Eats, Chats, Books, & The Birds & The Bees!

Hello there!  So much to type and so little time - once again!  I will start of by saying that Paco's dental surgery went very well and she's back to normal.  He didn't have any issues with his ITP (Immune Issues) while re-cooping!  Thanks for all of the positive thoughts, prayers, vibes, and asking about him!  That means a lot!

Here's one of the more memorable thrown together meals I have had over the last few weeks!  It's a cheaters meal but super yummy!  I did boxed Daiya Mac & Cheese and added a package of frozen veggies and a little bit of almond milk then topped with sprinkles of nutmeg, smoked paprika, basil, etc.

Another thing I have enjoyed at home lately is vegan egg salad made from mainly avocado, spices, etc.  It certainly hit the spot!

This bread wasn't the best...not sure what kind it was but I highly doubt I will be getting it again.  I remember what the package looks like so I will avoid it.  What I have been craving for lately in the bread section is sprouted bread and I think I will have to make that happen soon!

One of my many attempted at vegan Mac & Cheese from scratch...I swear I do it a different way each time.

With this attempt it was very creamy!  The photo isn't that great but it was tasty!

Of course I threw some smoked paprika on top!  YUM!

I'm not sure why but I have been finishing off a lot of meals with nutmeg and/or smoked paprika as of late.

I'm sure by the title of this blog post you were thinking something different...but...I thought I would literally post about the BIRDS and the BEES today...at least the BEES...anyways!

A few weeks ago I took this photo on the fly on my iPhone...I can't remember a time that we have had bees and flowers this early in the year!

This past weekend it was near 70!!!!  Woot!

My birthday was on the 16th...I treated myself with this Daiya Cheesecake.  I will tell you that I am SET for a while on Vegan Cheesecake...I can't believe how rich and sweet this was!  I'm not sure to that!  It almost hurt my teeth! LOL

I will say I like the strawberry better than the plain.

I really like these vegan offerings but don't have them often and I think that is a good thing...on several levels!

This past weekend we traveled to the Buffalo area for a day trip and I was stoked to find 2 of the vegan cookbooks that were on my wishlist!

First up...Jason Wrobel!  This book is HUGE!

Then a blogging buddy of ours...Zsu Dever's Book as you can see in the next photo!  I can't wait to jump in!

And finally...a shout out to my buddy Opal!  I was able to chat with her on the phone today and it was so wonderful!

She's my oldest online buddy...it's been YEARS since I first came across her blog (and it was a few blogs ago) and a few blogs ago of mine, too!  It was great to talk to her over the phone...I bet it's been about 10 years or so since we 'met' online.  We chatted about family, the weekend, gardening, community involvement, etc...can't wait to chat with her again soon!  It was the highlight of my day!  YAY!

Power Potatoes, Avocado "Egg" Salad, A Word About Kala Namak, and Arugula Sprouting Update

I shall call them "Power Potatoes"...it all started with my craving for Mashed Potatoes.  I'm semi-embarrassed to say that back in the day I would have TONS of 'regular' mashed potatoes.  Ever since going dairy-free I haven't had many at all.  Last night...that finally changed!  But these aren't just 'any' mashed potatoes...these are POWER POTATOES...I swear they even have special powers!  Okay...that's a little inflated but the are jam-packed with protein, potassium, calcium, B Vitamins, Fiber, and more!  

Here's what's in it:

1 Pound Yellow Potatoes (mostly peeled)
2 Cloves Garlic
1/4 C Tahini
1/2 C Almond Milk
Splash of Lemon Juice
2 tea Hemp Hearts/Seeds
Small handful dried Parsley
Small handful of Nutritional Yeast

Then...what do we have here?  It's Vegan Avocado "Egg" Salad!  I believe I was inspired by a recipe I originally saw on my Whole Foods Recipes App but you know me...I have a hard time following instructions.  I'm kind of rebellious that way, I guess!  So here's what I did for this:

2 Avocados

1/4 C Almond Milk

2 Pickle Spears

3 Stalks Celery

1/4 of a Red Onion

4 teaspoons of dried Parsley

2 teaspoons of Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon Turmeric

1 T Agave Nectar

1 T Balsamic

My special ingredient?  Kala Namak...to taste!  I totally forgot I had this and came across an unopened container of it I bought at a spice store that was quite Veggie Friendly.  This Kala Namak - if you don't already know - is a Sea Salt.  It's Pinkish and Purplish in color.  I've read this is a 'Vegan's Best Friend' when it comes to replacing egg in flavor and aroma.  That's because of it's natural sulfur.  Some say it originates from near Volcanic Activity.  In the future I will be making a Tofu Scramble with this as well.  Other benefits of this 'salt' is that it's considered a 'cooling spice' in the natural medicine world and is also used as a laxative and digestive aid.  Some have also said it helps with Heart Burn and to help cure goiters.

In other news...I told you I would keep you posted on my progress with sprouting Arugula.  Yesterday was Day Three!  Here is a photo of that.  I'm pretty happy with the outcome so far.  I will continue to monitor the growth.  In addition to growing these Arugula Sprouts I still have a windowsill plant of Sweet Basil and a Crazy lil Chive Plant.  I was going to do a garden this year but decided against it because we have had SO MUCH rain - it's been NUTS!  Perhaps next year!  I'm not upset about it, really, because I am supporting our local Farmers Market Vendors in the meantime.