Apple A Day: A Look Into One Vegetarian World

Spinach Mushroom Quiche

2011-04-23T03:59:00.003-05:00

And Easter Tradition!1 (9 inch) deep dish pie crustButter1 c. chopped raw onionsmall splash balsamic vinegar (for caramelizing, optional)8 oz. fresh mushrooms (I prefer the Baby Bella's)8-9 oz pkg. frozen spinach1 c. shredded Swiss1 c. shredded cheddar1/4 c. shredded Parmesan (optional)4-5 eggs, beatensplash or two of milksalt and pepper, to tastePREP: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Caramelize

2011-04-20T12:17:00.000-05:00

Cute shoes?

2011-04-04T17:15:00.002-05:00

I just want be able to find a cute pair of vegan shoes as easily as any other kind of cute shoe. I ordered a pair online, they're alright, but not quite a "cute shoe" and the first time I wore them they gave me blisters. Ugh!

2011-03-07T06:54:00.000-06:00

2011-03-02T22:24:00.000-06:00

"Cause She's..."

2011-01-25T17:44:00.002-06:00

Ugh!

2011-01-22T02:16:00.003-06:00

This is a picture of the ad my brothers found so awesome, they felt the need to display it on the refrigerator for a long time. Oh darn, I think it disappeared.

Famous Vegetarian Musicians

2011-01-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

Everyday yumminess!

2011-01-13T18:03:00.000-06:00

Inspired by some Naan that was picked up yesterday at the grocery I sauteed up some onion, mushrooms, carrot, broccoli, and spinach and placed it inside the Naan (gently warmed under the broiler) with some swiss cheese. This are the days that just make me glad to be a vegetarian. Lovely and wonderful.Paul McCartney Discusses His Vegetarian Lifestyle

Go Naked

2011-01-12T22:46:00.008-06:00

There are something you like just because they make you feel good. 'Green Machine' Naked is one of those things for me. Love. Love. Love. Naked Green Machine was my breakfast with a sun-dried tomato bagel with melted cheese and pesto for lunch. (This is what happens when one is out running errands and does not want fast food.)Dinner was all about embracing some black bean chili I had in the

Freezer Stock Paying Off

2011-01-11T22:17:00.001-06:00

As the snow piles up outside I have renewed thankfulness for my Freezer Stocking Soup Tour as I have some the ease of pulling out corn chowder from the freezer.Dinner seems to be all about comfort food (Breakfast for Dinner mindset) with white peppered gravy over biscuits, sprinkled with shredded cheddar and french fried onion and two Morning Star "sausage" patties (I love the maple flavored ones

Lovely

2011-01-10T21:25:00.002-06:00

I love being able to share some of the interesting and often inspiring things I find along the way. I hope this inspires you!

Family Gathering

2011-01-09T23:14:00.004-06:00

We had a delayed family Christmas and due to circumstances, it wasn't until today. As mentioned before I am the only vegetarian in my family and this year, since my grandpa's recent death, I had not one to cook for but myself. I had frozen extras of both my Thanksgiving Vegetable Wellington and my Christmas spinach mushroom pastry for just such an event, and I FORGOT IT at home. I tried to call

Veg Cinderella

2011-01-08T23:52:00.003-06:00

Quiet NIght on the Food Front

2011-01-07T18:15:00.007-06:00

As much as I love soups, stews,, and chowders, I am taking a break today from the Soup Stocking (I've spent a few hours cleaning out and re-organizing the kitchen cabinets and drawers) and pulled out a Spinach Mushroom Pastry I had frozen when I made them for Christmas dinner. I love having stuff in the freezer for nights I don't feel like cooking. I Stuck the pastry in the the oven with some

Freezer Stock 2011 - The Soup Tour Continues: Frenchie Onion Soup

2011-01-06T18:20:00.008-06:00

My soup stocking tour for this chilly January continues as today I made a lovely homemade French Onion soup using a vegetable stock, onion, garlic, a touch of vegan Worcestershire sauce (for richness), and seasoning, topped with some toasted multi grain bread and cheese under the broiler. The onions sweated and then the soup simmered for a while. After topping it with the toasted bread and

One Vegetarian Cuisine World at Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards Gift Lo...

2011-01-05T15:51:00.005-06:00

Enjoy! (I'm always on the lookout for something interesting.)

