’. Indeed she was because I saw a new recipe that I knew I had to recreate! Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the spicy black bean burger. This sounded like an amazing recipe to make on a Sunday night, since it’d be convenient to have these available on busy days. That night I had it in a handmade flour tortilla with bell peppers, homemade salsa verde, cilantro, and since I had no sour cream on hand I just used Greek yogurt. This was actually a surprisingly good substitute since the yogurt is thick and tart. As the patties were baking, my roommate and her boyfriend exclaimed how good it smelled. Well now I can say that they taste even better than they smell! Though the truth is, I don’t think Angharad could ever give us a bad recipe even if she tried.

A new twist on my favorite snack as of late.

Instead of using granola I nuked a crumbled lemon poppyseed Heart Thrive in the microwave with some soymilk till it got nice and soft. Then I added white chocolate chips and cashew butter. I am so glad I opened up this glorious bag of white chocolate chips!

Another surprise in the mail from a very dear friend of mine.

I’ve heard so many praises about this cookbook and now I know why!!! There are so many incredible sounding recipes, where’s a girl to start?! Thanks so much Liz! The ideal situation would be to invite every single one of you over and we’d all choose a bunch of recipes, then hunt and gather, and prepare and enjoy a most glorious feast. Imagine that? Being surrounded by that many awesome people and amazing food.

Breakfast on my critique day.

After having my critique (my piece was the only left to be critiqued) postponed three times–I was ready to get it over with! But I knew I had to start the day on a delicious note and the rest would fall into place. I had a bowl of yogurt, mango bits, pomegranate arils, a warm apricot Heart Thrive + coconut oil, and Sunland’s banana peanut butter.

Yeah, I think a yogurt mess was a great decision!

Oh and the crit went really well!!! It’s always nice to hear other perspectives and suggestions. The class actually answered one of my doubts of whether or not I should’ve made the video longer–they wished it was!

I cut a butternut squash and I left for five minutes and look what happened! Whoa!

More randomness!

I had to have another  spicy black bean burgers! This time I filled the handmade tortilla with butternut squash, avocado, cilantro, manchego cheese, tomato sauce, and red pepper jelly. Can I get a witness?? This was so pleasing to every kind of taste; sweet, savoury, spicy, tangy, straight up delicious.

Tart fro-yo + One Lucky Duck's raw blonde macaroon = A delicious new take on Sweet-tart!

Couldn't get enough of the butternut!

When I was looking for falafel recipes I stumbled upon a few sweet potato ones. So this led me to making a falafel wrap with butternut squash, cucumber slices, tomato slices, avocado, cilantro, fresh tzatziki, onions, and lettuce. Yum yum yum and more yum!

A very productive study date!

Leftover yogurt pancakes

One of them was a banana pancake and I chopped some dark chocolate on top. Coconut oil, cinnamon, and Apple & Maple syrup was spread on all the pancakes. The other two pancakes were topped with diced apples and confectioner’s sugar mixed with nutmeg. On the side I also made a dip for the apples; a mixture of Sunland’s banana peanut butter and yogurt. I’ve seen this done on some blogs so I thought I’d give it a try–and I shall try, try again. This was good!

Sometimes I like to get up close but never too personal.

Speaking of chocolate, this is what the fig, fennel, and almond dark chocolate bar looks like.

Tried something totally new...

I have never had buffalo wings in my life so when I saw that I had one more Gardein freebie coupon left, I thought I’d give their vegan “buffalo wings” a chance. But I had no idea what they were usually served with. After “researching” it I decided to transform my tzatziki sauce into a ranch dressing by adding some extra ingredients. I also made some Old Bay season yam fries; and steamed some kale, seasoned it, massaged it in olive oil, and topped with avocado slices. Spicy!!! I can’t tell you if these were authentic tasting or not, but I can tell you that I liked them! The texture wasn’t too funky (+ no bones!) and you could taste the vinegar in the sauce, which I didn’t mind. Actually, after looking up some buffalo wings recipes, vinegar is a common ingredient.

