This semester flew by.
Wednesday was the last day of the academic portion of my time at Chatham.
I'll miss my classmates. I'll miss the student lifestyle. 40 hrs a week doing Fieldwork starts January 7th, 2013 at 7 am. 7 am.
Right now I'm back home in Detroit. Josh is still in Pittsburgh. I miss him.
A fast few weeks of visiting. Josh will be joining on the 22nd. Back in Pittsburgh the 27th.
Wedding updates!
Booked a DJ!
Booked a Photographer!
Booked a photobooth!
Booked a venue for the shower for my side of the family. Will be in June.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Back to School + adventures in Cleveland + wedding & garden updates
One week of school... down & moving Josh in with me... done.
Carol has returned and again my home feels like a home. Luckiest girl alive to have the 3 best roommates.
After squeezing 6 OTs into a mid-sized car, we discovered the glory of the $5 medium sized meal at the Moonlite Express Food Truck.
Cleveland
We started out the day eating breakfast at the Flying Crane Cafe. While the atmosphere in the patio was lovely. I was extremely disappointed that they served on plastic/paper-ware. Josh got the vegetable-don, which little did he realize would come with egg. The vegetable-don also was also sort of boring and small for the price. The broccoli & goat cheese quiche slice was tasty and came with fruit and salad. The coffee was lousy. The overall cost of 2 meals, a coffee, and a tea was around $23 and not wort it.
Next onward to the North Union Farmers Market at Shaker Square. Very impressed. 100% better market than anything in Pittsburgh.
We walked down Larchmere blvd. There was a really sweet book store (Loganberry Books) and an outrageous number of antique shops. Josh and me couldn't resist yummy tacos 2 for $7 at the Touch food truck. Josh's taco had kimchi and tofu. My taco had fried mac and cheese hold the bacon. A yummy little heart attack.
Onward to The Westside Market. The parking lot was a madhouse, as was the market. Josh got a cucumber, orange, and ginger juice. I samples some dill pickle flavored popcorn. We really want to by some vegan specialty ravioli from Ohio City Pasta, but we didn't think it would hold up well in the car. This is a very nice market. When looking at the fruit and vegetable wholesalers, I didn't particularly notice anything that was local or organically grown, but I wasn't looking too closely.
In Little Italy we stopped in for a coffee at Algebra Tea House. The Arabic coffee was fanatic and presentation delightful... a cute little pot and a hand crafted clay mug. I long for some ceramics studio time.
For dinner we met with Josh's cousin, aunt, & uncle at Tommy's! Josh really liked the tamales, while I was more impressed with the tempeh burger. We shared both along with a Greek Salad. The tofu feta was pure magic!
And that was our one day trip to Cleveland!
Wedding updates.
I ordered a belt.
I bought materials to make my own veil! Haberman Fabrics is absolutely wonderful! Here is the game plan!
Size.
Pattern.
Now for the flower.
I got shoes! The most expensive pair I've ever bought, bit of a splurge.
Garden Updates.
We've made 8 jars of salsa.
Deydrated countless tomatoes.
Made kale chips by sprinkling them with Tony's seasoning and placing them in the dehydrator. Fat free, so easy.
We have some creative zucchini successes and failures. The zucchini browns have been a huge hit, for sure cook them for 20, not 25 minutes.
And the tomatoes and zucchini keep coming. Not to understate the winter squash and greens.
Carol has returned and again my home feels like a home. Luckiest girl alive to have the 3 best roommates.
After squeezing 6 OTs into a mid-sized car, we discovered the glory of the $5 medium sized meal at the Moonlite Express Food Truck.
Cleveland
We started out the day eating breakfast at the Flying Crane Cafe. While the atmosphere in the patio was lovely. I was extremely disappointed that they served on plastic/paper-ware. Josh got the vegetable-don, which little did he realize would come with egg. The vegetable-don also was also sort of boring and small for the price. The broccoli & goat cheese quiche slice was tasty and came with fruit and salad. The coffee was lousy. The overall cost of 2 meals, a coffee, and a tea was around $23 and not wort it.
Next onward to the North Union Farmers Market at Shaker Square. Very impressed. 100% better market than anything in Pittsburgh.
We walked down Larchmere blvd. There was a really sweet book store (Loganberry Books) and an outrageous number of antique shops. Josh and me couldn't resist yummy tacos 2 for $7 at the Touch food truck. Josh's taco had kimchi and tofu. My taco had fried mac and cheese hold the bacon. A yummy little heart attack.