Freezer Stock - The Soup Tour Continues: Broccoli Cheese and a "Sink" Soup

2011-01-05T15:46:00.004-06:00

So the Stock The Freezer - Soup Tour 2011 continues as I made a homemade broccoli cheese soup tonight for dinner (very yum!) with a recipe I improvised along the way. (I looked through a few different recipes before hand, got an idea for how other make it, contemplated what I liked about some of those recipes and what I had one hand, then experimented in my own.) The extra was bagged, labeled,

Freezer Stock - The Soup Tour: Corn Chowder

2011-01-04T16:44:00.004-06:00

I'm back to somewhat cooking regular and trying to get over the heaviness, richness, and junk that often comes with the holidays. For lunch today I roasted mushrooms, broccoli, some carrot and onion with a little but of seasoning and olive oil. Then stuffed the roasted veggies into a warmed pita with a touch of shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, and a touch of ranch dressing. Yum! While the

Update!

2011-01-03T22:26:00.004-06:00

UPDATE: Still cooking when I can. Dating a vegetarian (now there IS a new one) and have been for a few months now. Survived Christmas. Almost couldn't find vegan Worcestershire sauce for the Chex mix (thankfully, I found Annie's brand at my local Meijer). Explored some new holiday main dish ideas, keeping the Vegetable Wellington for Thanksgiving, but made a mini spinach and portabella mushroom

Something fun.

2011-01-02T19:12:00.002-06:00

Something to, hopefully, make you smile.

"What's missing?"

2011-01-02T18:48:00.003-06:00

"Can you tell what's missing?" - Another "Hell's Kitchen" clip I just had to share.

Makes You Think!

2011-01-01T14:47:00.003-06:00

Don't usually watch "Hell's Kitchen," but this clip was just begging to be shared.

Quesodilla Night

2010-01-25T18:31:00.003-06:00

Melted cheese isn't just for between two slices of bread or on top of some baked pasta. Sometimes it comes in quesodilla form that includes veggies and topped with salsa. Tonight was such a night. When I first saw the quesodilla makers in the store, I laughed. We did fine without one. Then somehow we ended up with one and tried it out. Its not one of those kitchen necessities, but it can be nice.

Roasting Veggies Make my Night

2010-01-24T17:01:00.006-06:00

There is something almost magical and lovely about roasting vegetables and I love love love making and eating them. Tonight one was of those such nights. Most people have made or at least eaten roasted potatoes, but I will pretty much roast anything I can. It turns plain vegetables into some kind of lovely carmalized tasty bit of yum. Tonight I roasted up some seasoned potato cubes with some

Stir Fry Night

2010-01-22T19:31:00.005-06:00

It was another stir fry night at our house. It's becoming pretty much once a week. We lay out a selection of vegetables and sauces (my meat-eating family usually chops up some sort of meat to go with it). It's a mix of what you like, what sounds good, and what is on hand. Mine usually consists of onion, garlic, shredded carrots, mushrooms (tonight was a mix of button and sliced portabellas),

2010-01-20T01:27:00.004-06:00

Quiet around here the last couple days. The new puppy is keeping us on our toes. I have been working on braiding rag rugs and have just discovered my new copy of "Vegetarian Times" (Feb 2010 edition) in the stack of mail."God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved birds and invented cages." -- Jacgues Deval, Afin de vivre bel et bien

New Additions

2010-01-18T20:43:00.007-06:00

It's been rather quiet around here the last couple days. The snow is starting to melt and it's all slush, muddy spots, & icey patches. Happy January, right?For Christmas I go a new set of pots and pans from my mom- all black with colorful butterflies. I am determined to keep them meat-free, but haven't found the inspiration to break them out yet. It's coming, but I have barely felt like even

Bites of the day

2010-01-15T11:59:00.005-06:00

I actually cooked today. I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. I made a baked pasta primavera with leftover Alfredo sauce from the other night, rotini noodles, carrots, spinach, sauteed mushrooms, some grated parmesan and a lovely provolone cheese melted on top and a sprinkling throughout. Seasoned, mixed together, and topped with cheese; it baked to lovely golden browned top. More a

Another day, another bite.

