Todays breakfast and dinner.......

I had been wanting muffins for a minute.  I'm not big on baking but since these are so simple (I know you guys are thinking to yourselves, "she says that about everything") I decided to go ahead and bite the bullet and make blueberry muffins.  I don't know what my hangup is about baking.  I'll do chocolate chip cookies and muffins and that's pretty much the extent of it for me.  I haven't been able to find chocolate without milk in it, with the exception of bakers chocolate so when I make cookies I just chop that up and use that instead of chips.  They turn out just as good, if not better.  Yummy.  Now I think I want some cookies.

 

We bought this book awhile back and although all the recipes aren't 100% vegan the one's in there that aren't I will just substitute the ingredients.  You all know I'm good for that.  Lol  I love a good dessert.  Ok who am I kidding.  I love food period.  

I love these muffins.  I always use a few more blueberries than the recipe calls for because I love a lot of fruit in my muffins.  I've used this same recipe and made raspberry muffins and a mixed berry muffin.  So delicious! Prep time is pretty quick...I keep forgetting to time it, but I would say ten minutes max and then 22 minutes to bake. 

The ingredients and process:

Most of these are staples in our household

Adding the blueberries

completed muffin mix

they say it makes 12 but it ALWAYS  only makes 11

Finished muffins

I had a ton of things to get done today and knew I wouldn't have time to come home and cook dinner after picking girlie up from school so I decided I would go ahead and start dinner and get that out of the way.  Blogger/twitter Canadian buddy Angela actually posted these little mini lasagne cups on her food blog and I couldn't resist.  I wanted to run to the grocery store the day I saw them and make it for dinner that night, they looked so good. 

I haven't had lasagne since we gave up dairy almost about 2 years ago I think.  I am a pasta fanatic and lasagne was probably one of my favorite foods but what's lasagne with out cheese?  Spaghetti I think.  Lol  I found a cheese called Daiya about a year ago, and it took some getting used to.  I can eat it in quesadillas, burritos and a few other things but using it in large amounts like you would need for lasagne or pizza just wasn't very pleasing.  I tried it on pizza and although it melted it didn't quite melt the way cheese did and had a weird oily slimy texture.  I know, NASTY right?  So I kind of hung up the idea of having lasagne. Oh woe is me. Well, that is until a few days ago. 

When I found this recipe I figured, because the cups are the size of muffins you would only need a little bit of cheese in each cup...THAT I can handle.  I have yet to find a vegan ricotta cheese or cottage cheese so I did substitutions like I ALWAYS do.  Lol.  I don't even know if it's possible to make either of those cheeses vegan, but you never know.  I was surprised to find vegan sour cream and cream cheese.  Who knew?  So that's what I chose to use instead.  So I'm going to need you all to be open minded for a sec. Ok?  Ok!  

I ended up melting some of the cream cheese, mozzarella, and sour cream into the sauce.  The cheese melts really well that way and actually thickened the sauce a little bit.  When I DID eat dairy, I would use that also along with ricotta and the other cheeses and it was always a hit.  I'd get requests for my lasagne constantly. 

I cheated using store bought marinara sauce because I was a little pressed for time and didn't feel like making my own sauce.  I have to say it turned out pretty good.  I'm not going to post pictures of the process because I got lazy and there really wasn't much to it.   The recipe called for wonton wrappers but the only brand I've ever seen has egg in it so that was out. I stuck with lasagne noodles, which was frustrating because those jokers are forever sticking no matter what I do.  If someone has a magic trick to resolve my little cooking dilemma PLEASE let me know.  I dumped so many noodles it was pitiful. 

So here they are:

Filled and ready for the oven

Out of the oven

Close up

See what I mean about the cheese not really melting?  They still look amazing to me and I'm anxiously awaiting dinner time.  It's taking all the discipline I have to not sample one.  

Alright....that's it for me.  Back at you all soon.

Peace and Blessings.

New design....

Hey People!!!  Happy Monday.

I was tired of my old blog design and wanted to change it to something that was more reflective of me and what my blog is about.  Since my entries are typically about my love of my family, food and myself I thought it was appropriate to have the header depict just that.  So here you have it.  My new blog.  I like it!

Wishing you all a wonderful week as I prepare for family members graduations and my little girlies continuation on Thursday.  Back at you all soon.

Peace and Blessings!!!

Experimenting....

While I was blogging about my spinach soup the other day and thinking about how much I really love spinach I started reminiscing about some of the food that I no longer eat that I used to really enjoyed.