Crumbled granola nuggets + soymilk + Cacao Bliss; warmed up in the microwave.

Whenever I pull out my personal casserole dish I swear the stars instantly align!

In the dish: roasted butternut squash and yam (tossed in coconut oil and cinnamon) + avocado + kale + homemade falafel balls + tzatziki mixed with tamarind-date chutney + cilantro. Random and flavorful. I love the sweet and spicy combo of the tamarind-date chutney; it brought the tzatziki to whole other level.

After my last post, the rest of the week seemed to fly by. Something or someone out there is listening! It’s Friday and I have no idea what my weekend plans are. My choices are: go up to Charlottesville or stay snowed in the comfort of my own home. We’ll see, we’ll see. Now if only I could stock up on this no matter how my weekend pans out…

I know a few all of you will appreciate this!

Matilda and I wish you a joyous weekend!

Remember That Time?

I’m doing something special with this post–inspired by others’ blasts from the past. Hold on tight ladies and gentlemen, it may be a bump ride!

I became a jet setter at four months old--flying from Germany to Colombia

In the mountains in the Bavarian region of Germany.

Being a coquette in the English Garden.

Princess Katharina? Simply too exhausted to walk any further I ended up being carried around the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. Mwahaha!

Glamor shots and missing front teeth go hand in hand don't you think?

Fondue!

Wow such a long time ago--this was when the London Eye was put up.

Friends since we were babies--standing in one of the neighborhoods of our hometown.

Thirteen years old, taking a cat nap before I venture out around Paris again.

Spinach soup all over my face--proof I always loved my veggies.

Who knew I’d grow up and cook my grandma’s delicious soups myself. Now let’s blast forward to the… near present!

Favorite snack as of late: granola + some soymilk + banana peanut butter + microwave = warm bowl of pure goodness.

Homemade falafel balls + homemade tzatziki over a salad, and a nice warm chunk of garlic buttered Italian bread.

Frozen caramel Oikos

I followed Katie’s advice and this lady definitely knows what she’s talking about!

Classes cancelled on Monday = Pancakes for breakfast!

I loosely followed Kath’s recipe for whole wheat yogurt pancakes. Some of them I made with bananas, chocolate chips, and even blackberries.

Pancakes themselves had coconut oil then the other toppings came: fro-yo, caramelized banana slices, cinnamon, sliced almonds, and maple syrup.

Monday was a day of killer eats!

I made mushroom-manchego quesadillas and I made my own salsa verde. I also made a salad with a sesame oil + honey + lime juice dressing. This lunch was incredibly delicious and I don’t think I’ve ever had a quesadilla quite like this.

I wish I could share these with you!

The manchego was aged six months so one would call it curado. In other words, cured, which gave it a nice nutty and tangy flavor that went well with the juicy cremini mushrooms and fresh salsa verde.

I de-seeded a pomegranate the old-fashioned way--a calming activity for me that takes patience.

My friend said she was craving Asian noodles the other day--which reminded me that I have some noodles just sitting in my pantry.

Maybe some of you remember when I use a freebie coupon to try out a Gardein product. I tried the beefless tips since a recipe I made a while ago called for them specifically. Hmm… how to use the rest? I made a sesame “beef” noodle stir-fry with mushrooms and bell peppers over egg noodles.

Chopstick action!

Yogurt + Cranberry and Walnut granola + caramelized blood orange

I tried Liz's favorite Phinney 3400 flavor.

This was curiously delicious! An interesting combination for sure, not just with flavor, but textures as well. This was so nice to have melt in my mouth and then I’d discover the bits of fennel throughout. Have you guys checked out Theo 3400 Phinney flavors? I told Liz that I carried this bar with me the whole day and would have wonderful little moments just savouring it and imagining that everyone else should be jealous!

Getting ready to face the snow with my Russian hat and walk to my classes.

