What I've Been Eating!

Celery Apple Juice

I'm still on the celery juice! I don't notice any huge difference in my life since drinking it, but I guess I feel like I'm doing something good for myself, and it's a pretty cheap habit to keep up.
I made another batch of gluten free chocolate chip cookies. This time I used almond flour and some coconut flour I forgot about. I like them better with just almond flour. I'm so close to perfecting this recipe and I can't wait to share when I finally do!

baked tofu, rice, romaine with a gochujang peanut sauce

Black bean and TVP tacos

Roasted russet and Japanese sweet potato with a salad with lots of sunflower seeds!

I've been eating a lot of my staple meals. Sometimes I get so inspired to cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and other times I just want to make something easy, and that I know for sure I'll like.
I have recently discovered that I actually enjoy Japanese sweet potatoes! I've had people suggest them to me through the years. Better late than never! They aren't as sweet as orange sweet potatoes, and they definitely have a better texture!! Yay for quarantine discoveries!

What I Ate, Plus Cats!

My anxiety was acting up yesterday, which meant my stomach was acting up. So I made a big batch of kitchari to have for breakfasts for the next few days. I had leftover coconut rice which I added at the end,and it's a great addition! I swear kitchari has magical healing powers, because I always feel better after having it!

Later in the day I made a carrot, orange juice which I didn't take a picture of. I also had this really tasty apple.

I picked this up last week at Trader Joe's, and yesterday was a perfect day to treat myself. Enjoyed while soaking in an Epsom salt bath.

I had the last of my very valuable potatoes for dinner. Dipped in BBQ sauce and vegan chipotle mayo. Potatoes are always very easy on my stomach and digestion. I remember the couple of times I did the potato diet, my digestion was amazing!
My stomach feels a little better today, but I still don't feel one hundred percent. I hope this isn't the new normal!

People were letting their dogs play on the schoolyard behind my apartment, and Kiki and Roxy were watching and judging the nerve of the dogs for barking!

And here is a picture of Bubba, my shadow! When he isn't sleeping, he feels safest right by my side! You never know when Kiki is going to pop up ready to punch!

In With the New!

I've been using this oatmilk in the morning with my tea and coffee. I love to use vegan coffee creamer, but I haven't found any sales lately. This is cheaper than any creamer, you get more, and I can use it in savory recipes if needed. It's pretty thick and nice in tea and coffee. And it foams up well when I make matcha lattes.
In keeping with the theme of new to me items, I picked up some household cleaning spray at Trader Joe's last week. I've used their cleaner before and love it, but this was a new to me scent.

Cedarwood scared me. My mind went to a dusty old chest in your aunt's dusty attic full of mothballs. But I couldn't have been more wrong. The scent is very light, and really just crisp and clean smelling. And it isn't tested on animals, it's eco friendly and works like a dream! Bonus, it's under three dollars for a pretty big bottle!

Have you guys noticed the whipped coffee trend all over the interwebz? I decided to try it, it was kind of a fail, but it tasted amazing so it was also kind of a win. I don't have a hand mixer, or even a whisk so I used my blender. I was scared of the blender getting stuck, so I added a little extra water which made it not get as whipped. But this is still the fanciest looking coffee drink I've ever made, and I used to be a barista!

I bought this sauce quite some time ago, and forgot all about it until I found it hiding this week. You guys, this stuff is SPICY! I mean, I knew it would be spicy, it's a Szechwan after all, but this is beyond my expectations!!

I made a hoisin glaze for my baked tofu, and added a little bit of the Szecwan sauce to that. It's very tasty, it just needs a little mellowing. I'm always shocked when something is almost too spicy for me, because I love and can take a lot of spice! Susan, this is definitely not for you!!!😁😁

I love coconut rice, and I've had this packet of seasoning for forever. I'm sure I found it on clearance or a WooHoo sale somewhere. I made it last night and it was pretty dang tasty, especially for a powder that is who knows how old!

I had some last night with some bake tofu and a little salad. With sambal oelek drizzled on top. The rice is super rich and goes well with the spice.

And going with all things new, this little baby tree is budding(?) and it made me smile as I took my walk. Thanks little buddy, I needed it!

VeriSoy Emerald Tofu!

I got this tofu at the Asian market some time ago. It's in the same freezer as their vegan meats and seafood. It's been just hanging out in my freezer waiting to be used.

 Last night I made black bean rice noodles, and decided to throw a few slices in! It's fried, and has tiny little pieces of carrot and I think peas in it. It's seasoned really well, very savory.

It has a really great texture, probably from being fried and frozen. It has that firm, chewy, toothsome texture. This is tofu for people who think the texture is weird! I love it, an can't wait to think of some more uses for the rest of the bag!
Ten out of ten will definitely buy again!