When I lived in MN there was a restaurant called Copelands that has a New Orleans style menu.  I've heard the MN location actually closed some time ago which is really sad because the food was ridiculous!  I know they made tons of money off of me because I used to go there every chance I got.  My Sister and a few of my best friends threw me a surprise b-day party there when I turned 33 or 34.  Best party ever!  But that's a story for a different day.   Anyway....they had this spinach and artichoke dip and I swear it's the best I ever had.  I settled for Olive Gardens dip when we moved away, which was pretty good, but definitely not as good as Copelands.

Yesterday I decided to try my hand at  making a  vegan version to satisfy my craving and it turned out pretty good.  I'll have to play around with the measurements a bit because it was a little too zesty for me; I think it may be due to my not using fresh artichokes.  I was being lazy and didn't really feel like taking the time to cook them so I just decided to buy the ones that come in the jar.  I used spinach and artichokes of course and then a vegan cream cheese, vegan mozzarella instead of parmesan (haven't found a vegan parmesan cheese yet) sour cream, and a few other ingredients I can recall off the top of my head at the moment.  It wasn't really complicated and didn't take very long to prepare.  Everyone enjoyed it which you know always makes me happy.  I chose to serve it with some warmed garlic naan that we had....they actually went pretty well together.

I didn't take pictures of the preparation, but did take a picture of the finished product:

Finished Dip

Served with Garlic Naan 

Ok, I'm thinking I really need to not blog about food late at night because all it does is make me hungry and  tempts me into going and grabbing something to eat.  I don't think eating at 11:45 at night is really conducive to my desire to lose weight.  Guess I'll practice some self control and just take myself to sleep.  Night All!!! 

Wednesday's Dinner

Today's Friday I know.  I actually planned on posting this the other day but got a little side tracked.  That seems to happen a little to often, what can I say?

I love spinach.  It's probably one of my favorite vegetables and I'm certain I could find a way to add it to almost any meal and be happy.  I think I say that about most vegetables...  I'm a vegetable lover, sue me.  Lol

I was flipping through my soup book the other day and realized how many soups I skipped over when doing, or attempting rather, the 30 day soup challenge.  I failed miserably since I only made it half way.  I found a cream of spinach soup and since I love creamy soups and spinach I decided to give it a try.  It was pretty easy.  Spinach, vegetable broth, onions, soy milk, creamed coconut, salt and pepper and nutmeg.  I was a little skeptical about the nutmeg but decided I'd stick with the recipe.  You all know how tempted I am to change up a recipe...I'm a rebel.  Lol

I had planned on taking pictures of each step but there wasn't much required so I scratched that idea.  When I say this was simple I mean it.  All you had to do was sautee the onions, then spinach for 10 minutes, add the creamed coconut, vegetable broth seasoning, milk and then VOILA!  Sounds easy right.  So easy even my 5 year old could make this.  Ok....maybe I'm exaggerating a tad bit, but it really was something even the most unskilled cook could make and have it turn out perfectly.  I not then I strongly advise that person to STAY OUT THE KITCHEN!  Lol

With all that being said....as always pictures:

Finished soup w/chives

Close up of soup

Soup with veggie wraps

Close up of veggies

I don't know why but for me wraps always seem to go so well with soup.  I added roasted zucchini and red peppers, onions, mushroom and tomato with a balsamic vinaigrette.  Delicious!  The soup was very tasty.  It didn't taste like spinach at all.  I cant really describe the flavor, but it was really good and the nutmeg was a great addition to give it that little zip.  We added cayenne to our individual bowls....we put cayenne on everything...don't ask.  Lol  

So there you have it....another tasty soup.  If anyone tries it, or has had it let me know your thoughts.

Happy Weekend.  Peace and Blessings!!! 

Time for a change...

This blog is officially UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

My blog isn't the only thing that's in need of remodel but no need going into all that.  I'll save that for a later time.  Let's just say this is where I'm going to start.  I've decided to make some much needed changes, because quite frankly I'm a little tired of the old design.  I don't feel that the way it is currently really conveys who I am as a person.  So....with that being said I'm looking forward to change.  I'm not the most creative person in the world...wait, let me rephrase that....I don't have a creative bone in my body would probably a little closer to the truth.  Let's see what I come up with. 

Alright, so until then......

Peace and Blessings!!!

Tired.....

Happy Friday People!!!