Canton "beef" and pineapple

I followed this recipe that caught my eye. My roommate’s boyfriend said that whatever I was cooking smelled yummy, and I agreed! So that was the last of my bag of Gardein beefless tips and I’ll give you the review. The first time I tried them they didn’t really seem that strong in beef flavor, mind you I hadn’t had cow’s meat since I could count my age with both hands. However, with these last two recipes, that flavor came back to me. I was thrown off by this a little bit, but that’s the point of the product, right? Well, not to throw you off, but to recreate the flavor. They succeeded, but personally I like to stick to non-imitation products. However, this line caught my eye because they offered things I hadn’t seen available to vegetarians before and as everyone knows–I’m very very curious! Moreover, I think this product would be wonderful for meat-eaters trying to cut down on their consumption of red-meat without having to say good-bye to the flavor.

So there you have it folks! This post was all over the place and I feel like it should already be the end of the week. Is anyone else feeling the same way? Anyway, I hope you’re all enjoying it nonetheless!

p.s. for all those grilled cheese lovers out there (I’m looking at you Lauren) I found this inspirational story over here. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Perhaps you’ll be left with a rumbling tummy saying, “feed me.”

Pinch Me, I Must Be Dreaming

First week of school and it’s been fun and hectic. My schedule is in a bit of a dilemma and I’m hoping to get that fixed! It’s frustrating to have my classes–or lack of classes–up in the air. I just want a set schedule, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed and doing what I can. On the bright side, I’ve been catching up with friends and having fun!

Vanilla cinnamon oatmeal + mango + pomegranate arils + coconut oil + cashew butter

Deliciously creamy yet refreshing. These past couple of days have been absolutely beautiful. I always feel at my best when the sun is shining and I can go out without piling on layers of clothes. I guess it’s soothing to my clutter-free ways.

I also sampled some dark chocolate.

When the generous folks over at Newman’s Own sent me an incredible package, they also included their various chocolates. That day I decided to try their 54% dark chocolate. This was really very yummy. One thing I’ve come to love about dark chocolate is how you can just let it melt in your mouth and savor it. Life is like a box of chocolates–lots of little moments to savor. What chocolates would be in your box?

After breakfast I did all my morning things like taking Matilda out on her walk and organizing some things around my place. Then I got ready to finally go to the new gym on my campus with my friend. I think she described it perfectly, “it’s like a mecca.” Here are some pictures I took from their site.

Part of the pool area! They also have a hot tub, lap, and vortex pool

The second level has an indoor track field and even more equipment + racquetball courts

There’s also an indoor turf for soccer and other sports, flat screen TVs, different exercise studios, and crazy digital lockers (that you don’t have to pay for woo!). My friend and I went exploring and goofed off a bit on the machines. Then we went into one of the group exercise rooms and stretched. Next time we’re bringing some speakers though so we can dance… until they kick us out.

And get this... in the center of it all is a giant rock climbing wall!

I haven't had chickpeas in awhile!

I cooked these in coconut oil, cinnamon, and garam masala. I also had the rest of my delicious sweet potato mash from “The Conscious Cookbook” (the one made with cashew cream) and boiled rutabaga with cinnamon. I also drizzled the rutabaga and chickpeas with maple syrup.

Let the adventure begin!

Afterwards I met up with my friend and we were on the hunt for a big room I could dance in. I want to find a space bigger than my room and with mirrors. I’m still on the search! But when we went on our search for the room we explored one of the forgotten buildings on my campus. That picture above was the anatomy room.

We also snuck into the old pool which is now shutdown since my school completed the new gym.

After we explored that building we decided to walk down some streets and go into all the places we always passed but never stepped in. It was so  much fun! I came home and cracked open “The Conscious Cook”…

Gardein "steak" sandwich with watercress, red pepper, and horseradish mayonnaise

I got to try another Gardein product. Last time I had steak I could count my age without using all of my ten fingers. So I can’t honestly say if it tasted like steak. My roommate and our friend said that it smelled like it! I must say that it was very flavorful and didn’t have the chewy texture I remember steak having–which is better. Not to mention, I don’t think I’ve seen very many “steak” products around. I would recommend it if you’re an omnivore trying to make some vegetarian meals, or if you’re a veg-head that likes fake meat products. As for the recipe itself–wow! This had a kick but it was complimented by the mild sweetness of the red bell pepper, and savory “steak”. I couldn’t find a small loaf of focaccia so I just went to Panera and got a sourdough bread roll and seasoned it accordingly.