Self Care Day!

I've been trying to get outside an take a walk every day, or at least every other day. Social distancing is pretty easy because not a lot of people are out. And it's kind of nice because since there are less cars on the road, I feel like I'm actually getting some fresh air!
Spring is my favorite season, and I feel like it's not fresh and energizing as past years, but I want to still try to enjoy it as much as possible.

I love all the new signs of life, and the flowers popping up everywhere! It's reassuring you know? Yesterday morning I was feeling very, very low and taking a walk and appreciating the air and the flowers really cheered me up.

When I got home I made some roasted onion and garlic lentil hummus. I chopped some Kalamata olives for the topping. I wrote down the recipe, but it isn't perfect yet. I bought Meyer lemons this week which are great for my morning lemon water, but not the best for savory dishes. So, I subbed a little apple cider vinegar. I want to make it again with lemon juice which I think will be much better. It's still pretty dang tasty, the onions and garlic make it so savory.

I also made this DIY face mask to beautify myself! It's agave nectar and turmeric powder. Turmeric power is great for the skin, and I learned agave nectar is as well. You always hear about the benefits of honey for skin, but no one talks about agave nectar! Here is an article on the benefits of agave for skin. I'm telling you I almost don't recognize myself after I use this mask! My skin looks so bright an alive, as though I went to some bougie spa and got poke and prodded all day! I highly recommend!

For dinner I baked some tofu, and then mixed some gochujang with hoisin an tossed it around in there. Delicious! I also tossed some romaine with an Asian sesame vinaigrette. This meal was a great end to an up and down day!

Tofu Peanut-y Stew

In these very weird, scary and sad times, my stomach has been upset pretty much daily. My appetite also changes daily. Some days I can eat more than others. I also find myself craving soothing comfort foods. Comfort food has changed for me over the years, it used to be more junky foods, but now it's more foods that are comforting in a healing way. Lentils, tofu and rice have really been what my body craves and can handle. Potatoes fit in that category too, but they have been difficult to come by these days.
Yesterday was yet ANOTHER grey, rainy kind of stormy day, so I decided to make my version of Maafe, or peanut stew. I say my version because the first time I made it I followed a recipe, and now I've made it so many times I have my own version, which other than tomato and peanut butter is probably very different from how they make it in West Africa.
I wrote down the recipe this time and thought I would share. I know I'm not alone in wanting soothing, comforting food. And your kitchen will smell amazing, or if you're like me in a small apartment your whole place will smell amazing!


                                                           Peanut-y Tofu Stew

• 1 14 to 16 Oz. Package of Tofu
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 Med. to Lg. Onion,Minced
• 1 2 Inch Piece of Ginger, Minced ( Also you can use 1/4 to 1/2 Tsp. Ground Dried Ginger)
• 3 Small to Medium Russet Potatoes Cubed 
• 1/2 Cup Red Lentils
• 1/2 Tsp. Turmeric Powder
• 1/4 Tsp. Salt and Pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
• 3 T. Tomato Paste
• 1/2 C. Peanut Butter
• 1 T. Tamari, Soy Sauce or Soy Sauce Substitute
• 2 Tsp. Sriracha
• 3 to 4 Cups Water

First prepare the tofu by draining it, cubing it and bake it at 400 degrees for about twenty minutes. You want it to be pretty browned I think it makes for a nicer texture in the stew, and I feel like it absorbs more flavor.
While your tofu is baking you can make the stew. Saute the onion, garlic and ginger in a little oil on medium heat for four or five minutes, and add the salt, pepper, turmeric and crushed red pepper. Next add the tomato paste and saute for about two or three more minutes. Next add the potatoes, lentils and peanut butter. Slowly stir in three cups of water, stir to combine everything and to help the peanut butter melt into the broth. Bring to a boil, and then turn to a simmer. Once the tofu is baked to your liking, add it to the stew along with the soy sauce and sriracha. Simmer for about thirty minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the lentils have pretty much become one with the broth.
Add the additional cup of water if needed, and depending on how thick or thin you want your stew.
Serve with rice, cous cous or quinoa, or no grains at all!!

Hi, my name is Kiki an although I look very innocent here, I was a very mean girl and chased and punched Bubba all day yesterday! But don't I  look sweet?

Cats, Chips and Tacos!

I figured I'd start this post with Roxy being adorable, and also kind of summing up how we all feel about the state of the world right now! I just couldn't have said it better myself!

If you like BBQ chips and go to Trader Joe's for supplies, I highly recommend these! These are a million times better than Pop Chips, and they have a really nice smoky BBQ flavor. Kiki approves of my snack choice!

