Quinoa with Dried Cherries and Pistachios

To make it easy on myself I make the side dish Vegetarian friendly.  Well, actually that really isn't that easy.   Finding a balance that my family will like that contains the necessary nutrients for the two vegetarians.  High on the list for the top 20 or so mainstays~ that a vegetarian needs to have is Quinoa. I've heard it's like rice. Not really though, it's really light, very yummy.  I am once again pleasantly surprised by the taste and texture.  I made some artichokes to go along with this meal.  I was surprised how much protein is in this little vegetable.  As well as potassium.  It really is amazing what mother nature has provided for us that I've never given a thought to.  For the meat eaters, I just made some meatballs in spaghetti sauce and garlic toast.  Everyone seemed to happy and satisfied.  YAY MOM!

1 ¾ cups quinoa, uncooked 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided 3 tablespoons shallot, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups water ⅓ cup white wine ½ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh ¼ teaspoon pepper ½ cup Cherries, tart, dried, dried, sweet, chopped ½ cup pistachio nuts, dry roasted, chopped ¼ cup mint leaves, fresh, chopped ¼ cup parsley, fresh, chopped

1.Rinse and Drain: quinoa.  2.Heat: 2 teaspoons oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until tender.  3.Add: 2 cups water, wine, and salt to pan; bring to a boil. Add quinoa; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.  4.Remove: from heat; set aside, and cool slightly. 5.Combine: remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper in a large bowl; stir with a whisk. Add quinoa, cherries, and remaining ingredients; toss gently to combine. Servings/Yield: 8 servings

meatballs for the meat eaters

Navajo Tacos

This is actually one of our families favorite dinners.  We've served it at many a birthday party.  I cheat by using canned chili.  Nalley's Vegetarian I think is pretty good.  I've actually been feeding this to my kids long before the switch to a veggie diet.  Luckily my daughter is use to this one.  You could also cheat and buy prepared rolls.  I do not, I have a bread maker, that is much cheaper and pretty simple.  When I get more into the research of this new lifestyle.  I hope to make the scones more beneficial.  Using more whole grain, tonight I used plain old refined white flour.  Baby steps guys, baby steps.

Here is my white bread recipe if you'd like to modify or use as is.  It's a great simple recipe.  I do use honey instead of sugar, and butter not margarine, so that's a start right.

1 ⅛ cups water, room temperature 2 tablespoons butter, room temp 2 ¼ teaspoons honey 1 ⅛ teaspoons salt 3 cups bread flour 3 tablespoons dry milk 1 ½ teaspoons yeast, active dry, instant, or bread machine

1.Place ingredients in the bread pan in the order listed.

2.Select: Basic/White option  Select: Loaf size   (just use dough option here) Select: Crust color

3.When cycle has completed remove to wire rack to cool completely. Then slice. (When cycle completes, shape into circles and fry until desired doneness Top with chili and other taco like condiments.)

Tofurky

So far we have tried three "Tofurky" items.  Here is our review of them.....

The first one we tried was on our boating trip.  I mean you can't have a trip to the lake without chips, dip and sandwiches.  It was the "Tofurky" hickory smoked deli slices.  These are pretty spot on.  We both like the texture and the taste.  Plus you get so much more for the calories.  Just watch your carb intake.   And the dip~ one of my all time favorites is still veggie friendly.  Cottage cheese and ranch mix.  So much better for you than the store bought dips.

We also tried the Italian lunch meat.  I loved this one, tastes like salami.  Has a great texture.
I liked it much more than my daughter.  Who is originally a go to bologna eater.  Gotta give the girl props for trying all this new stuff.

Just when we were thinking Tofurky was the bomb. We tried their bacon.  Our warning~ stay away from this product.  The smell is amazing, the texture is horrifying and the flavor~ Well I won't buy it again.  This is where it ended up after our one and only taste test.

Well there you have our take on these veggie meats.  I will definitely enjoy my sandwiches again.  However, onward goes the search for a better bacon!

Happy Veggin' to ya!




 

Vegetarian Eggplant Lasagna

I really liked this.  I've never had eggplant before.  Why didn't anyone tell me it tastes like squash, with the texture of a mushroom?  My daughter however, did not like this, for the same reasons I did.  I found the original recipe online, I changed it so much I have decided to claim this recipe.  It is time consuming as most lasagna recipes are.  I think it was worth it.  I had it the next day for lunch.  I also fed it to my children that I watch.  It was about 1/2 that liked it.  I didn't tell them what was in it.  Just that is was lasagna.  We have a family of 5 usually, sometimes more sometimes less.  Only two of us are vegetarian.  To make this not so rough on me, I have decided to make our dinner the side dish and serve it with a traditional meat.  My husband and 2 other children had porkchops as their main dish.  I will let you know how this works out.

Have a great day.. Remember eat your veggies!

1 tablespoons salt, or as needed 627 grams eggplant, sliced 1 large egg ½ cup water 1 cup bread crumbs 6 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 cup onion, chopped ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 cup pasta sauce 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly sliced 7 ounces ricotta cheese 3 ounces olives, canned

1.Slice Eggplant and sprinkle salt over eggplant slices.                                                   Let rest for 30 minutes and allow eggplant to release extra liquid.