2010-01-14T20:25:00.004-06:00

I haven't felt much like cooking the last couple days. My big cooking accomplishment was fixing alfredo with mushrooms last night. I went an easy route today with a salad for lunch and a less than healthy dinner of cheese pizza bites. They were easy, they were there, and I just haven't had the inspiration for cooking something. For a treat (or punishment, depending on how you look at it) I

January Blahs

2010-01-13T11:20:00.008-06:00

The January snow is piled up all around and I've been scanning the web and other blogs trying not to feel so isolated. It's a mixture of the winter blahs and an impending birthday (a birthday that serves as a reminder that my twenty-something days are numbered). I'm not sure which is lending more to the feelings of isolation today... the snow and cold, the birthday thing, or the feeling of being

2010-01-12T12:08:00.003-06:00

It's been kind of nice having a freezer and pantry full of home preserved goodies. I made a big pan of black beans and rice today, using a jar of black beans my aunt canned for me and corn my mom and brother froze this summer. I usually use tomato sauce or a bit of tomato paste for a tomato base, but instead took a can of diced tomatoes and ran them through the belnder for a bit. It was just

Been Awhile...

2010-01-05T09:49:00.013-06:00

In the words of 'Monty Mython,' I'm not dead yet. I just got otherwise distracted which ended up with me living for a season out of the regulalr internet zone in the middle of pretty darn near nowhere. Now that life has somewhat settled down post holiday season, I'm baaa-aaack.Life in my world has been full of its rather typical ups and downs. Over the summer season I shared a communal kitchen

Homemade Granola Bars!

2009-04-22T22:16:00.004-05:00

It's been busy, busy around here. But I am still trying to find time to cook and experiment in the kitchen. This morning's project was homemade granola bars full of peanuts, sun flower seeds, raisins, and shredded coconut mixed with granola, oats, peanut butter, and honey. Still working on perfecting the recipe but it was a first trial run. Tasty, but rather crumbly. I like the idea of knowing

2009-03-22T02:40:00.002-05:00

One show ended, but always busy with other projects.I've been hungary for chili and tonight the rest of my family was having it. I made my own nice pan of homemade chili tonight. I sarted by sauteeing diced onion, garlic, and diced mushroom pieces in some vegetable oil with some hot pepper flakes. (I don't always use diced mushrooms, but sometimes I "sneak" them in for added texture and nutrients

Even Martha Mentions Us

2009-03-10T22:20:00.000-05:00

While skimming through the Martha Stewart website (http://www.marthastewart.com/) I came across something on meat-free recipes and couldn't help but click on it. This is what I found... http://www.wholeliving.com/article/eat-your-veggies . We are not forgotten as vegetarian culture continues to seep into everything else and into the everyday language and culture of the America. Yay!!!Okay, so

A Weekend Away

2009-03-10T00:41:00.006-05:00

I spent the weekend in Columbus with my show and got one of those reminders about how much easier it is for a vegetarian to have food options in a bigger city than going out here. Last Monday we moved the show down and stopped in the "North Market" before heading home for a late lunch... oh, the options I do not get here. Our director is vegetarian too and we both seemed to embrace the options

Alfredo Pizza Triangles

2009-01-26T15:21:00.006-06:00

Looking for something easy for lunch I found a roll of crescent rolls in the refridgerator, topped the unrolled triangles with leftover alfredo sauce, sauteed some onion, garlic and frozen spinach on top of that, then some sauteed mushroom sliced and topped with shredded cheese. Baked until the crusts were golden and the cheese was melty. Easy and even my brother ate some (he cut out the spinach

Bring on the Yumminess!

2009-01-25T21:48:00.008-06:00

It's been a fairly long weekend and I am ready for a break in this chilly weather. In the meantime I've been embracing some of those foods that are easy to fix for vegetarians, especially along side a family of non-vegetarians. Last night we had stir fry choked full of vegetables and mushrooms served over some white rice along side of a vegetable egg roll. Sliced mushrooms, onion, garlic, carrot,

Another day, another meal

2009-01-23T18:01:00.004-06:00

So, I'm fighting a bit of a cold. One of my brothers started with it and everyone in the house has had it to some point or another. I'm dealing with it and with the fact that I really do not feel like cooking. Tonight I raided the leftovers I had in the refridgerator. I cooked some noodles and heated up a container of bulgar chili I had in the freezer, topped with some peices of swiss cheese from

Vegetarian Culture

2009-01-21T14:29:00.007-06:00

“Vegetarian Culture” -- a phrase heard in regarding restaurants and people understanding and embracing the ‘vegetarian culture.’ How does the concept of a “vegetarian culture” change in regards to geography, environment, family situation, upbringing, etc? Vegetarian culture in regards to internet, community, religion? Groups? “…Because they understand the vegetarian culture…” is a phrase I

Food TV

2009-01-19T16:14:00.003-06:00

There are a lot of people who believe that watching the cooks on TV work their culinary magic can have a calming effect. It seems to be something about watching someone prepare food. I have an uncle in a higher stress career that watches it to “veg” after work and grandparents who are HUGE fans of cooking and food shows. I’m a huge fan, even back to the days before an entire network and channel