Check it out now!

A great breakfast for the first day of a new semester!

My roommate’s boyfriend had a special wine that he let me have the rest of. Why was it special? Well, have any of you tried chocolate red wine? That’s right! Chocolate red wine. I made my usual bowl of oats with cinnamon and coconut oil. Then I topped it with peach slices, the last of Bekah’s scented almonds, and the last of the Chocovine. I admit, I felt slightly tipsy after this breakfast.

Since it was a warm, sunny day I decided to have a refreshing lunch.

I had my spiced chickpeas + more coconut oil + avocado + shallot + romaine + a most delicious homemade honey-lime dressing.

The weather wasn't the only thing out of the ordinary that day...

Recently, I received a sampler package from the people over at Popchips. So what was unusual here? Well, for some reason I felt compelled to try the sea salt & vinegar flavor first. Let me just note that I do not like salt & vinegar chips. I ate my own words with this bag. I actually liked these a lot! There was no overwhelming acidic aftertaste from the vinegar. I also really enjoyed the texture of these babies. They seemed to be a bit thicker than normal potato chips. Crunch crunch crunch. Yum yum yum.

I also had a couple of these amazing raw blonde macaroons.

I kid you not–these are now one of my favorite things. Thanks so much Liz for sending me these! Like I said, girl’s got incredible taste! I’d also like to congratulate her for making it on one of the Top Health Blog lists. You go girl!

Blood orange!

I met up with one my bests at the center of campus for some coffee and tea.

I tried something new! A tomatillo.

Tomatillo dressing with fresh cilantro.

I hope this keeps my cilantro green for longer!

My first attempt at making a timbale--not too shabby.

Quinoa, Avocado, and Sweet Potato Timbale With Roasted Tomatillo Dressing

I am really enjoying attempting to make all the recipes from “The Conscious Cook”. I feel like Julie in the movie Julie & Julia! This was also my first time cooking quinoa. This was incredibly delicious and would make for a perfect summer dish. All the various textures and flavors worked so well with each other; the crunch from the tortilla bits, creaminess of the avocado, and the graininess of the quinoa were such a treat to my mouth. The tomatillo dressing added a wonderful zest to it all! Not to mention, I was proud of myself for making something so gourmet looking that tasted as equally delicious… if not more!

I wasn't the only one to enjoy this dish! Too good not to share, I say!

I also made butternut squash "fries" tossed in coconut oil and cinnamon + tamarind-date chutney for dipping.

What a great way to end the first day of the semester. We had a delicious meal that ended with dark chocolate and a refreshing walk with Matilda.

This is really random but I have a question for you all. Well first let me go off on a bit of a tangent. I have no problem expressing myself and showing who I am… except for when it comes to romance. It’s not that I still cover my eyes at the sight of people kissing. No, not like that. But it’s more so something I just struggle with personally. I really want to get over that and I think I have to start putting a conscious effort into taking down that wall. Brick by brick. So I was wondering if any of you have any advice on how to just be comfortable with expressing yourself romantically. Thanks!

Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week

Hello lovely people! I hope you’ve all had an enjoyable weekend so far.

As I said in my last post, I’ve been trying out recipes from my newest cookbook, The Accidental Vegetarian. So far the recipes I’ve made have all been delicious.

Goat’s Cheese and Mango

+ honey, mint, olive oil, and sesame seeds on toast

Matilda is styling a cowl neck sweater.

After Matilda and I okayed our outfits we went to a few vintage shops around the area. I am currently in search of a hat like this…

They've always got interesting window displays.

Two nights ago it was First Friday around here. I’ve mentioned it before on the blog, but it’s a night where all the galleries in the area show off their new exhibitions. The streets, venues, and restaurants are all busy with people dressed to impress.

I decided to wear this Renaissance inspired blouse.

