Pantry Cooking

I thought I'd start my post with this hilarious picture I got of Animal yesterday. She was just lounging and letting it all hang out! I would say at this point she's back to 100%. She has been super playful, and I think she's just so happy to be feeling better!

I don't have quite as much rice as I do opened bags of pasta, but I do have several kinds of rice floating around in my cupboard. I had enough sushi rice to make a few rolls, and a half an avocado that needed to be used, so hello breakfast sushi! This is now two times in a row I have successfully made sushi rolls! I swear it's the meditation.

My allergies have been going BANANAS for about two weeks or so. I'm allergic to something that exists in early spring, because that's the only time I'm miserable. I think it's the cherry blossom trees, because as soon as those beautiful flowers disappear, I'm fine. I've never been tested, I'm just guessing. Anyway, my eyes burn and water, my nose gets runny, and I end up getting the headache of all headaches. Yesterday was a really bad day, so I needed an easy dinner. What could be easier and cheaper than beans and rice? I found this recipe, and I followed it almost exactly. I lowered the amount of oil to one teaspoon, and I sauteed a jalapeno along with the onion and garlic. I really love this dish, which is  good because it made A LOT! The rice is fluffy and seasoned perfectly. And man did my apartment smell good while this was cooking! I had a big bowl with a couple of warmed up flour tortillas, and some hot sauce. It was super easy to make, and it hit the spot.

I made a breakfast burrito this morning with some of the rice and beans, and a little daiya wrapped in a flour tortilla, and crisped up in the oven. Yum. I still have quite a bit leftover. This would be a dish I would serve to people who think vegan food is expensive, or if it isn't expensive it must be boring and bland. This is a super inexpensive dish that could feed many, and it is really tasty, and definitely not boring.
I also wanted to mention that sometime this week you might want to keep your eyes open at Target for some new Hampton Creek(makers of Just Mayo) products. Like ranch dressing, and the elusive cookie dough. I've been wondering if some of their other products were ever going to be seen by the masses. I also came across this article, mentioning products I didn't even know were coming! Cookies, scrambles, more vegan cheese, it's just so exciting! Hampton Creek seems to have really good relationships with a lot of big retailers, and businesses that aren't only vegan, or vegan at all. And, offering affordable prices seems to be very important to them, so that all equals mainstream appeal. Huge score for the animals, HUGE! I know for sure that I will continue to support and try all of their new products.
Happy Wednesday!