Snow and Stuff

2009-01-17T20:34:00.005-06:00

It's been one of those days... well a couple of those days. The cold streak in Ohio is getting old, the temperatures dropped so much w had to bring the goats in from the barn. Unfortunately, we lost one of the from the frigid tempteratures. It is a small barn and just isn't enough protection aginast the severe wind chills. (The other is in a large crate/cage in the spare bedroom with plastic

Simple, Yet Hearty

2009-01-14T19:28:00.005-06:00

The lastuple days I've been in one of those moods where I have wanted hearty food that is fairly simple to make. Last night I had to be at the theater so I fixed up a toasted cheese sandwhich (on a nice whole grain bread) and made a homemade vegetable soup out of the selection of vegetables from leftover, frozen, and fresh vegetables, mushrooms and rice that I had around. I thickened it a little

Happy New Year

2009-01-11T12:18:00.009-06:00

I haven't forgotten, it's just been a rather busy time with the holidays and all the family stuff that goes around it. For Thanksgiving I made my own version of a Portabella Wellington for my Grandpa and myself and for Christmas dinner I made something between a Portabella Wellington and a Meatless Shepard's Pie inside the puffed pastry I had leftover from Christmas. Both are things I will

Thanksgiving Ponderings

2008-11-15T09:20:00.005-06:00

Five Thanksgivings as Vegetarian have passed and I am welcoming number six. Gives me a chance to take a look back and then towards the present. The first year was probably the most daunting. I was still new to the whole vegetarian thing only by a couple months. Outside of my immediate household the rest of my family still did not know the scary, dirty secret of my vegetarian decision (and yes

Bow Season... Bleh!

2008-11-14T18:53:00.005-06:00

I try to ignore that fact that in this area it is bow hunting season for deer. Of course, then I get those reminders like someone kicking you in the shin or somewhere else. My brothers hunt, my family hunts, and then there is me... the vegetarian and definatly the none hunter of the family. I try to keep my mouth shut, since it does no good otherwise. It just leads to fighting and arguments and

Have you ever grilled your peanut butter?

2008-11-13T08:42:00.005-06:00

A lot of kids grew up on grilled cheese, my family was no exception, but that was not the only grilled sandwhich that we know from childhood. For me there is another comfort food from childhood that comes in the form of two peices of bread grilled and often served along side tomato soup... grilled peanut butter. It was often grilled up along side of the grilled cheese sandwhiches my Mom made, but

Happy Election Day

2008-11-04T17:41:00.004-06:00

Happy Election Day! Hope everyone got out there got their vote on.Made an easy vegetable pot pie. I used a vegetable stew I partially made from leftovers in the refrigerator (leftover onion gravy, lima,s etc) and a few frozen and fresh ones. Added a bit of rice and used about a tablespoon or so of instant mashed potato flakes as thickener. You could still use a flour or cornstarch type thickener,

Holiday Preperations Underway!!!

2008-11-03T21:41:00.006-06:00

It was a rather simple day meal-wise. I made a pasta with olive oil and herb thing for dinner, adding some fresh sliced mushrooms and spinach, then a touch of parmasan. A lovely meal with a peice of oat bread. I was talking to a friend of mine that used to be a vegetarian online while I ate and she talked about how she has been really thinking about going back. (Her vegetarian days were in high

Pet Peeves

2008-11-02T19:23:00.009-06:00

It was a mostly decent weekend (We had a good opening weekend, Halloween, some dancing, some hanging out with friends, all good things); but one full of some fairly annoying attacks to my way of being and eating and the whole vegetarian thing. We all have those peeves that just want to send us over the edge of just wanting to lash out at people and struggling not to.Firstly, a friend of the

Food on the run... welcome to another tech week

2008-10-27T01:37:00.011-05:00

I'm moving towards the opening night and weekend of my current show, which makes things a little hectic, especially when it comes to things like meals. Tonight I ate on some potato bake thing my mom made to go with dinner (she made baked beans too, but there was bacon in them and hard to tell what else) and grabbed a banana on my way out the door to eat at rehearsal. It was enough to sustain me

Back, and hopefully not forgotten

2008-10-24T16:11:00.004-05:00

No, I didn't forget, it was just a busy summer full of spending time with family and friends, grilling veggie burgers and wonderful vegatables like corn on the cob, mushrooms, asparagus, onions, peppers, and anything else that seems to catch my fancy. Fall is very much upon us, kicked off in this area my the county fair in September. I entered my vegetarian cookbook collection in the hobby