I went with the pup and hung out with my roommate the gallery she works at for most of the time. Matilda was definitely the star of the night. Everyone just went up to her like she had some sort of magnetic powers. I’m almost certain that she possesses some unearthly gift that makes her so incredibly captivating.

A lazy bowl for breakfast.

Saturday mornings for me usually mean an effortless breakfast before my 9 am class. I just warmed up some soymilk with Nature’s Path vanilla almond granola and strawberries. Effortless but delicious! Some of you have mentioned that their Pumpkin and Peanut Butter flavor granolas are yummy. I think I know which two flavors I will be trying out next!

Another Accidental Vegetarian recipe!

The recipe was Moroccan Spaghetti, but I didn’t have any spaghetti on hand so I just used penne. I spiced the sauce and chickpeas with turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin.  I made sure not to use too many mint or cilantro leaves. The chopped almonds added a nice crunch to my lunch. I decided to go on a nice walk with Matilda to meet up with an old friend of mine for some serious catching up over some apple cider.

Did you guys know that Ina Garten absolutely hates cilantro? She refuses to use it in any of her recipes. So if you Googled the words cilantro and Ina Garten, you would come up with no recipe but rather information on how much she dislikes this herb. I use to not like cilantro either, but over time I guess you could say that it’s become an acquired taste.

Is there something any of you use to dislike, but have later come to appreciate?

None for you!

We headed back home before it got too dark and cold.

The colors of the leaves made everything have a shade of red.

My friend and I caught up on all our guy issues and reminisced over high school memories from 7 years ago. It’s crazy to think how time seems to be going by faster and faster. For time most part I just stay in the present, but sometimes I get overwhelmed with thoughts about my future and where I want to end up in life.

She gave me a wonderful gift she picked up while she was in Canada a few months ago.

I’m a sucker for packaging and this is just so darling!

Speaking of darlings, check out Katie’s generous giveaway. Moreover, don’t forget to stop by and read about the Operation Chocolate-Covered Kindness.

Just a little cake humour on a Sunday!

I found this picture on the Serious Eats site and it’s called Osgood pie; perhaps because it’s “oh so good”.

Your Imagination, My Dear Fellow, is Worth More Than You Imagine

Hey everyone! Good news on the critique. A friend of mine actually wanted to sit in on my classes critique just to get a feel for them again. He was able to brush up on his analyzing skills. Critiques are always heavy days for me, and I usually end up with a headache. You get to hear so many perspectives, insights, and you just learn so many new things. Another interesting thing you get to observe is the manner in which different people think. It’s funny how we can view the world. Anyway, my video got a lot of discussion – a whole hour! Usually I end up feeling disappointed with critiques because I get nothing from it, or I don’t even realize what happened. But I did a lot of self-discovering and revealing about why and what my short films evoke.

While I was setting up I got to try a flavor of ProBar that’s new to me: Cocoa Pistachio

Neat artwork on the packaging.

I snapped a picture beforehand so you guys could see what I was talking about, when I said you could see every ingredient.

Oh my gosh; this was so yummy! I’ve really enjoyed the random chocolate chip bits in the ProBars I’ve tried. Pistachios are also one of my favorite nuts, so my expectations were pretty high – and met! It’s a mix of pistachios, peanuts, dark chocolate chips, and sunflower seeds. This bar + a cup of soymilk and an apple successfully kept my my hunger at bay for about 3 hours. But I think my body works like clockwork. My hunger usually chimes in before 3 hours or right on the dot – it’s funny. I agree with Holly though, what’s up with it just being half the size of the wrapper? Want to know some information on this bar?

Gourmet meal replacement

Unique taste of pistachios with chocolate is irresistible

Balanced blend of carbs, good fats and protein

Certified Organic, 100% Vegan

5 g of fiber and same nutritional benefits as Original Collection

As a college student, bars are such a convenience to me – as with any busy person I can imagine. So far, my experience with ProBars, is that they are very delicious, nutritious, and  satisfying!

Projecting my piece on to the wall.

