Pumpkin Risotto, Asparagus Spears and Layered Salad.

I've been trying to clean out the freezer and I still had some pumpkin left over from baking around halloween-time. So for dinner, I made it into a pumpkin risotto. I would suggest adding squash as well, though, because the texture was slightly stringy from the pumpkin. Never-the-less, it was tasty. The layered salad was made up of sweet ginger sauteed mushrooms, home-grown greens, local grapefruit and avocado. 

I'm posting the recipe I used for the pumpkin risotto, as well as some process photos. Risotto is somewhat time consuming, but not as bad as some other major culinary undertakings.

Mistress Mary, Quite contrary, How does your garden grow?

I had no garden last year. So I decided for sure I would at least have a small one this year. It's going great! Here are the seedlings soon after transplanting. I've got lettuce, spicy salad greens, basil, thyme, green onions, a few hot pepper plants, a strawberry plant and some flowers. I'm hoping to get in some lavender, oregano and maybe a few more veggies. 

Sushi Fest!

Phil and I have been absolutely hooked on making sushi lately (until I got sick from eating some dim sum... now we're on a bit of a hiatus). It seems intimidating, but it's incredibly simple.

Some ingredients we have tried that were delicious: carrot (peeled and cut into strips), cucumber (peeled, deseeded, cut into strips), mango, cream cheese, smoked salmon, crab stick (imitation crab meat) and avocado. I would suggest not using regular cooked fish and definitely don't use any fish raw you get from the grocery store. You must use sushi grade fish. This is also a very easy meal to make vegan.

Here are a few tips and photos of our efforts so far!

Carrot Veggie Burgers, Kale Chips and Peanut Soba Noodles.

Banana Cream Cake

This cake came out wonderful. It's a lot like a banana bread cake with a cream cheese pecan frosting. Read more for the recipe!

Brown Beech Mushrooms and Broccoli Carrot Stirfry

Easy stir-fry using some beautiful beech mushrooms from next door at Oceanic Market!

Hoppin' John

This meal is easy and healthy! A new favorite in our household. 

Cook 1 cup brown rice according to directions. 

For greens, wash thoroughly and remove leaves from stem. Rough chop and saute 1 chopped clove garlic in a dash of olive oil in stock pot. Saute for 3 or 4 minutes, or until greens are just wilted. Add a dash of vinegar (any type) over greens and saute for additional minute. Add 2 cups water or more as needed (greens should be mostly submerged). Add bouillon cube to create broth for greens to cook in. Bring to a boil and then simmer until other parts are ready. 

Cook black eyed peas according to directions. Drain beans. Saute onion, garlic and vegan sausage (if desired) in 1 Tbsp olive oil. Create a rue on the side of the pan, by moving veggies to one side and combining 1 Tbsp butter/margarine and 1 Tbsp flour, being careful not to let flour burn. Add 1 cup broth from greens.

Season with a dash of cayenne and a heavy dash of paprika. Also season with salt and pepper. 

When all layers are finished cooking, layer in bowl... rice, greens, beans. 

The Easiest Chili You Will Ever Make

Easy and delicious chili. Also, cornbread!

Fresh Market Breakfast

I love my new job! It has inspired me to get cooking again. (Finally!) This was breakfast this morning. Quick and tasty!

Mini Mushroom and Broccoli Quiche (Not Vegan)

I have been broke lately, so I have been eating eggs. I made these mini quiches for dinner last night. Super easy!

Beautiful Beets!

I brought these beets back from my trip to New York, and they are beautiful! I made them into some little puff pastry tarts.

Full menu? Read more!

Delilah!

The newest addition to our family!

Chewy Carmel Popcorn and Pretzel Bars

I tried this recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food. It is NOT vegan. The flavors are delicious, I tried substituting equal parts almond milk for cream... which made the bars not stick together as well. They were quite delicious, but I had to eat them with a fork!



Click read more for recipe!

BBQ Tempeh Tacos

Wow... it's been forever since I posted something! I got this recipe from a neat little company in Asheville, North Carolina that makes their own tempeh from scratch... Smiling Hara Tempeh. You can find this recipe on their blog! Their tempeh was by far the most delicious tempeh I've ever had. Unfortunately, they don't believe in providing their product to anyone but locals, so the only way to get it is to travel to Asheville!

Even if you can't get fresh made tempeh, the store bought stuff works, too. This recipe is a quick and delicious meal when you don't have all night to spend in the kitchen! Enjoy.

Fresh Tomato Cocktail

I had a tasty drink in Asheville and tried to duplicate it at home! It wasn't as delicious as in asheville, but it's a fun play on a classic bloody mary.

1 fresh tomato juiced + lime juice + tequila + a few shreds of basil + a dash of cayenne. salt + pepper rim. yum.