Last night I made some super simple black bean tacos, and they were so tasty! I just sauteed a can of black beans with some taco seasoning and a little nooch and topped them with lettuce and this really tasty Roja sauce I found awhile ago. It's a little spicy and a little smoky and it really makes a taco!
Today is going to be yet another grey, rainy day so I think I'm going to spend some time in the kitchen, and then catching up on Brooklyn 99. I'm finding great comfort in comedies right now. It feels so good to laugh, and kind of escape to a sweet world.
Happy Sunday!

Saturday Stuff

I've been a fan of Trader Joe's soy creamer for quite awhile, About a year or so ago they started making a coconut creamer which is just as good. And you really can't beat the price. $1,69!!
When I went to Trader Joe's on Thursday, I was excited to see this new to me creamer, and it's the same amazing price!
I'm trying some right now in my iced coffee, and I'm happy to report it's just as great as the unflavored creamers! Ten out of ten I recommend and I will buy again!

I was very proud of this beautiful looking matcha latte I made the other day. The blender did all the work, but I still felt like a barista!

I was feeling really anxious and a little blue yesterday, so I whipped up this delicious gochujang stew with a little rice, rice cakes and some soft tofu. Drizzled with a bit of toasted sesame oil at the end. This was ready in under twenty minutes and it really gave me a belly hug. Sometimes the tastiest food is not the prettiest!

Quarantine Haul

Well, I went as long as I could without a trip to the grocery. I don't have a fully stocked pantry or freezer, so I was not in any way prepared for our current situation.
I'm trying to only go for groceries every ten or more days so we'll see how it goes. Since I walk or take the bus, I can't really load up too much even if I could afford to.
Speaking of buses, I haven't taken one since things got real bad, I've just been staying home or walking places, but yesterday I wasn't feeling that great and since I've temporarily lost my job I need to watch my budget even more than usual(which is scary) so I wanted to go to Trader Joe's. Taking the bus was very strange, you enter through the back door and they aren't having you pay to protect the driver. And, there are signs all over saying that starting Monday, bus services are being greatly limited, and a lot of routes are being suspended. I'm sure not many people are taking the bus, and I'm sure it's terrifying for the drivers, but I do feel bad for people who have low paying jobs at grocery and convenience stores, gas stations and restaurants who rely on the bus and don't get paid enough to uber or taxi.
So, I went to Trader Joe's and it wasn't wonderful, but it wasn't horrible either. They are only allowing five people in at a time, I guess as five leave five go in? I'm not sure but it saved us all the stress of being crammed in. I don't think I've ever stood in a line to get into a store!

Potatoes(!!!), Meyer lemons,tangelos, household cleaner, romaine, celeryx2, BBQ popped chips, tofux2, stuffed grape leaves,almond and coconut vanilla creamer,lite coconut milk, black beans

I hope everyone is staying safe out there. And not suffering too much mentally. As a textbook introvert self isolation is kind of my preferred state, but I imagine this must be so hard for more extroverted personalities. And it's just so weird and scary it's hard not to feel anxious. And here in America we have a complete ninny as a president so there's that.

Here's a judge-y Kiki feeling perturbed because I ran the vacuum, and I love Bubba and refuse to allow her to terrorize him!

Curried Chickpea Salad!

I saw a picture of a chickpea salad the other day and it really sparked a craving. I also have some gluten free bread that I need to use so it was meant to be.
I decided to make a curried chickpea salad because I like everything with a bit of spice! It turned out really well, and I wrote down the recipe, if you can really call it that!

                                                                        


                                                          Curried Chickpea Salad

• 2 Cups Cooked Chickpeas (3/4 C. Dried) or 1 Can Chickpeas
• 2 Stalks Celery Diced
• 1 Large or Two Small Dill Pickles Diced
• 3 T. Vegan Mayo
• 3/4 Tsp. Yellow Mustard
• 1/2 Tsp. Salt
• 1/4 Tsp. Black Pepper
• 1/2 Tsp. Curry Powder
• 1/2 Tsp. Sriracha (optional)

Mash your chickpeas with a fork or potato masher, leaving some whole. If you prefer a chunkier salad you can leave them all whole. Add the mayo and mustard, followed by the celery and pickles and seasonings. Stir until everything is blended together, and taste for seasonings. I added a little extra sriracha!
 

I toasted two slices of gluten free bread and added some alfalfa sprouts and it hit the spot! I also had some on some rice crackers, and just with a spoon!
I think curries always taste better the next day, so I anticipate an even better sandwich tomorrow!

I also wanted to thank my secret VegNews fairy! Last year I started getting this in the mail, and I don't know where it came from. A few months ago I got a card telling me my subscription was about to run out. I don't have the extra money to renew, so I was very surprised to keep getting them! Whoever you are, thank you so much!! I have ALWAYS loved magazines so this is a real treat and I really appreciate it!