So it's Friday and it's a beautiful day outside. It's only just after 11am and already 68 degrees outside.  We're supposed to hit 80 today and you all know how I LOVE the heat and abhor the cold, so I'm looking forward to it.  You would think that since it's going to be so nice I'd have a little more energy but for some reason I already feel like I need a nap.  Did I mention it's only 11am?  Crazy!  I'm not even a nap type person.  Ugh!  I've got to find a way to get my energy up.

I'm a little bugged because as nice as it is and as nice as it's going to be this weekend, I'm not really going to be able to get out the way I would like because of my back.  It was horrible a few weeks back.  It actually locked up on me which it hasn't done in awhile and I couldn't even walk up or down the stairs.  I think it was about 3 or 4 days before I was actually able to really move around good.  These past few days it's actually been really hurting and I'm feeling that frustration come back.  I'm trying to be positive, but I'm really not seeing any end in sight with my back woes.  Ok....moving on before I really get upset.  UGH!

So my Locs are really coming along.  I'm amazed by how much they've grown in four months since starting them.  People always say the my hair grows really fast, and I've never felt like it, but when I look at the difference between now and then, WOW!  I went and got them done yesterday and I'm happy to say it wasn't as painful as it had been in the past.  I attribute that to the length now.  Yeay!   For those of you that missed it, I'm horribly tender headed....to the point where I always feel like a little kid on the verge of tears when I go to get my hair done.  Even prior to the Locs.  Sad isn't it?  I'll have to take a picture and post it so you all can see and compare also.

I'm so excited....there's an Ikea opening sometime in July.  I've missed it so much since moving from MN.  I was so disappointed when I found out there wasn't one here when we moved here.  There's also an H & M opening, if it hasn't already.  I'm hoping that it's already open because I need to find a continuation dress for my little girlie.  Finding shoes for her is going to be challenging because she wears a 10 and a half  or 11 depending on the shoe, plus her feet are really narrow.  Shoe shopping is going to be a pain in the butt.  I'm excited about finding something for her but the downside is, since she's such a tomboy I'm sure what ever we find will only get worn the one time.  Wish me happy shopping people.  Lol

Ok...that's all I've got for today.  Everyone have a safe weekend and Happy Mothers Day to all the Mom's out there.

Peace and Blessings!!!

His Journey Continues....

Hey Good People!!!  It's been a minute.  I hope everyone had a nice and peaceful weekend.

So I was talking to the 2nd Son the other day... I don't really recall how he and I got on the subject but he stated that he was considering moving out with a friend in a few months. I've got some serious mixed feelings about it, but keeping in mind at the same time, it's not MY decision to make.  He had some issues when he was living in the dorms last year with his room mates, which I think he handled in a very mature manner, so I had to use that as an example when talking about this possible new situation.  I had to convey to him that getting an ACTUAL apartment with a friend is a little different than living in the dorms.

I explained that although they may be friends, known each other for some time and hang out quite a bit that's not a really good indicator of what it will be like to LIVE with that person.  I had to let him know that if they have a falling out he's committed to that lease and cant just up and leave, or if that person can make their share of the rent it will be his responsibility to pick up the slack.  I just don't think it's wise, although I'm not going to stand in the way of him having that experience and learning for himself.  I just want to point out all of the facts that he needs to be cognizant of going into the situation that he, being only 20, may not really think or be aware of.

Of course we talked about the financial aspect, bills, car, insurance, and still being able to have time for school responsibilities and studying.  He's been working quite a bit for the past few months but working full time may be a bit much while trying to juggle school.  Usually he doesn't start working until the end of April or first part of May but he's been working since the end of January which is great because it's given him the opportunity to save up more money.

He's a very responsible young man and I'm extremely proud of him and all his accomplishments up to this point in his life and I know that he's going to have to make his own decisions without my influence.  I feel like if he does move out, regardless of how it turns out, it's just yet one more step in his journey to adulthood.  I'm still amazed at the fact that he'll be starting his 3rd year in just a few short months, I know he is just as amazed because we were doing his fafsa the other day and when we got to the question about what year he'll be in when school starts he was like "wow!" That's so amazing. 

Now if I could get the others to hurry and grow up things will be just gravy.  Kidding....kind of.   Lol   I know once they're grown and gone I'll be sad, crying and lonely for my kiddies, but there are times....and I have to say it's been frequently lately where I feel like...UGH!!!  They just cant grow up fast enough.  I know I'm not the only parent out there that feels that way right?  RIGHT???  Lol

Ok All.  That's going to be it for me for now.  Just wanted drop by and let you all know I'm still here and share what's going on with our family over here.  Everyone have an enjoyable week and I'll be back with you soon.

Peace and Blessings!!!!!