Live, let live, and be grateful always... Veggie Style

2008-06-11T13:55:00.005-05:00

A lot of times vegetarians get a bad reputation for being pushy, demanding, militant, and extremists. I am a firm believer in not doing these things. I live my life the way I want to be treated by others... simply I am who I am. I want to be treated respectfully for my lifestyle and I try to treat others the same way. I know it's not always easy, especially when you are surrounded by

Joined myspace and Attended Wedding

2008-06-08T15:01:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was my cousin's wedding (I was a bridesmaid). The night before at the rehearsal dinner the caters made a special fruit plate for me to go with the few thigns I could eat and my grandma made a seperate plate for me the morning of the wedding (she made snack plates for the wedding party to snack on before the wedding). The dinner was good, what I had of it; a roll, relish type stuff, and

2008-06-05T13:22:00.003-05:00

It's another day in my veggie paradise (or as near to paradise as I have so far found) and my entire family seems in a tizzy about the upcoming weeding this weekend. There seem to be a number of weddings this weekend, involving both family and friends. To top off the excitement I am in the wedding party of the cousin's wedding that is this Saturday and I am the only known vegetarian. The wedding

Yay for "The Traveling Vegetarian"

2008-06-05T00:29:00.005-05:00

Sometimes it may seems like there are very few of us out there and that the idea of "vegetarian culture" seems to be but a myth, but every once in awhile I come across things that remind me that I am not alone, that we are not alone on our ideals. Culture is what we make and the internet is giving each of us amazing oppurtunities to reach out to others and to hopefully make a difference. In

A Vegetarian Happily-Ever-After?

2008-06-03T16:22:00.006-05:00

Relationships always pose the possibility of conflict and differences in personalities, ideals, and interests. But what happens when a vegetarian, like myself, ends up dating a meat-eater? Well, I'm still trying to figure that out. It's not secret that I intend to raise any future children in a meat-free lifestyle and would prefer to make my life with someone that is, at the very least,

Welcoming the Summer Season

2008-05-31T12:30:00.007-05:00

The Memorial Day weekend is over and I made it through one of the biggest cookout weekends of the summer. Being like many families across the country my family joined in the BBQ, grilling, picnic festivites.Even the vegetarian (me) was able to join in and enjoy my fill of grilled yumminess (of course grilled in a manner as not to touch any of the meat or meat juices). At last Sunday's bog family

Family Game Night with a Veggie Twist

2008-05-03T14:20:00.009-05:00

About once a month my family gets together for a Game Night. It started out on Friday nights meeting with my aunt for dinner somewhere then often going back to her house and playing boardgames. It expanded from there with other family members included and eating mostly at her house. Some nights are more extensively planned than others, but it all comes down to sharing food, games, and time with

2008-04-23T17:10:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it really drives me nuts how much my family chooses to order food in (usually pizza, subs, wings, and sometimes the occassional chinese).

Bridal shower buffet and the token vegetarian

2008-04-20T16:06:00.002-05:00

Today we had a bridal shower, not mine for heaven's sake, but for my cousin-in-law to-be (did I mention that I am in the wedding?). this is the third one of my first cousins to marry (i have a lot of them) and the third one of them that I have been a part of the bridal shower. instead of doing the fooof ourselves (which we usually do, including the fondue one we had for my one cousin), we decided

I'm Baaaaack

2008-04-08T11:53:00.007-05:00

So, I haven't gotten lost. Mostly, I was on a cooking strike at home. My brothers, being the meat and potato type of guys that they are complained about one too many meals of mine and refused to cook for them anymore (or until they decide to act like decent human beings). In the meantime we've been eating a lot of pizza, take-out, and other assorted quick fixes or restaraunts. It has been this

Ode to Almond Butter

2008-03-07T08:52:00.009-06:00

Yesterday, I baked. I was flipping through one of my cookbooks ("Table for Two" a dairy and egg free cookbook) and was debating on making the recipe for peanut butter cookies (vegan at that). But instead of using good old fashioned peanut butter I went to another pantry favorite of mine- almond butter. I discovered it while living at a youth camp where I worked as finding new ways to keep things

Unforgettable

2008-03-03T08:51:00.003-06:00

I know it may seem like I have forgotten and abandoned you, but I have not. Hopefully, uou have not forgotten me either. Things have just been a bit hectic around here. Keeping busy in the kitchen; baking, cooking, and trying new recipes. I still can't get certain family members to try new foods, but a person can't make changes over night that easily. "If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone

