I found these beautiful blobs of waxy goodness at a farm in -- of all places-- Arlington, Texas. Gnismer farms hosts blackberry picking and sells other home-grown produce like these gorgeous potatoes, along with rhubarb, elephant garlic ($5/head) and the cutest leeks ever. I indulged, but since my blackberry yield was quite low, I felt justified. Plus, with our garden in the backyard offering up incredible fruits of my dad's loom, we'll have a ratatouille to beat 'em all. There really is nothing like backyard to table. A table, tous!
Well beverage? Monopolowa/rocks (gotta stick to the theme).
I'm always at a loss for why there are such strange contradictions in life: on the Rice Milk container, there is a recipe for a polenta dish. It calls for cheese and butter. Hmmm..why would someone avoiding dairy use either of those ingredients? The same thing with Bob's Reds Mill. Its like giving me a high-five, grabbing my five, and using my own hand to punch me in the face. Fixing my hair and walking out into the rain. I really needed that, thanks.
Lately I've felt increasingly stupid: I spend a copious amount of time on the subject of food research and implementation (by necessity, mostly). However, I have a desire for much more crucial subjects (and even non-crucial, like rock n' roll- the cruciality point here is open to debate), but lack the time with which to devote. I feel stupid for not understanding the conversation, and what's more, I feel doubly stupid because the knowledge I have benefits few. I can't share what I know because no one wants to hear it. Vegans are basically mis-fits, alternatives, weirdos. I end up being the apologetic one, even though everyone wants to be counter-culture, anyway. How's that for irony?
On a lighter note, I've made some delicious progress lately. On a sad note, some deliveries did not happen on acct of the asshole USPO. So, I make again. Oh well. I've got all the time in the world; stupid is and stupid does (again).
Successes: (everything's vegan)
Brownies, not gluten free. UNBELIEVABLE. This is the recipe from Spiral Diner that I had about a year ago and finally got my hands on. Make sure whoever you serve these to deserves them. I used super expensive cocoa (Valhrona)- not a mistake (its never a mistake to use expensive ingredients). Peanut Butter Softies, not gluten free. ALSO YUM. Old fashioned fork imprints and everything. Its just a shame that those who will receive these goodies won't get em straight outta the oven like I do. I hope at least they're decent, 2 days later. (Vegan Cookies Invade..Recipe) Crunchy Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies- Crunchy and dipable. Great flavor. (Spiral Recipe) GF Blueberry Muffs- (Enjoy Life Recipe) Heavenly.
Lemony Couscous- wowza. Stuffed with homecooked garbanzos, toasted almonds, fresh lemon juice, sun-dried toms, black olives. Why eat fried? Roasted Garlic Hummus- Veganomicon style. Lots of roasted garlic added for pretty eyelash growth (mine fell out on the left eye... i'm hoping garlic will regrow it. this is not backed up by documentation). Cereal and Milk- a good idea corroborated x 1/day at least. Taco Salad- Fantastic Foods Taco Salad mixed with kidney beans, atop lettuce, chips, toms, olives, avocado...seriously, people? It doesn't get any easier than chopped things put together.
I have a dream: One day, I won't have to bust my ass for someone else. At least, not on someone else's clock. I'll bust my ass for someone else, but I'd rather not contribute to their wallet. I'd rather contribute to people who can't digest food and to those with similar convictions. This is what I'll get up at 3am to do. Because it just makes more sense to use applesauce as an ingredient rather than eggs. The end result= delicious, so geez, laissez tomber the damn querty keyboard already. Start working smarter. This is your life we're talking about. Don't take it for granted.
Lentil Soup with Sweet Potatoes, Caramelized Leeks and Collard Greens- much better than the previous one from Veganomicon. When I eat it, I swear I can hear 40s swing music (or Ray Charles, "Hallelujah...") start to play. Ooh!
Raw Buckwheat-Maple Cereal- not so bueno, too much salt requested.
Sweet Potato Fries- the easiest thing to add a smile to your face, in the form of food. Oven-Roasted Asparagus, with Sea Salt, Olive Oil and Rosemary- only good on Day One.
Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies- from Veganomicon, delish.
Next Up? Raw Crepes! Stay Tuned.
Oops- I forgot to mention Vegan Coffee Ice Cream from Vcon, using Sbux Instant Granules (truly decent)....next time might sub some Kahlua...otherwise delicious. Quick Aside: After an epiphanic moment in Brooklyn last summer where I bought $1 cone of cookie dough vegan ice cream, which was truly the best version (I have an unbiased tongue) ever, I'm convinced- it (great ice cream) can be done sans udders. Also, check out stogonyc.com! Been there, and again, my story corroborated.
Also, Peanut Butter Macarons with Chocolate Filling (baby!). These were definitely a service to a dear boy.
Mom's Christmas Recipes... gotta get on her about that. I know she recreated Grammy's famous apple cake, which I subbed about 10 meals for.
GetOuttaBed Apple Bran Muffins Lemon Bars Rum Praline Bars Almond Butter Fudge Roasted Veg Hummus (using cauliflower)
I like that the only reason I keep this up is because of my poor memory. That, and I'm (1/2)hoping someone will suddenly attrap some rare disease and require my life-saving cooking knowledge. Oh wait, heart disease being the leading cause of death for men and women in the US...maybe I do have something to offer.
I'm really doing it this time: that is, I'm really doing it again.
Man, if I had never jumped off the deep end a month ago...into animal-product land, I wouldn't have gotten myself in this mess; it was going so well.
Things of late:
Babycakes' Banana Bread Babycakes' Brownies (with raw cacao added for superfood-iness) Veganomicon Banana Nut Waffles Vegan Brunch Pumpkin Pancakes Veganomicon Shepherd's Pie- next time w/just mushrooms and veg Veganomicon Gumbo and Cornbread- next time with liquid smoke and plenty of cayenne Vegan Avocado Shake- used coconut milk and agave...needs work.
