Friday, November 26, 2010

Holidays: Thanksgiving Potluck 2010

while everything finished baking, setting up the seating
 italian sodas, silk and rice nog, ready to start the feast!
 vegan cookbooks and fresh berries for dessert garnish:
 my plate, and vegan pinot noir. (baked mac and cheese casserole, roasted brussel sprouts and garlic, asparagas, stuffing, candied yams, tofurky, cucumber salad, mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy)
 My first tofurky was a hit! It was much better than the horror stories I heard and was anticipating. I didn't thaw out the night before, so I baked for 3.5 hours, in a covered caserole dish with baste (made from the box's recipe) with fresh, diced veggies... garlic, onions, jalapenos, carrots, and celery). YUM! The only dish that had NO left-overs... I'll definitely be making one of these again...

 the line-up, mashed potatoes and two kinds of homemade cranberry sauce and relish
 my first tofurky (it turned out really great!), salad, and homemade salsa
 loading up our plates:
 shitake gravy, roasted brussels and asparagus, canadied yams, baked mac & daiya cheese caserole
 stuffing!
 first wave of guests at the dinner table:
 live fruit/nut pie, pumpkin pie (by butter and sugar blogger Jody)

 Dessert Table. Soy and rice creams, soy whip cream, pumpkin pie, raw fruit/nut pie, chocolate mousse and berries:
 dessert variety, chocolate mousse, vegan whip cream, pumpkin pie, live fruit/nut pie, vegan vanilla fudge swirl icecream and brandy and silk nog
Such a wonderful, cruelty-free feast this year, shared with great friends and my family. So much to be grateful for. Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to practice gratitude, and appreciate daily...
(links to basic recipes I started with, and modified to my own tastes, preferences)

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Holidays: Thanksgiving Potluck Menu

This year, our annual vegan thanksgiving tradition turns 4. And each year has been more and more fun and festive! Tomorrow for Vegan Thanks Twenty-Ten, we will be hosting a potluck (the first year I haven't cooked everything myself). I'm really excited to try all the dishes and treats and will be sure to take lots of photos before we all dive in. Here's what's been planned so far, vegans sure know how to chow-down!:

My contribution:
  • First EVER Tofurky (you have to bast the dang thing and everything, should be interesting haha)
  • Homemade stuffing, pumpernickel bread, granny smith apples, walnuts and all that good stuff
  • Baked Macaroni Casserole (with Diaya)- My husband's favorite :)
  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce
  • Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Rich Dark Chocolate Mousse with fresh berries
  • Soy and Rice Nog
  • Italian Sodas
  • Various Ice creams (soy delicious, and rice dream- not homemade, and Soy Whip cream

Jody & Eli's:
  • Candied Yams
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Raw/Live Fruit Pie
  • Mushroom Gravy
  • Cranberry Relish
Jamie & Colleen's:
  • Cornbread
  • Banana Cream Pie
  • Vegan Beer!
  • Maybe something else

Pete & Amanda's:
  • Booze to spike the 'Nog and Italian Sodas!
I am so so SO excited for this feast, and wish everyone a happy, safe, and loving holiday with minimal stress and harm to others. GIVING THANKS TO MY READERS! xoxoxoxo

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Banter: Ick

A few things to get off my chest.

1. I can't stand mushrooms. Just because I don't eat meat doesn't mean I'll love a "big meaty" portabello sandwich.

2. Same goes for tofu, really not a fan, there are a few rare expections but prefer to go without.

3. Eggplant is disgusting.

So please remember just because I'm vegan, it doesn't mean that I'm missing meat and in constant need of eating the "meatiest" veggies etc.

Beans and Rice. Grains and legumes. My saviors.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Dining: Conan's Pizza

Calling all Austin Vegans... Conan's whole-wheat, deep-dish pizzas with Daiya! are pretty much the ultimate pizza experience. Order the Veggie Supreme! Its my favorite Pizza Delivery in North Austin (for you southies and central kiddos, there are two other locations south and central too). To quote another Austin Vegan, "It's great to be alive and vegan in Austin right now!"


(512) 459-3221

Holidays: Adopt a Turkey 2010

Thanksgiving is upon us once again, and in the spirit of giving thanks and compassion, consider instead of cooking up a bird, saving one. Start a new tradition of celebrating life, rather than commemorating the genocide of natives and innocent animals with a carcass (or if you don't want me to be preachy, do it for your cholesterol levels, health, and/or spiritual clarity- or even if its just to win hipster points - no judgments).


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Recipes: White Trash Wednesday

Now that I have officially re-joined the work-force... mustering energy to cook whole meals from scratch every night is a little harder than it was as a housewife. This is what I put together last night in 20 minutes. Feast your eyes upon our White Trash Wednesday. Magnificent!

Spanish Rice: Rice a Roni instructions on box- used Earth Balance for margarine... added Hot spicy diced tomatoes as per box... (Note: Long grain wild rice Rice a Roni is also vegan)

Tater Tots- put on a tray and baked, and a plain lettuce, avocado, and tomato salad to balance it out...




 Added hot-sauce into some ketchup for dipping, and dressed the salad with just a lil balsamic vinegar... Mmm good.