Token Vegetarian

2008-01-15T00:55:00.000-06:00

I am a vegetarian which to me means I refrain from eating things that include flesh, blood, or bone. This include meat, meat broths, and gelatin among other things. I am happy to be a vegetarian and content with the lifestyle that I have chosen (or lifestyle that chose me), however I do know that not everyone appreciates it for what it is or for what it is to me. It can be difficult at times when

Homestyle Vegetarian Breakfast at Home

2008-01-13T21:07:00.000-06:00

Sometime it happens that you've been out late with friends and want the smothered type breakfast type foods that you remembered from your meat eating days. It is possible without giving up your veg-friendly ways. I don't to miss those late night, early morning trips to an all night truck stop or other all-night food stop it's way to make yourself at home (plus you get to know excatly what goes

Let's Talk Veggie Burgers

2008-01-11T21:02:00.000-06:00

While not necessary to living the veg life there are a ton of different veggie burger brands, flavors, and recipes. For me they are not an everyday thing, but often a convenient addition to my emat-free lifestyle. Surrounded my meat-eaters this is also at times a way to bring what they perceive some element of non-threatening normalcy to the table. It is a versitile food product that can be

Loving Veg-friendly Leftovers in the Freezer

2008-01-09T19:58:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my frozen leftover system, tonight while my brothers sucked down some turkey thing I enjoyed homemade white vegetable lasagna with garlic toasted french bread. I was thinking about making a new pan for dinner one night next week (and of course making enough to freeze for later). Dinner time is a constant attempt to create more middle ground in our eating habits without me giving up my

Chili for Now and Later

2008-01-08T22:18:00.000-06:00

As with my typical view about being a vegetarian and eating a diet without flesh does not mean going without. I made a nice pot of chili for dinner (and froze the rest). Sometimes there is just nothing better than a spicy, steamy bowl of chili served over plain cooked pasta (especially like rotini, although any noodle will do inlcuding spagetti).I sauteed some chopped onion and a clove of garlic

I love Gardenburger

2008-01-06T19:00:00.000-06:00

We are trying, as a family, to eat together at the table, all at the same time. This is, of course, easier said than done. I'm finding ways to eat pretty much the same things with the exception of meat. Tonight was cheesey julienne potatoes, peas, fried apples (with a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon), rolls, and a Gardenburger BBQ riblet. So full afterwards (yummy!). I was thinking about some

Chinese Food Yumminess

2008-01-04T12:30:00.000-06:00

I am a big lover of what a lot of people would call "ethnic foods." Plus, they often offer more options for the vegetarian eater than a lot of the Americana-themed steak houses. I went yesterday to a local Chinese place with my mom and brother for lunch. Not only could I find things to eat, they have a bar full of veggies and noodles that they will grill up for you with whatever sauces you prefer

I think. Therfore I am Vegetarian.

2008-01-02T19:55:00.000-06:00

I served myself up a couple of those large portabella mushrooms sauteed with onion, garlic, and a bit of balsamic vinegar beside some sauteed peirogies (think potato stuffed pastry), cooked carrots, and a toasted bun for an easy lunch. Love, love, love mushrooms. They are so versitile, yummy, and use them in so many different ways. Dinner was another simple endeavor as I made homemade fried rice

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-01T21:45:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!!! I hope it was a peaceful and hopeful ringing in of the new year.We celebrated the New Year's Day as a family and extended family for our Christmas. (It seemed so much easier somewhat before my teen years and New Year's Eve parties.) Everyone cooks and brings something, we play Christmas Bingo (family tradition) that involved wrapped and inexpensive gifts that eventually are

New Year's Eve

2007-12-31T14:56:00.000-06:00

So the New Year is upon us. People all over the country and the world are busy making resolutions for 2008 as well as starting the celebrations. "I will lose x amount of pounds." "I will quit smoking." "I will get a better job." "I will do volunteer work." Sometimes, I think resolutions are just too easy to break. I want everyday to be a chance to live better and try to be better than I was

A Night In

2007-12-30T22:33:00.000-06:00

Tonight was a little "Guitar Hero," a little air hockey, a few beers, a couple rounds of "Apples to Apples," and the company of a few good friends. We put out some chips, cheese and crackers, and popped some pizza bites in the oven (they make meatless ones). Yet, everyone's minds seems to be on what to do tomorrow night. (I am still hearing crap for chasing those deer away Christmas Eve that my

