Chocolate, Bananas and Coffee Oh My!

I found some new to me vegan goodies at Winco the other day! Winco is a great place to spot random vegan goodies especially stuff you haven't tried. The prices are usually a lot cheaper so it doesn't hurt your wallet so much!

I am a huge fan of Chloe's pops. They're made with actual fruit and cane sugar and no weird stuff. I've tried the strawberry, mango and chocolate bars. All excellent. Then one day Sarah let me know on Instagram that Chloe's had bars dipped in chocolate!!
Winco only had the chocolate dipped banana bars, but that's okay. Chocolate and banana, best friends for life!!

Excellent dessert!!

I've tried the new almond milk frappucino from Starbucks in the vanilla flavor. I like it, but it's really, really sweet and I have to just have a few sips here and there.

I noticed Winco has the mocha flavor so I had to try it! Winco has the vegan Starbucks drinks right in the little coolers by self checkout! Remember when anything vegan was relegated to some dark corner of the store?
The mocha is still very sweet, but the slight bitterness of the chocolate cuts it a bit. I think I prefer the mocha over the vanilla, but honestly they're both pretty dang tasty!

A Hearty Lentil and Potatoes Meal!

I know I've shown this gravy packet before, but it deserves to be shown all the time because it's so delicious!! If you're like me and don't have the gravy making gene, this could be your best friend!!
It does say vegetarian on the package, but it's vegan. It has a really nice flavor and doesn't taste like it comes from a packet!!

I like to add some cooked lentils to the gravy when it's done for some extra fiber and protein. I also had some tofu laying around that needed to be used so I had that as well. In addition to this meal being delicious and comforting, it's also very good for you! Lentils are a very good source of iron, and potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin c. Iron is more easily absorbed when combined with vitamin c, so this is a power meal!

Sorry this picture is a little blurry, I tried to take it really quickly because Etta is the queen of moving when I try to take her picture. Etta is the OG force a cuddler, and Joan became her victim yesterday!!

What This Vegan Ate!

I had the day off yesterday, so I figured I would take a picture of everything I ate! It wasn't the most exciting day of eating, but it was tasty and healthy and I had peanut sauce!

I started the day with celery, strawberry and pineapple juice. It was actually pretty good. I will say celery is very strong and overpowers even pineapple! Someone I watch on YouTube has been drinking celery juice for over sixty days in a row, and her skin has been looking so incredible lately. It's hard to deny benefits when you can see it! I just can't drink celery juice straight, so I'm adding fruits to make it more palatable!

This watermelon is surprisingly good for this time of year!! It was pretty sweet and didn't have that weird mealy texture watermelon can sometimes have!

vanilla protein powder, blackberries, avocado, flaxmeal,water

I had a few of these thin rice cakes with hummus and pickled sweet jalapenos. I'm not a fan of the jalapenos because of the sweetness. I found them on a woohoo sale and should have passed. They're okay with the hummus so I'm trying to use them up that way.

For dinner I had another rice and tofu bowl with some Romaine and a spicy peanut sauce. I love this meal so much. It's a budget friendly meal that doesn't feel like a budget meal. The peanut sauce is so simple, but I wrote down what I did in case anyone is looking for a really simple sauce!


                                                               Spicy Peanut Sauce

• 1 Small clove of garlic, minced
• 2 Generous T. Peanut Butter
• 1 1/2 T. Tamari, Soy Sauce, or Liquid/coconut amino
• 1 T. Rice Wine Vinegar
• 3/4 T. Roasted Sesame Oil
• 1 T. Red Chili Paste
• 3 to 4 T. Water

Add peanut butter and water into a bowl or jar and stir to combine. It sometimes takes a while, but it will happen. Once the sauce is smooth, add all other ingredients and stir or shake to combine! Try not to eat it like soup!

Sprouts and Trader Joe's Haul!

As usual I made my weekly trek to get groceries yesterday. I went to Sprouts and Trader Joe's. I forgot that this is a holiday weekend so Trader Joe's was a bit much. Even Sprouts which is usually pretty mellow was a bit crazier than usual. But it's okay, I made it another day! My budget is a little tighter this week so no treats, but I still got some delicious food!