Onward to The Westside Market. The parking lot was a madhouse, as was the market. Josh got a cucumber, orange, and ginger juice. I samples some dill pickle flavored popcorn. We really want to by some vegan specialty ravioli from Ohio City Pasta, but we didn't think it would hold up well in the car. This is a very nice market. When looking at the fruit and vegetable wholesalers, I didn't particularly notice anything that was local or organically grown, but I wasn't looking too closely.
In Little Italy we stopped in for a coffee at Algebra Tea House. The Arabic coffee was fanatic and presentation delightful... a cute little pot and a hand crafted clay mug. I long for some ceramics studio time.
For dinner we met with Josh's cousin, aunt, & uncle at Tommy's! Josh really liked the tamales, while I was more impressed with the tempeh burger. We shared both along with a Greek Salad. The tofu feta was pure magic!
And that was our one day trip to Cleveland!
Wedding updates.
I ordered a belt.
I bought materials to make my own veil! Haberman Fabrics is absolutely wonderful! Here is the game plan!
Size.
Pattern.
Now for the flower.
I got shoes! The most expensive pair I've ever bought, bit of a splurge.
Garden Updates.
We've made 8 jars of salsa.
Deydrated countless tomatoes.
Made kale chips by sprinkling them with Tony's seasoning and placing them in the dehydrator. Fat free, so easy.
We have some creative zucchini successes and failures. The zucchini browns have been a huge hit, for sure cook them for 20, not 25 minutes.
And the tomatoes and zucchini keep coming. Not to understate the winter squash and greens.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Almost the end of summer.
So I got a 4.0 in my summer classes, then I went on vacation.
First I went to Detroit.
I bought a dress from David's Bridal. Yes, David's Bridal... the McDonald's of dresses? I made a list of dresses using the website. Stacey my consultant showed me the 1st dress on my list (which was first on my list because I loved it). And guess what? I loved it. I was ready to buy it then, but my entourage made me try on at least 8 other dresses to make sure. And guess what? I bought the 1st dress I tried on and yes it was from David's Bridal.
Josh joined me for the weekend while in Detroit. He met more of my friends and family. Mom, Dad, and Lissa made us a really nice little BBQ.
Then I was in Pittsburgh.
We went to a free concert on the north side. Dan (Josh's brother) & Becca (Dan's girlfriend) came in to visit from Philly. Met some of Josh's friends and family.
Made 4 jars of salsa using peppers and tomatoes from the garden. I am so happy with the community garden Josh & me have in the South Side Slopes.
Then I went to Shannon's beach house in Brigantine, NJ with some of the OTs
Dan & Becca took me with them back to Philly from there I took the NJ Transit train to Atlantic City where I was received by the girls.
It was my 1st time in the ocean as an adult.
I didn't get sunburned.
Had one crazy night in Atlantic City, followed by a hangover.
Watched shark week.
Went to a cute pirate themed breakfast place.
It was very successful.
Then I came back to Pittsburgh.
Yesterday Josh and me celebrated our -1 year anniversry by taking the Gateway Clipper.
Tuesday I will return to Detroit for some doctor appointments and visiting.
First I went to Detroit.
I bought a dress from David's Bridal. Yes, David's Bridal... the McDonald's of dresses? I made a list of dresses using the website. Stacey my consultant showed me the 1st dress on my list (which was first on my list because I loved it). And guess what? I loved it. I was ready to buy it then, but my entourage made me try on at least 8 other dresses to make sure. And guess what? I bought the 1st dress I tried on and yes it was from David's Bridal.
Josh joined me for the weekend while in Detroit. He met more of my friends and family. Mom, Dad, and Lissa made us a really nice little BBQ.
Then I was in Pittsburgh.
We went to a free concert on the north side. Dan (Josh's brother) & Becca (Dan's girlfriend) came in to visit from Philly. Met some of Josh's friends and family.
Made 4 jars of salsa using peppers and tomatoes from the garden. I am so happy with the community garden Josh & me have in the South Side Slopes.
Then I went to Shannon's beach house in Brigantine, NJ with some of the OTs
Dan & Becca took me with them back to Philly from there I took the NJ Transit train to Atlantic City where I was received by the girls.