Life is We Know It

2007-12-29T20:21:00.000-06:00

Last night was my family's monthly game night. We get together (those of use who can) on a Friday night to play games, eat, and generally enjoy each other's company. I try to make things that I will eat as well as others in my meat-loving family. My brother made buffalo wings and my aunt fried up some cheese sticks and onion rings, but let's face it, this girl needs more than some fried

2007 Reflections

2007-12-27T14:02:00.000-06:00

2007 is winding down and 2008 is fast approaching. It’s almost a new year, full of new possibilities and new potential. It also is the time when many reflect on the year that has past and what has been. It’s been a fairly decent year in which I have met some new people, said good bye to some others, and have attempted to reach out into the world with my veggie homepage

Do You Know The Vegetarian Dragon?

2007-12-26T17:29:00.001-06:00

It's the day after Christmas and all through the house all the creatures are still living off leftovers from the days before. The stockings are empty, but the tree is still lit. There isn't a ton of leftovers, but there are enough that we seem to keep grazing on the food and sweets that are still left. (Cookies and candy and sweets, oh my.) Lucy, my rabbit, seemed to appreciate the fresh carrots

Merry Christmas!!!

2007-12-25T16:24:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas! Yes, the big day has arrived and the family has all been gathered around the tree and the table. For years, my family, has had a surf and turf Christmas dinner tradition (steak and seafood)... however, the last five years have included some adjustment for my needs. Generally, I grill a portabella mushroom or merely eat the thigns that have been served along side of my family's

Just For Fun

2007-12-23T06:04:00.000-06:00

In the Words of Thomas A. Edison: "Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages."

Continuing Christmas Traditions Vegetarian Style

2007-12-21T04:04:00.000-06:00

The holidays are fast approaching as food preparation continues. It just wouldn't be impending Christmas without the smell of fresh party mix coming from the oven, however, traditional recipes include worchester sauce, butter or margarine, and spices. This doesn't sound like a problem unless you know and care that traditionally worcester sauce has anchovies in it. I found Wizard's Organic Vegan

What are your Holiday Plans?

2007-12-19T00:34:00.000-06:00

Eating out with my family is often an eventful experience. There is usually a debate over where to eat, especially since my options are limited to salad in some places, but this afternoon while I was out trying to take care of some things we were able to agree on a place (without argument) where I could eat without problems and my brother could still satisfy his supposed meat cravings. We began

I have Not fallen Off the of the Planet

2007-12-17T20:25:00.000-06:00

I know it seems i got lost and maybe I kind of did. The show took a lot out of me (it's over now and went very well) and now I seem to be fighting some sort of allergic reatcion to something in my everyday environment. (With my luck it will be something in our water.) I've been working on a menus right now for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for family and friends. We always have friends and

Love Those Limas

2007-12-05T17:59:00.000-06:00

Here it is another day in my life and my world. Let’s talk about one of my favorite foods… lima beans. It is one of the vegetables that a lot of kids seem to hate or hide from… I was not one of them. Even as a kid I was fascinated by the lima bean… velvety inside with a protective skin on the outside. I used to drive my parents nuts at the dinner table by using my teeth to peel off the outside

Love in Non-Vegetarian World

2007-12-04T20:00:00.000-06:00

I didn’t really get the inspiration to actually cook today. (Leftovers and frozen pizza.) I was in writing mode and stuff in the creative mode working hard on a manuscript. I’ve been contemplating a few things regarding being single and vegetarian in a non-vegetarian world. I haven’t really met anyone to even think about serious, however the idea does bring up some thoughts regarding this

Recipe Evolution

2007-12-03T15:05:00.000-06:00

I was standing at the stove having just mixed previously frozen spinach into my pan when I got to thinking about the dishes I often prepare. My mom loves my tortellini with the basil mushroom sauce (I use olive oil sometimes mixed with butter to create the base). It’s a nice change from the usual heavy tomato or cream sauces that often adorn pasta. I usually lightly sauté mushrooms and garlic

Non-Forbidden Fruit

2007-12-02T17:07:00.000-06:00

The opening weekend of my most recent show is now behind me (along with the hectic schedule of tech week that leads into a show). This show has led to a few things coming up regarding my lack of meat consumption. It surprises people and even seems to confuse others. I guess partially because I don’t come across as militant and I don’t lecture or rave about it. I live my vegetarian existence

Kepping It Real

2007-11-29T14:04:00.000-06:00

My show is about to open and it has been a busy week. There has been a lot of eating on the run and eating late. Its seems to be a tech week curse. I'm not starving, although after a few wardrobe issues last night I wonder if maybe I should be. Anyway, the show opens tomorrow night and I hope everyone is eating up life. :-) From George Bernard Shaw: "Animals are my friends... and I don't eat my

Happy Veggie Day (every day is veggie day)

2007-11-27T22:04:00.000-06:00

In the Words of Cloris Leachman: "As soon as I realized that I didn't need meat to survive or to be in good health, I began to see how forlorn it all is. If only we had a different mentality about the drama of the cowboy and the range and all the rest of it. It's a very romantic notion, an entrenched part of American culture, but I've seen, for example, pigs waiting to be slaughtered, and their

Hello Again.