2.Whisk egg and water in a bowl. Measure bread crumbs into  a separate shallow bowl. Dip eggplant slices into egg  mixture and then press both sides into bread crumbs.  Set aside.

3.Mix remaining egg and ricotta together, set aside.

4.Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat; cook and stir onion, red bell pepper, and mushrooms in hot oil until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.  (this is where I sampled my first taste of Eggplant.  YUM!)

5.Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same frying pan over medium heat. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the pan and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook other side until browned, about 3 minutes, adding more olive oil as needed.

6.Spread 1/2 cup of tomato basil sauce in bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Place a layer of cooked eggplant on  top of pasta sauce. Cover eggplant layer with half of ricotta mixture, then mushroom mixture. Repeat. Lay final layer of  eggplant on top cover with 1/2 cup of sauce, mozzarella cheese, and olives.

7.Cover with aluminum foil, bake at 350 F for 35 - 40 minutes.  
Let rest 15 minutes, before serving.  

The Beginning

My daughter woke up the morning of June 19, 2015. Declaring she wants to be vegetarian.  I asked her why.  She had very valid reasons.  Being supportive and concerned, I agreed to do it with her.  I had her load the app "my fitness pal" to her phone.

Over the last two weeks we have looked over her app daily to make sure she is getting enough protein, iron, potassium etc.  I told her, you can't just wake up one morning and decide to go veggie for the hell of it.  You've gotta have meaningful reasons behind it.  You also have to do your research.  I wanna also add that she is not the most willing to try new foods.  She is going to have to step out of her realm of deep fried food, and most quick snacks.

I am really proud to say that we have done this for nearly two weeks.  I am enjoying the research.  I always have to be learning something.  Still working on the essential oils.  This kinda has taken over though, after all we are talking about my daughters health here.  If you'd like to join us on our journey, you are welcome.  We'll be discussing some of the foods we try, and giving our honest opinion.  It's ok if you don't agree, it's just an opinion.

This is our first actual shopping trip.  We are trying to stock up some of what I read are the "vegetarian necessities".  Tofurky meat, GoLean cereal, mushrooms, eggplant, cashews, Quinoa, flax seed, hummus, edamame, and oh so much more.

Ok, here we go!!!

Sheldon Graduation

This is for my wonderful son.  He graduates this year.  3 out 3! one more to go.  Thank goodness we I have a couple more years before worrying about that.  I am so very proud of you Sheldon, you accomplished a major milestone in your life.  Graduating high school is something to be proud of.  Now on to adult hood.  I know you will succeed at what you choose to do.  I wish you blessings of happiness, and love, family and friends.  You are so special to me! Love always your Mommy!

Colton's Gradution

I made this card for my nephew. Technically he's my great nephew, I mean he is great, but he's my nieces son. Well, you get the point. I wanted to let him know how proud we are of him. Finally, graduation day is here. Love you Colton! Congratulations on your hard work!

Make a wish baby girl

For my darling daughter. The thirteen candles on the card are sadly no coincidence. She is growing so fast.  It is breaking my heart with sadness, and with joy.  I love the beautiful young woman she is becoming.  I miss that little girl who was afraid to have mommy out of her sight though.

I picked up this fun little set at Michaels.  The phrase is from SU "make a wish"  I colored the candles, then huffed them.  I got to use up some of my stock pile of paper, and some extra brads I've had for awhile.  The card is 5x7.  I love how it turned out.  I am sure she will love it too.  It fits her personality.  Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

JHS softball senior cake

Pretty easy order to fulfill.  Half chocolate, half vanilla and all for the softball seniors.  Thank Kristi for letting me make this cake for you!  I was thinking I got carried away with all the stars, but they look pretty cool, actually.  The numbers are for the seniors jerseys.  Sorry to see them go I am sure, but on to bigger and better things, so the saying goes.  

Thank you for stopping by today.

Have an incredible day.  

Aquaman

This cake was a blast too!   I loved acumen as a kid.  I watched the Justice League every weekend.  Also on cable withy oldest.  Good times, Good times.  My son who is 18 has a friend, who absolutely love Aquaman.  What a pleasure it was to make this cake for this young lady, after my own heart.  The cake itself is funfetti (or party cake)  with vanilla frosting.  I used fondant to cut out the scales, and make the Aquaman suit.  I was originally going to do an Aquaman print, but i  was out of ink ;(  Oh well, the show must go on~ right.  

Penguin Cake

Look at this cute little penguin cake I made.  It is one of my all time favorite flavors. Yes, of course it has liquor in it.  Kahlua with yep you guessed it Kahlua cream frosting.  This cake is so moist and delicious.  I got to make this cute little guy for one of our Bunco Babes!  She loves penguins, so we did everything penguin for this party.  It was a lot  of fun.  Thanks ladies for playing along, and making the night super fantastic!  He was so fun to make, and such a cute centerpiece.

Dexter's Harley

This was made for a long standing customer of mine.  The top is carrot cake with cream cheese filling.  The bottom is made of chocolate cake with a fluffy Oreo filling.  Harley cakes are fun to make.  I've made 3 for my husband.  For ordering information please contact me.  Cakes by the Bug FB page