It was my 1st time in the ocean as an adult.
I didn't get sunburned.
Had one crazy night in Atlantic City, followed by a hangover.
Watched shark week.
Went to a cute pirate themed breakfast place.
It was very successful.
Then I came back to Pittsburgh.
Yesterday Josh and me celebrated our -1 year anniversry by taking the Gateway Clipper.
Tuesday I will return to Detroit for some doctor appointments and visiting.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Summer flying by
What remains in this semester. 4 weeks = 11 days of classes + 3 days of finals + 2 days of lab practicals
Josh and me have a garden on the South Side. Dehydrator is just warming up.
Yesterday Josh and me used the dehydrator to make zucchini and beet chips! For the beets we sliced them thin using our mandolin then marinated them in apple cider vinegar over night, before seasoning and dehydrating. For the zucchini chips we sliced them, seasoned them, and dehydrated them. Some of the chips we made "ranch" flavored by using dill (from the garden), garlic, onion, paprika, black pepper, & salt. Some of the chips we made "cajun" flavored by using Tony's Cajun Seasoning, garlic, black pepper, & paprika. 5 & 1/2 hours later... fairly happy with the 1st results & ready to upgrade to a bigger dehydrator!
We also dried basil!
In other news, Josh and me booked the Greektown Casino-Hotel for our wedding! <3
Josh and me have a garden on the South Side. Dehydrator is just warming up.
Yesterday Josh and me used the dehydrator to make zucchini and beet chips! For the beets we sliced them thin using our mandolin then marinated them in apple cider vinegar over night, before seasoning and dehydrating. For the zucchini chips we sliced them, seasoned them, and dehydrated them. Some of the chips we made "ranch" flavored by using dill (from the garden), garlic, onion, paprika, black pepper, & salt. Some of the chips we made "cajun" flavored by using Tony's Cajun Seasoning, garlic, black pepper, & paprika. 5 & 1/2 hours later... fairly happy with the 1st results & ready to upgrade to a bigger dehydrator!
We also dried basil!
In other news, Josh and me booked the Greektown Casino-Hotel for our wedding! <3
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Vegan Zucchini Corn Bread.
Vegan Zucchini Corn Bread.
- 2 cups finely shredded zucchini liquids reserved
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots liquids reserved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon smart oil
Combine all ingredients. Place ingredients in a greased 9X9 glass pan. Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
Pair with veggie chilli.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Yesterday he asked...
So yes Josh asked me Friday night. We went to Tiwian Cafe and shared a vegetable sushi platter and tofu broccoli. It was super yummy. But it was a good walk. Afterward Josh wanted to go to Lou's, but I was tired from walking. So we stayed home and watched the movie Clerks, which neither of us had seen. Afterwards. He said something along the lines of, 'I want to ask you a question, I think I know the answer to. Will you marry me?' and he pulled out the ring. And I said something along the lines of, 'what? yes!' I had sort of thought he'd ask me in New Orleans. When he didn't I thought he'd ask me when my parents came. So I way totally shocked that it happened. It was 11:50pm and I stayed up until 3am calling and texting and smiling and crying. Josh's mom called my mom and congratulated her and they seem to be off to a good start. They cried over the phone together. Yesterday for mothers day we went out with Josh's parents, they are so excited! I'm so happy.
Friday, May 11, 2012
New Orleans - Vegan
Josh does not plan a vacation where one sits on the beach or in some courtyard and one drinks until they can't feel their legs. Josh plans very nice vacations where one walks until they can't feel their legs. He made us a schedule and we sort of stuck to it. I wanted to share some highlights. --other than being with him. We are that cute. See?
Saturday
We got into New Orleans on Saturday night. Bex (BFF from kindergarten) picked us up. Dropped things off at her house. O! Vegasm for dinner. Really yummy New Orleans inspired greasy spoon in the back of a dive bar. The food was greasier than we typically eat. But I'd be fine if that was all we ate the whole trip. The Vegasmic BBQ Sandwich was slamming. The fried pickles were a little too greasy and uninspired. The Cole Slaw was rocking the vegan mayo yummyness. Josh got the Jackfruit Rueben on Rye. I've never had Jackfruit before and I can't for sure say that I could tell you about the Jackfruit particularly, but overall the sandwich was tasty. Bex went with the O! Vegasm! Jambalaya and the vegan andouille sausage was something special. St Roch Tavern which host O! Vegasm was a fine little dive bar. They serve beers in plastic cups, which normally isn't my thing, but in NOLA you can take your drinks to go. Walking by a cop drinking a beer out of a plastic cup, so intense. Onward to Frenchman St. stopped in The Spotted Cat to see a Panorama Jazz Band (klezmer band) that Bex likes. She was spot on. And she was also spot on in an Improv show we went to.
