Catalina Camping

Where have I been lately?
VACATION!!
Richard and I took a well deserved and much need trip away for 4 days to Catalina Island, CA (about 30 miles off the southern CA coast). I just returned home today and in the spirit of our relaxing holiday, I will let the pictures do the story telling.

We boarded the Catalina Express Ferry (curiosity of my parents Christmas present!) and an hour later we arrived on the island





We hiked 2 miles up hill to our campsite carrying our packs. I almost died but it was worth it.




We stayed out Hermit Gulch Campground. It's only 2 miles outside of Avalon City.




I cooked outside, a first for me.




We had a simple meal of mushrooms, onions, and zucchini in a ginger soy sauce. Not too bad for my first attempt.




Richard made pancakes to snack on.

I can't have pancakes without a ton of syrup drizzled on top.

Tomorrow is back to work for both of us. A 3 day work week isn't too bad though!

Teddy

Butternut Squash

Family veg night this week was celebrated with roasted butternut squash filled with homemade stuffing and steamed kale topped off with fresh basil.


Our stuffing was as homemade as you could get! It included homemade bread crumbs from bread my parents baked, sage and green onions from the farmers market as well as organic vegetable broth. You can't go wrong with that combination of food!

Teddy

Kung Pao Eggplant

Tomorrows lunch will be: Eggplant with kung pao sauce, garlic, hot sauce, mushrooms, onions and green beans.

At the last minute I decided this dish was not colorful enough for my taste. After all, you eat with your eyes before you eat with your mouth!



I threw in some green beans for color and texture (I thoroughly enjoy their crunchy-ness).

I've taken quite a few "test bites" and my prediction is that we'll be fully satisfied with this flavorful meal. :)



Teddy

Okra

Fresh sweet corn from the cob, red, yellow and green bell peppers, onions, home stewed pinto beans, and yes- OKRA.

Pour this mixture over rice (or hey throw some in the pot while it's boiling away) and you've got
a meal that I don't know a name for. :)

Today is the farmers market for anyone who is in the So. CA area, try and make it out! I'll be there.


Teddy

Shitake Couscous

Couscous with a shitake mushroom, veggie broth and chinese broccoli.

Going to the farmers market each week is forcing me to prepare more meals. I didn't realize there would be that side effect. I knew I'd be eating healthier- how could you not?. I find that I come home tired but still taking the time to prepare a meal because I'd hate to see any of those gorgeous fresh fruit and veg to go bad. It's just one more reason I love my farmers market hehe,



Teddy

Mother's Day

Mom and grandma

Mother's day this year was spent as it should be, with my mom and grandma! Presents were exchanged and food was gobbled. Now you may ask yourself 'What do mother's like to eat?' I don't about your family but mine loves artichokes.

My family and I went to the Irvine Farmers Market on Saturday to prepare for our Sunday feast and we picked up some lovely baby artichokes. Of course there was much more served but these were the biggest hit.

Other items of great interest- chocolate, fresh made hummus and pita bread.

Hope your mother's day was as lovely and food filled as mine!

Teddy

Cinco De Mike-o

Vegan cupcakes take over my blog :)



Last week was my friend Mike's birthday. It's not a birthday without vegan cupcakes!

I made double chocolate mini cupcakes with a peanut butter frosting. I think that is everyone's favorite flavor combo.


Teddy

Baby Bok Choy

While surfing the Irvine market I picked up some delectable yet cute baby bok choy.

This was some of the freshest bok choy I've seen.

An aerial view

I made a simple stir fry with a sprinkle of red chili flakes.


It's thursday and I'm already looking forward to going back to the market. Most of my produce has been gobbled up and I'd love to have a fresh salad right about now.


Teddy

Irvine Farmers Market

Last weekend the LA Times printed a list of the top 10 farmers markets in the LA area. Among that list was UC Irvine's Saturday market.

I love farmers markets but it seems that most aren't open when I'm available so a Saturday market is my dream come true. I had to go check it out.

Great fresh greens- some organic some not.

Cherries and apricots.

This market was quite large and I was thrilled to see there was a booth for signing up for your local CSA (which I plan on doing this week!).

We picked up apricots, peaches, strawberries, baby bok choy, chinese broccoli and some fresh herbs. I can't wait till next week.


Teddy

Hospital

Intense title eh?

This week mom had a surgery so we've been quite busy with that.
The hospital was beautiful- it was more like a hotel than anything. She came out okay and has been recovering well.

Mom before surgery.

You could see the ocean from mom's room!

Mom wasn't allowed to eat solid foods for 2 days. When she was allowed to eat again we decided to go all out and John prepared a "holiday worthy" meal.
Roasted acorn squash stuffed with mushroom risotto.

We're just taking it easy this weekend and relaxing. Hope you're doing the same too!



Teddy

Chimichurri Rice

This dish is a Peruvian rice based entre. It contains Rice, tomatoes, cilantro (LOTS hehe), peppers, peas, shallots, garlic, ginger and I added some chick peas.

It was my first time trying this dish (I got a frozen version from Trader Joes). I very much enjoyed it. What's better is that Richard did too. It's a little spicy so be careful (and it's not vegan)!

Give it a try.

Teddy