Here’s the link again if you guys wanted to check it out: Who Am I Becoming

My friend that visited the class is on the right.

After our critique we got a 2 hour break and I made this messy deal…

Roasted eggplant, ricotta, tomato sauce, sautéed red onion, and basil.

The class met up again after 2 hours and we headed over to one of the school-funded art spaces to see Richard Carlyon’s retrospective. He was a dancer and artist who ended up teaching in the area for about 40 years when he thought he lost his dancer’s body.

You can get a sense of his background as a dancer by the way he places the canvases.

He also drew very interesting diagrams and made videos as well.

The class got out about 30 mins. early so I got a head start on my many errands. I took way longer than expected! I guess that can happen, especially if one of your stops is TJ Maxx. The day really felt like Autumn had arrived, so I made some comfort food, but I wanted to try something I’ve seen around the blogosphere.

Green oats!

I used the Original Amazing Grass Meal packet to turn this bowl of oats green. I also mashed in a banana, NuNaturals liquid vanilla, and coconut oil! I feel like everyone’s bowl or cup of something green tastes different so I’m going to spare the details and just say that I was pleasantly surprised! I was contemplating whether or not I should mash the banana in because “what if” it tasted like crap? Then it’s bye bye yummy banana.

I also tried Lindeman's Framboise dark cherry flavor.

I seriously forgot that it was beer and beer makes you drunk; so I got a little buzzed about 10 minutes after hahaha, then I put two and two together. Oh! And I didn’t drink the whole bottle hehe.

Anyway, so far this week it seems a lot easier to breathe. I had a photoshoot with a friend of mine – I haven’t done one of those in a long time! I feel like I need to have a creative outlet with other people so I get more dynamics going on. Sometimes working by myself gets to feel like I’m running in circles.

He has a lot of neat camera equipment.

You can check out his site here. The first picture with the blue velvet pants was from the shoot we did; and you can find a couple more over on this site. It’s so weird for me to be in front of the lens! I really worked on just getting comfortable – so I ended up talking a lot.

Let’s eat now shall we?

I used up the rest of my edamame hummus.

In this wrap is roasted eggplant, sprouts, NatureNaise, grape tomatoes, and red onions. Since I don’t have a grill press I just used a pan and heated up each side. This was so delicious!

Roasted parsnips, almonds, and another interesting sandwich!

Don't let the ordinary looks of this sandwich deceive you...

The other day when I was browsing through pizza recipes that had ricotta cheese, I stumbled upon one called Peach-ricotta pizza. Well I made it in sandwich form, but the secret ingredient is the addition of cilantro. Since I didn’t have fresh cilantro on hand, I just subbed in Trader Joe’s cilantro dressing. Wow! I would have never thought of cilantro, but it took this sandwich to another level. It’s funny how the simple addition of one surprise can change everything; this also applies to other things on a much broader scale.

I feel like I try something new everyday!

Before I forget! I wanted to share an entertaining site I found earlier today. I was looking up ways to prepare a certain squash (you’ll find out next post), and I stumbled upon this little gem: 50 Ways to Eat More Produce. I think these ideas work well for adults and kids alike. So check it out.

p.s. Marina asked if I was studying culinary arts – I wish!!! Another friend of mine actually asked me that same question, and I think it’s a sign that I should look into it – perhaps a summer program? I’m actually majoring in sculpture, so I guess that’s why I’m so visually oriented.

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

When Life Gives You Awesome Bread

Make sandwiches!

But first let me start out with the little treat.

A cold Milano cookie.

I’ve never had these before, and this is what I think. Where have I been?!

A nice thick slice of Sullivan St. Bakery's multi-grain pullman bread.

I love cream cheese with fruit preserves. By the way, Crofter’s has a new line that I’ve been dying to try. I discovered that a thing such as yumberries exist! So far I’ve tried two of these flavors, and I must say they are full of fruity goodness. I love when fruit spreads have actual fruits in them!

Super cute continent jars!

An incredible breakfast sandwich with bananas, peanut butter, and pumpkin butter.