Sunday
Took the street car to the Botanical Gardens. It was crazy busy because everyone else was trying to get to Jazz Fest. The Gardens were nice and peaceful after a hectic street car ride. Followed by brunch at the Canal Street Bistro. I went with the breakfast burrito, tasty. Josh got the Quinoa & Black Bean Salad and also reported back in the affirmative. Less greasy than O!Vegasm, but less "New Orleans"-ie? But definitely a good vegan breakfast option in NOLA. Afterward we wondered all around the French Quarter. Got some good deals at the flea market on gifts and sun glasses. Stopped by Pat O'Briens for some happy hour drinks on the patio. Very nice. The group of 8 next to us ordered the 3 gallon Hurricane, ridiculous. Pictures in the back right. I went with a modest (strong) mint julep. Pictured on the very far left.
For dinner we went to Moon Wok where we shared a Tofu Po Boy (Banh Mi) ($3!) and some vegetable dish (not particularly thrilling... what was it?). After dinner we met up with Bex to see a murder mystery play, inspired by radio drama, that was also very good! Shadow Box Theatre.
Monday
With Bex, Stella (my favorite dog to date), and Josh we walked to Surrey's Cafe for breakfast. My first experience of Migas. Good, but not fantastic. The grits a little salty. Josh got some tofu stir fry typical un-breakfast vegan food. Bex's breakfast burrito looked huge. I was a little jealous. Onto the street car. Stopped by the famous Cafe Du Monde for beignets, they don't really have vegan food. Then went on 2 historic house tours in the French Quarter. Interesting. I sort of really like that type of thing. Met up with Bex's friend Doc on the ferry to Algiers point. We bar hopped to 2 local bars and a snowball stand. The Old Point Bar was particularly well liked by Josh, however they ran out of the beer I wanted on tap. Doc was a great tour guide. For dinner we went to a little Vietnamese place by Bex's place on Magazine Street. They served up yummy, seemingly not too greasy food. Afterward we check into bed.
Tuesday
Went to Bex's restaurant for breakfast. Then off to explore Audubon park and the Fly. Checked out the Crescent City farmer's market. Liked it. Went to Jazmine for more Tofu Banh Mi. Good, but not remarkable. The air-conditioning was the most remarkable part after walking around the park all morning. Had a mid day coffee with Bex. Then off to the French Quarter for some African food at Bennachin. The appetizer Akara/blaked Eyed Pea Fritters were amazing and the tomato sauce they came with oh boy. The rest of the meal was a bit of a let down (especially for the price). It was African food, not Ethiopian food. The main dishes were less stew like? Served with rice, not yummy injera. Stick to country specific restaurants next time? Then across town to Oak Street. We wanted to go to the Maple Leaf Bar, but they were charging $20 cover, so we passed. Went to Snake and Jake's. Low Key, smokey bar. Didn't make a proper whiskey sour, but did give us the Happy Hour price on well drinks even though it was 3 minutes after happy hour was over. It was the right choice.
Wednesday
Went to Juan's Flying Burrito for breakfast/lunch. Very satisfying! Also super cute and fairly cheap. Josh got the Super Green (A grilled mixed vegetable burrito, with green chile, spinach, onion, peppers, broccoli, jalapenos, mushroom, avocado and salsa wrapped in a lightly grilled spinach tortilla with or without dairy). It had his name all over it. I went with a wet burrito. After lunch we got poured on on our way to NOMA for free Wednesday. Josh likes very different art than me. After the Museum we went to free Jazz at Lafayette Square/ YLC Wednesday at the Square. It was fun. Very festive atmosphere. I didn't price out a drink, maybe I should of? But the food was not veg friendly. After listening to some Jazz and doing some dancing we made our way over to for some New Orleans style Vegan food at Carmo. The server was extremely delightful. Splurged and got the soup of the day - Gumbo, extremely unimpressive. Our meals were amazing! It was just the opposite of the experience at Bennachin. I got the Rico and Josh got something off the daily menu!
