Sloppy Joe

I don't know many people who weren't in love with sloppy joe's as a child.
On a spur of the moment decision, I threw healthy eating to the wind in favor of the sloppy joe memory. Made with tofu instead of beef, this beloved meal of yester-year was NOT how I remembered it.
Richard loved them and it's always a plus that someone enjoyed the meal. I doubt I'll be venturing into my culinary past again though.

Still, they make for a nice picture.

Teddy

World's UGLIEST cupcakes

Yes they are NOT pretty, I'll admit it. Let me tell you something though, I LOVED these cupcakes. LOVED them; not like, not just thought they were good- loved.

Reasons I love them
1) They were made for Cara
2) They involve both chocolate and peanut butter- Cara's favorite combo.
and
3) I used heart wrappers- adding some extra love to top off the insanity


Basically, Cara came home last week and at the very last moment I decided a batch of chocolate cupcakes was in dire need. While they were baking, I thought a peanut butter filling sounded nice (mind you I have no recipe- just tried it out). Everything tasted delightful; they won't be winning any beauty contest anytime soon.

On a more somber note, I'd like to urge everyone to stop by Cara's blog again. Things did not turn out as we'd hoped for her nephew Cody. Anything you can do to help will be much appreciated.

Teddy

Family Veg Night

It seems that now-a-days John is the amazing Wednesday night chef. Personally, I'm thrilled (see evidence above). Yesterday it was a warming yellow curry with tofu, potatoes and cauliflower. Best part of the meal is the FRIED TOFU! My parents own a deep fryer. Not healthy, yet it's completely delicious (isn't that how it always goes hehe?).

My next kitchen toy will be a slow cooker. I have been coveting the deep fryer but that will lead me down a weight gaining road. Another Wednesday, another fabulous meal!

Teddy

Cara Love

Please send your good thoughts and well-wishings to Cara at Dognabbit at this time. She needs it.

thank you

Teddy

Mini bananas

First off let me say that I am NOT a fan of bananas. :P
However...
Mini bananas, I LOVE!

The size of the bananas

I first had these while in Thailand and been hooked on them ever since. Mini bananas are MUCH sweeter than larger ones (that's probably why I like them so much). Now I've found these mini bananas in my local grocery store but they didn't taste the same. This weekend I headed over to Little Saigon and BEHOLD delicious mini bananas!

A normal sight in Thailand

I'm munching one of these cuties right now and I decided to share with you :)

If you can find them, try them!

Teddy

Kung Food

While in San Diego last week I took the advice of many people and stopped by KUNG FOOD. First off, I am thrilled by the idea of drive thru veggie food. I know the drive thru isn't the healthliest of meals but, honestly, sometimes I just CRAVE it :)

We arrived early morning for their vegan Sunday brunch. At Kung Food there is a cafeteria-like set up. You'll walk in tell the server your choices and they'll spoon it on a plate for you. They charge by the weight of the items you've chosen.

Our choices:

Pancakes


Quiche and sausage



Tofu scramble and new potatoes

The food was great but pretty pricey. It was about 20 bucks for our meal- an amount I'm certainly not used to paying for breakfast. I enjoyed the outing but will probably opt for the less pricey drive through meal next time.

I had to have a picture of this sign!

Kung Food is a wonderful vegan experience and worth stopping by, just be ready for a larger-than-normal bill.



Teddy

Avanti Cafe

Valentines this year was full of wonderful food and people. Richard treated me to a 4 course, vegan, gourmet feast at Avanti Cafe.

Avanti is a little vegetarian cafe in Costa Mesa. On Valentines they offered a 4 course meal (vegetarian or Vegan) with a glass of chardonnay. Quite often they have meal events here. You need to call in advance and make your reservation.

Local art work displayed for admiration and purchase.

It was nice to not have to worry about large crowds at our restaurant. There was only us and about 5-6 other couples.

Onto the food:

First course: Pine nut arugula pizza rustica bite.

Second course: Wild exotic mushroom baby dumpling w/ truffle oil in musky root vegetable consume

Third Course: La Vie en Rose - Triple barley cranberry risotto w/ a palette of flavorful red vegetables

Dessert: Saffron poached pears w/ agave love tuille

Extra bite: Handmade dark chocolate truffles

I can not say enough about how wonderful this whole-in-the-wall cafe is. It's been described as vegetarian Nirvana and it pretty much is! I really think these pictures speak for themselves. Avanti hold's events weekly and they even hold cooking classes. If you're in the area, I highly suggest signing up for their newsletter. They are the location for Costa Mesa CSA pick up's as well. Avanti definitely left a pleasant taste in my mouth and a big grin on my face :)

Teddy

Happy Valentines

Happy Valentines Day!

I made goodie bags for my coworkers.

Inside are some of these chocolate roses I made. I used to be an expert at candy making. When I was 16 I helped make DOZENS of white chocolate roses for my mom's wedding. My I've gotten a bit rusty. Well, they still taste yummy.


Hope everyone has a great day!

Teddy

Vitamix

Richard's parents recently bought a Vitamix and while in San Diego this weekend, I tried it out.

I made hummus

Blueberry smoothies

I also made some soy milk but didn't take a picture of it. Playing with the Vitamix was a terrible idea because now I want one! I can't even imagine a way to afford one. Oh wait, I know- I'll win the mega lotto. That's the way I'll get a $500 kitchen appliance.

Does anyone have a Vitamix? What do you use it for? (So I may sit here in envy- hehe)

Teddy

Mother's Breakfast

Saturday morning breakfasts at my house involve either me cooking my heart out or Richard and I being completely lazy and going out.
This was a lazy weekend and Mother's Market sounded like heaven.




I ordered the Acai bowl (which was overflowing with goodness- bananas, granola and acai/soy mixture).



I also stuffed down a side of potatoes; I always like to have something warm with my breakfast.

What can I say? My lazy attitude was rewarded with nutritious, mouth watering food. This may start a new Saturday tradition.

Teddy

Family Veg Night

My mom found a recipe to try this week- orange bell pepper stuffed with sweet potatoes and onion with a simple salad on the side. The meal only took about 30 minutes to prepare. That's always a plus in my book. The faster I can eat a freshly prepared meal the better. :) Good picking mom!

I'm planning on heading down to San Diego this weekend and am thrilled about eating out there. San Diego has Mamma Testas, Ranchos, and my favorite Whole Foods. I'm looking forward to an appetizing weekend and hope you are too!


Teddy

Fajita Burrito

This burrito is completely simple and delicious. I used some homemade pinto beans, onion, yellow bell pepper, Anaheim chili and cilantro. I had the beans on hand so it only took about 15 minutes to prepare everything. If you want a more filling burrito, I suggest adding some rice.

Teddy

Super Munchie!

I made potato skins for a SuperBowl/Birthday party we had today with my family.
They were a hit! My grandpa loved them.

However I need to ask, is there such thing as vegan sour cream? I searched and couldn't find any at my local natural foods store. I would LOVE to hear about it. Next time I want to try and veganize my potato skins. Any topping suggestions?


Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Teddy

Family Dessert Night!

Ok, ok- we still had dinner but the desserts this week were the best!
The little French cafe near home treated us right with these sweets. No need to read more. Words will only distract from these artful desserts.


















Teddy