The multi-grain bread also worked well with more savoury ingredients as well.

Topped with pepper jack - accompanied by zucchini with sweet-n-sour cashews, and black beans and corn recipe with chunks of Hanover tomatoes.

If you guys haven’t tried it yet, I suggest you put cumin on your black beans along with garlic.

A homemade bulgur veggieburger with lime mayonnaise.

Now that school is back in session, I have been making recipes that I can store and don’t mind having leftovers. As you can see I’ve got a wonderful array of fresh vegetables! I’ve been reading everyone’s posts about the transition of summer to fall. I’m going to miss my salads dearly. I absolutely love buying a large head of romaine, and creating some wonderful salads with it. Adding corn is a must! I’ve even added frozen corn, and to me it’s even more satisfying on those hot summer days.

After taking a bite I thought scooping some corn kernels would be the perfect touch!

Speaking of salads. My roommate spotted an incredible dressing that I highly suggest you pick up at your nearest Trader Joe’s!

Cilantro Salad Dressing

A salad for the heck of it!

Now on to the next loaf of bread – the pane de ruccia. That’s the bread I was holding above my head like the holy grail in my last post. It’s 70% sourdough and 30% wholegrain. What does this mean to me? Well, I don’t judge by numbers, I’m just judging by taste! Is there some sort of genie that can grant me a wish – oh say… make this bread last forever?

A delicious snack

I spread some creamy gorgonzola, grilled an Asian pear, then drizzled honey atop and sprinkled some almond bits for the finishing touch!

I also tried out Trader Joe's peanut satay sauce.

This sandwich is demanding a close-up!

I layered on some homemade chipotle-tomato spread, grilled eggplant, melted provolone, tomato slices, avocado, red onion, and cilantro. I might as well just say it right now, but I have become sandwich queen!

This is where the cilantro craze started.

Another diva sandwich!

For this sandwich I followed the Spiced-Up Grilled Cheese recipe I found on The Kitchen Sink blog. I wish I had used the New York cheddar though.

More eggplant goodness, and I used the chipotle "ketchup" to dip these crispy eggplant chunks.

I made a spread with avocado, nutritional yeast, yogurt, and cumin.

Pumpkin butter, creamy gorgonzola, and red onions. Kept company by some veggies and a dipping sauce I made with nutritional yeast, miso, ketchup, and I forgot what else- oops!

More bulgur veggieburger goodness! Cauliflower and corn with peanut sauce.

Okay, so I must share this recipe with you guys. Especially for all you folks looking for foods to make ahead of time out of convenience. I followed a recipe for Bulgur Veggieburgers with Lime Mayonnaise from Gourmet.com – which is an incredible source for delicious recipes! It was so much fun making these, and I got to bust out my new mini food-processor my parents got me. I was honestly surprised at how well these turned out because last time I tried to make any sort of patty, they sadly ended up being crumbly. Moreover, they were so easy to make!

Lots of layers.

Yummy mush

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes! More bread.

Cream cheese with apple slices and cinnamon.

I put some red onion after taking a bite and coming to the conclusion that something was missing.

I used that Creme of Dates and Almonds I found at Dean & Deluca.

On top of some cream cheese, and the other slice just has natural butter.

Another note, I suggest – for cream cheese – not to use the diet kinds. I don’t know why, but out of all those diet-y products, I think the cream cheese ones shouldn’t exist. They’re really horrible tasting. Personally, I stray away from diet-type products in general because they usually have far less taste than the regular products, and way more ingredients*. Sorry if I sound like I’m on a high horse. Just putting in my two cents.

Gosh, I have so much to catch you guys up on! It’s just hard since school started, but I promise I will get you guys up to speed. I have so much that I want to share!

Matilda in her kangaroo pouch I use for our bike rides together.

I’m sending you all lots of love and hugs!

*In the end it all comes down to taste. If you like it, and it happens to be something with a longer ingredient list than the wait at the doctors – then that’s okay too! Non-diet foods are just my personal preference because they generally taste better, and are more filling.