Thursday
Woke up. One final breakfast at Slim's Goodies. Great end to a wonderful vacation. Bex took us to the airport and we were on our way back to Pittsburgh.
Then the big question, so what was the best thing you ate dolly? I really liked the Banh Mi at Moon Wok, but I was a little drunk when I ate it. Does that count? Because I'm a sucker for all things BBQ, I might have to go with the BBQ sandwich at O!Vegasm.
I'm pretty inspired by the food I ate. I've made Red Beans and Rice via FFVK, Banh Mi, and Burritos this past week. I want to do Gumbo, Jambalaya, & BBQ. And maybe more sandwiches for the summer time in general.
A recipe for you.
Spicy, creamy, tangy, cilantro goodness/ Vegan "Mayo" for your Banh Mi/ "Sour cream" for your Burrito.
Mix in a blender/ food processor/ with a hand held blender the following.
1 block silken tofu
1/2 tablespoon El Yucateco Green Habanero Hot Sauce (Josh's favorite)
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon tahini
1/2 tablespoon lime juice
a bunch of fresh cilantro
2-3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Enjoy.
Saturday
We got into New Orleans on Saturday night. Bex (BFF from kindergarten) picked us up. Dropped things off at her house. O! Vegasm for dinner. Really yummy New Orleans inspired greasy spoon in the back of a dive bar. The food was greasier than we typically eat. But I'd be fine if that was all we ate the whole trip. The Vegasmic BBQ Sandwich was slamming. The fried pickles were a little too greasy and uninspired. The Cole Slaw was rocking the vegan mayo yummyness. Josh got the Jackfruit Rueben on Rye. I've never had Jackfruit before and I can't for sure say that I could tell you about the Jackfruit particularly, but overall the sandwich was tasty. Bex went with the O! Vegasm! Jambalaya and the vegan andouille sausage was something special. St Roch Tavern which host O! Vegasm was a fine little dive bar. They serve beers in plastic cups, which normally isn't my thing, but in NOLA you can take your drinks to go. Walking by a cop drinking a beer out of a plastic cup, so intense. Onward to Frenchman St. stopped in The Spotted Cat to see a Panorama Jazz Band (klezmer band) that Bex likes. She was spot on. And she was also spot on in an Improv show we went to.
Sunday
Took the street car to the Botanical Gardens. It was crazy busy because everyone else was trying to get to Jazz Fest. The Gardens were nice and peaceful after a hectic street car ride. Followed by brunch at the Canal Street Bistro. I went with the breakfast burrito, tasty. Josh got the Quinoa & Black Bean Salad and also reported back in the affirmative. Less greasy than O!Vegasm, but less "New Orleans"-ie? But definitely a good vegan breakfast option in NOLA. Afterward we wondered all around the French Quarter. Got some good deals at the flea market on gifts and sun glasses. Stopped by Pat O'Briens for some happy hour drinks on the patio. Very nice. The group of 8 next to us ordered the 3 gallon Hurricane, ridiculous. Pictures in the back right. I went with a modest (strong) mint julep. Pictured on the very far left.
Monday
With Bex, Stella (my favorite dog to date), and Josh we walked to Surrey's Cafe for breakfast. My first experience of Migas. Good, but not fantastic. The grits a little salty. Josh got some tofu stir fry typical un-breakfast vegan food. Bex's breakfast burrito looked huge. I was a little jealous. Onto the street car. Stopped by the famous Cafe Du Monde for beignets, they don't really have vegan food. Then went on 2 historic house tours in the French Quarter. Interesting. I sort of really like that type of thing. Met up with Bex's friend Doc on the ferry to Algiers point. We bar hopped to 2 local bars and a snowball stand. The Old Point Bar was particularly well liked by Josh, however they ran out of the beer I wanted on tap. Doc was a great tour guide. For dinner we went to a little Vietnamese place by Bex's place on Magazine Street. They served up yummy, seemingly not too greasy food. Afterward we check into bed.