2007-11-25T22:00:00.000-06:00

It's another day, eating on the run and trying to keep up at the theater, and trying to get a 33 person cast into costumes (multiple costumes in most cases). In the Words of Plutarch: "Can you really ask what reason Pythagoras had for abstaining from flesh? For my part I rather wonder both by what accident and in what state of soul or mind the first man did so, touched his mouth to gore and

Eating on The Run

2007-11-25T01:20:00.000-06:00

It's tech week for my show and therefore means that Ill be spending a great deal mroe time at the theater. I was there until about midnight helping paint and random set stuff (I needed a break from looking at costumes) and will be there every night through opening weekend. It also means a lot more meals there or on the run. When I got there tonight the pizza they ordered arrived shortly after I

Thanksgiving Lull and Leftovers Jump Start the Christmas Season

2007-11-23T16:38:00.000-06:00

It’s the day after Thanksgiving and all through the house not a person is cooking, not even a roast. Leftovers abound from yesterday’s feast. Stuffing and gravy, crackers and cheese. It’s that time of year where much of America is enjoying the leftover lull of the day after Thanksgiving and filling the stores for the biggest shopping day of the year. No cooking is going on in my house today, by

A Vegetarian Thanksgiving, Just Like Everyone Else’s…. Well Almost

2007-11-22T21:18:00.001-06:00

It’s Thanksgiving Day. A day of food, family, football games, parades, and leftovers. I got most of my food done last night (mushroom dressing [recipe below] and ranch cheese balls). The chopping, the sautéing, the mixing were all done then this morning and I did not have to get out of bed as early. (Yay for sleeping in… at least a little bit.) Then today I just had to bake the stuffing with

Thanksgiving Another Year

2007-11-20T23:47:00.000-06:00

It's that time again!!!

Just A Couple More Days Before Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T21:22:00.000-06:00

Overall it has been just another day in just another week of my life. I’m keeping a somewhat busy schedule and am glad to be over the bug that seemed to be going around. (I usually bounce back pretty well.) With keep erratic hours at the theater I am glad to have leftovers frozen from past dinners (potato and mushroom casserole, vegetable lasagna, and black beans and rice). I went out to lunch at

Anther Day in Paradise

2007-11-20T01:22:00.000-06:00

It's after midnight and is the start of a busy week. I'm getting ready to go into technical rehearsals with the show and prepping for the Thanskgiving food that I am taking to the large family gathering on Thursday. (So far I am taking my homemade stuffing, gravy, and an appetizer... and probably lima beans because i love love love them.) In the words of Harvey Diamond: "You put a baby in a

Just a Video

2007-11-18T23:29:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving Thoughts. (I spent much of my day at the theater with set and costume stuff.) From Henry David Thoreau: "One farmer says to me, "You cannot live on vegetable food solely, for it furnishes nothing to make the bones with;" and so he religiously devotes a part of his day to supplying himself with the raw material of bones; walking all the while he talks behind his oxen, which, with

Vegetarianism is Not a Punishment

2007-11-17T18:23:00.000-06:00

I’ve been thinking a lot about the notion that many have that vegetarianism is about giving things up. (I did give up pain, nausea, and prescription medications by going vegetarian.) Many see this as a sacrifice. This is a lifestyle not a punishment. My body is better. My spirit is lighter. I am not suffering. “But don’t you miss it?” they ask, especially as the holidays approach. I don’t. I find

Pasta Salad and Thanksgiving Humor for the Vegetarian

2007-11-16T16:22:00.000-06:00

So, I'm still not feeling great and what I really want to to just feel better or for someone to baby me a little. That's not going to happen. I made some seasoned crackers (the kind where you use veggie oil and seasoning at crackers than bake for 15-20 minutes) and homemade pasta salad. I don't have a recipe for pasta salad. I have certain things I like in it and often use, but in the end it