Tuesday
Went to Bex's restaurant for breakfast. Then off to explore Audubon park and the Fly. Checked out the Crescent City farmer's market. Liked it. Went to Jazmine for more Tofu Banh Mi. Good, but not remarkable. The air-conditioning was the most remarkable part after walking around the park all morning. Had a mid day coffee with Bex. Then off to the French Quarter for some African food at Bennachin. The appetizer Akara/blaked Eyed Pea Fritters were amazing and the tomato sauce they came with oh boy. The rest of the meal was a bit of a let down (especially for the price). It was African food, not Ethiopian food. The main dishes were less stew like? Served with rice, not yummy injera. Stick to country specific restaurants next time? Then across town to Oak Street. We wanted to go to the Maple Leaf Bar, but they were charging $20 cover, so we passed. Went to Snake and Jake's. Low Key, smokey bar. Didn't make a proper whiskey sour, but did give us the Happy Hour price on well drinks even though it was 3 minutes after happy hour was over. It was the right choice.
Wednesday
Thursday
Woke up. One final breakfast at Slim's Goodies. Great end to a wonderful vacation. Bex took us to the airport and we were on our way back to Pittsburgh.
Then the big question, so what was the best thing you ate dolly? I really liked the Banh Mi at Moon Wok, but I was a little drunk when I ate it. Does that count? Because I'm a sucker for all things BBQ, I might have to go with the BBQ sandwich at O!Vegasm.
I'm pretty inspired by the food I ate. I've made Red Beans and Rice via FFVK, Banh Mi, and Burritos this past week. I want to do Gumbo, Jambalaya, & BBQ. And maybe more sandwiches for the summer time in general.
A recipe for you.
Spicy, creamy, tangy, cilantro goodness/ Vegan "Mayo" for your Banh Mi/ "Sour cream" for your Burrito. Mix in a blender/ food processor/ with a hand held blender the following.
1 block silken tofu
1/2 tablespoon El Yucateco Green Habanero Hot Sauce (Josh's favorite)
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon tahini
1/2 tablespoon lime juice
a bunch of fresh cilantro
2-3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Enjoy.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Missing Detroit/ Happy Passover/Easter
Coming back to Pittsburgh from going home for Passover. Every time I'm in Detroit I feel like my visit wasn't long enough. 2 weeks left of this semester. Then another too short visit to the D. Then off to New Orleans for a vacation with my Josh and a visit with Bex.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Wednesday
I made enchiladas. Josh made Vegan Cheese but did not whisk in the 2 extra tablespoons of water. This evening is coming along. Can't wait for spring break!
Monday, February 27, 2012
6 months ago, I met the most wonderful Josh. +Vegan Lemon Bars.
Had a lovely weekend. Went out Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. Throw back to undergrad weekends? Sunday had a mostly relaxing day with Josh. I met him 6 months ago on Sunday. So it was an anniversary of sorts. I made lemon bars for us.
Vegan Lemon bars!
8”X8” baking pan
Mix Crust
¾ oat flour*
¾ whole wheat pastry flour
1/3 c smart oil
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons water
Press into a greased 8”X8” baking pan. Bake 350 20 minutes.
While the crust is baking…
Filling ingredients can be mixed in a blender whip for about a minute. Because there are no raw eggs you can taste in and adjust sugar or lemons to taste!
2 lemons zested and juiced [~ 2 Tablespoons zest, ½ cup lemon juice]
1 silkin tofu (12 oz)
2 tablespoons oat flour
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons oat flour
Pour over crust. Bake 350 35 minutes (I checked it at 30 minutes but 35 minutes is how long I ended up baking it… it was SET then.)
Refrigerate for 2 hours! Cut and serve… Makes 16 yummy little bites. Boyfriend approved.
*For the oat flour I took whole oats and grinded them powder fine in the magic bullet, but you could use entirely whole wheat pastry flour or some all purpose flour instead! You could also do a graham cracker crust? Be creative!
So as usual… I looked at a few different recipes to combine the experience I have with vegan baking and the ingredients I had. Rustic Lemonhead Oat Bars & Vegan Lemon Bars From The Joy of Vegan Baking, by Colleen Goudrault
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Double chocolate cheesecake cookies!
This is the first baking recipe I have ever written? I hope it translates well…it is NOT vegan. Sorry there is no photo. I’m behind on my food porn skills!
Double chocolate cheesecake cookies! (Just ate one… yummy! They are definitely cookie like and the cheesecake works!)
The cheesecake mixture… Whip the following ingredients together until nice and fluffy.
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, soften (I used Neufchatel, less fat)
1/3 cup sugar
1 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup sugar
1 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
Place cheesecake in the freezer while you mix the cookies…
1 box chocolate cake mix 18.25 oz (I used devil’s food … but you could use any boxed cake mix really... red velvet, carrot cake, yellow cake... I'm not going to MAKE you use chocolate, but you might have to change the name of the cookies... I digress. )
1/3 cup all purpose flour
½ cup butter, soften
2 eggs
1 cup chocolate chips (I used a mix of white and semi-sweet)
Stir the cheesecake mixture and return to the freezer!
Now preheat the oven to 350.
Scoop one tablespoon sized cookies onto a cookie sheet (I got 41 cookies). Make sure the cookies are well spaced (about an inch apart) because they are going to spread. Using the back of the one teaspoon measuring spoon to make thumbprints in the cookies (they will be like little volcanoes don’t be afraid to shape them a little with your hands, you don’t want to chocolate chips making holes in the side of your volcanoes.).
Take the cheesecake mixture out of the freezer. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of cheesecake mixture into the center of each of the cookies. It is okay if some cheesecake runs down the side of your volcano.
Bake for 12 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes than transfer onto wired rack for cooling.
For this recipe is a dream I had of yummyness… Credit is given to the following…
Any questions just ask!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Lovely weekend.
Eden was lovely. Got the Vegan Raw Sampler $15 and loved just about every bite! It's not a super hearty meal, but it is enough small bits to make a meal. I learned that I like portabella mushrooms when they are dehydrated... chewy not smoochy! Josh and Mama Klein got the special for the evening the Raw Enchiladas and oh my were they lovely too. Papa Klein got a chicken rice dish and like it. Will for sure be returning! Afterward went to Starbucks for a sugar free cinnamon dolce, soy steamer. Josh is always jealous of my ability to order the best beverages the coffee shop offers.
Went to Quiet Storm again (4th time). This time Sunday brunch with Carol. We split the True Grits and Migas. Loved the grits. Black beans good too! Coffee on par. They had more wait staff working than usual... actually good service? I might need to up my stars on the google review rating of them?
Valentines day. Made a lovely dinner with the assistance of Josh. Whole wheat pasta, mini gimme lean sausage meatballs, "award winning" pasta sauce from the local Italian grocer Groceria Italiana, and oven roasted portabella mushrooms, zucchini, & eggplant. Yummy. Then we watched Lady and the Tramp. It was perfect.
PS I am addicted to pinterest and the word lovely, officially.
Went to Quiet Storm again (4th time). This time Sunday brunch with Carol. We split the True Grits and Migas. Loved the grits. Black beans good too! Coffee on par. They had more wait staff working than usual... actually good service? I might need to up my stars on the google review rating of them?
Valentines day. Made a lovely dinner with the assistance of Josh. Whole wheat pasta, mini gimme lean sausage meatballs, "award winning" pasta sauce from the local Italian grocer Groceria Italiana, and oven roasted portabella mushrooms, zucchini, & eggplant. Yummy. Then we watched Lady and the Tramp. It was perfect.
PS I am addicted to pinterest and the word lovely, officially.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Busy Semester
This semester is much more intense than last semester, possibly you could tell by the decrease in the number of posts? It must be a month since I last posted, because Josh and me just got home (to his home) from the Brown Bag Opera. Really enjoyed today's performance and the brown bag lunch we picked up from Salem's in the strip (29th street). HUGE falafel sandwich WITH PICKLES! The baba ganoush was smokey! And the serve (at the counter this isn't a sit down fancy restaurant) was delightful. The veggie curry can't compete with Indian Garden, so stick to the middle eastern delights!
Today there is much studying to be done, laundry galore, and we are going to Eden with his folks for dinner.
Today there is much studying to be done, laundry galore, and we are going to Eden with his folks for dinner.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Three day weekend with Josh.
Josh and I had a very cultured weekend. We went to the symphony on Friday night. Saturday we went to the Brown Bag Opera, but not before we went to the Pittsburgh famous Deluca's for breakfast. I think I ordered the wrong thing, but I'd be willing to give it another try. Saturday night we went to a concert at Josh's friend's friend's house. Sunday morning Josh made pancakes using the local organic 7 grain pancake mix I picked up at the food co-op. They were yummy. And easy for the boyfriend to whip together. Good purchase! Sunday night played the BSG board game at Brain's house! Kate picked up vegan cheese and sausage pizza from Spak Brothers. Very tasty. Not just tasty for vegan. Actually tasty! I'm not sure when I really fell in love with Josh. But I'm too happy to be smothered by him on my weekends. This weekend was lovely, but next weekend I could use a little girl time? Luckily Karissa arrives 8:55 pm on Friday via the megabus! Oh yes!
Being back to school hasn't set in yet... So today in honor of MLK day I slept in then I went to the Cats and Dogs Coffeehouse to dig into a little studying. The coffee was terrible, but locally roasted. The men running the shop were very charming. I'd try a different beverage option... not just the house coffee.
Then a lovely happy hour with Chelsea at Ds six packs and dogs. Draughts were a $1 off. The happy hour specials could have been better... I liked my veggie burger. Disliked the coleslaw it had red onions in it yuck.
Being back to school hasn't set in yet... So today in honor of MLK day I slept in then I went to the Cats and Dogs Coffeehouse to dig into a little studying. The coffee was terrible, but locally roasted. The men running the shop were very charming. I'd try a different beverage option... not just the house coffee.
Then a lovely happy hour with Chelsea at Ds six packs and dogs. Draughts were a $1 off. The happy hour specials could have been better... I liked my veggie burger. Disliked the coleslaw it had red onions in it yuck.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Winter Break
Winter break came and went.
Josh and I spent 10 days together and we still love each other. 5 days in Detroit and 5 days in Pittsburgh. He met the family and some friends. He was well received!
I'm trying to recall the highlights...
Cafe 1923 in Hamtramk was delightful!!!
The Arab American Museum in Dearborn was nice, but not amazing. We explored thoroughly for about 2 hours.
Cedarland in Dearborn was really tasty if not just a bit greasy. The spinach pie was more pie than spinach. It was VERY cheap for the amount of food. But it left us feeling a bit bloated (not just the typical full feeling) and we had headaches... maybe some MSG? I wouldn't go back.
Highlights of Pittsburgh...
Josh showed me his hometown Sewickley, PA. Went to the Crazy Mocha there. My first experience there and the coffee was no as bad as everyone makes it out to be. It certainly is not great coffee, but it was fine. Maybe my stands of good coffee are lowering the longer I live in Pittsburgh?! The chocolate orange biscotti was okay, I'd go with a different kind next time.
After a very nice walk around friendship/east liberty, we stopped in for a fairly solid cup of coffee from Quiet Storm.
Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant had a HUGE selection on the buffet. Very tasty, but not particularly spicy. Less oily than most Indian buffets. It is a bit out of the way, on the North side of the Allegheny River... but I would go back!
This past weekend we had a little holiday party! And now back to serious business...
Functional Neuroscience
Principals of Neuroscince
Models of practice
Evidence Based Practice II
Occupational performance in pediatrics
Pediatric fieldwork 1A
Josh and I spent 10 days together and we still love each other. 5 days in Detroit and 5 days in Pittsburgh. He met the family and some friends. He was well received!
I'm trying to recall the highlights...
Cafe 1923 in Hamtramk was delightful!!!
The Arab American Museum in Dearborn was nice, but not amazing. We explored thoroughly for about 2 hours.
Cedarland in Dearborn was really tasty if not just a bit greasy. The spinach pie was more pie than spinach. It was VERY cheap for the amount of food. But it left us feeling a bit bloated (not just the typical full feeling) and we had headaches... maybe some MSG? I wouldn't go back.
Highlights of Pittsburgh...
Josh showed me his hometown Sewickley, PA. Went to the Crazy Mocha there. My first experience there and the coffee was no as bad as everyone makes it out to be. It certainly is not great coffee, but it was fine. Maybe my stands of good coffee are lowering the longer I live in Pittsburgh?! The chocolate orange biscotti was okay, I'd go with a different kind next time.
After a very nice walk around friendship/east liberty, we stopped in for a fairly solid cup of coffee from Quiet Storm.
Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant had a HUGE selection on the buffet. Very tasty, but not particularly spicy. Less oily than most Indian buffets. It is a bit out of the way, on the North side of the Allegheny River... but I would go back!
This past weekend we had a little holiday party! And now back to serious business...
Functional Neuroscience
Principals of Neuroscince
Models of practice
Evidence Based Practice II
Occupational performance in pediatrics
Pediatric fieldwork 1A
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