Tofu, sweet onion,peppermint tea, Romaine, potatoes,peanut butter,raw slivered almonds,red lentils,coconut milk,lemon,garlic hummus, red onions,celery

vegan protein powder,kombucha,ataulfo mangoes,strawberries,bananas,probiotic soda,pineapple,mini watermelon, avocado

I know watermelon isn't really in season yet, but Sprouts has mini watermelons on sale for $.98!! Even if they aren't the best I can juice them so I just couldn't resist! It's been a long winter of apples and oranges!!
They also have two pound containers of strawberries for $1.98!! Sprouts really has the best sales on produce. They're your best friend if your on a budget but still want some fresh stuff.

I was on a very long waiting list for this book at the library, and it's finally my turn! I've got my reading chosen for this weekend!!

All Good Things

Mangoes are definitely one of my favorite fruits. On some days they're my favorite, but then because I'm scared of commitment the next day my favorite will be pineapple or raspberries. These were on sale at Smith's so I had to try them!!

I kind of like the longer stick, it makes the last half of the pop less messy. These are so, so, good! They're so creamy, I had to recheck the ingredients!! I like these because like most real fruit bars the ingredients are pretty simple, organic mango is the first ingredient after water. They're just fruit, water, cane sugar and stabilizers. If you live near a Krogers, Fred Meyer or Smiths I highly recommend these! And they're on sale this week!

I made a big batch of beans and rice yesterday. I used red beans instead of black because that's what I had. This turned out delicious and satisfying as always. I had a salad with avocado, red onion and sweet mini peppers on the side. This meal hit the spot. Cheap and cheerful at it's best!

Caught these two in another snuggle! I don't see Kiki giving up on forcing a cuddle anytime soon!

And I had to take a close up of Roxy. Doesn't she have the most gorgeous green eyes ever!! She is such a pretty girl, and she definitely knows it! She is the resident Diva for sure!

You Say Tomato, I Say Kumato!

Even though I'm not doing vegan keto anymore, I've still been adding a little protein powder to my smoothies. I add half a packet (thanks for the tip Ttrockwood) which is enough to make it super creamy and more filling, but doesn't make it taste so protein-y. I've tried unflavored, vanilla and chocolate and I prefer vanilla. Sprouts had blackberries on sale this week so this is a vanilla, avocado, flax meal and blackberry smoothie. Really tasty. And we have a pouty lentil loaf in the background.

I've been really loving rice bowls for dinner lately. It's a great way to get in extra veggies, and I love different textures and temperatures in my meals. And just like a good rug really ties a room together, a good sauce really ties this meal together. I baked some tofu, and them tossed it in a sweet chili, soy sauce, sesame oil combination. Served with brown rice, lettuce and sweet mini peppers. Delicious!

I've noticed these interesting looking brown tomatoes for a few years now, and I've never tried them because they're always double the price of regular tomatoes. I rarely even buy fresh tomatoes at the grocery because they're always that weird mealy texture. But Sprouts had these on sale this week so I decided to try them. Guys, they are so tasty! Great texture, like a perfect tomato in season. I've been eating them sliced with a bit of salt and pepper. Really, really good!

Last night I made another rice and veggie bowl! This time a burrito bowl. I cooked some tofu and black beans, made a creamy sauce with salsa, cashews and a little nooch, and had some rice, lettuce, sweet mini peppers and red jalapeno all in a bowl. And some tomato. Easy, cheap and Yum!

The weather is warming up so that means Kiki and Etta are starting their summer poses! They're the only two who sleep like this on the regular in the warmer months! Being a fan of kitty bellies I am definitely not complaining!

Easy Like Sunday Morning

I've been in a bit of a funk lately. Uninspired in the kitchen and kind of in life. Spring is my favorite season, and usually I get a burst of I don't know what to call it, life, energy, zip? It's a burst of good. But this year it just isn't happening. The sun on my face of course feels nice, but other than that I'm still feeling pretty funky.
Yesterday was a perfect spring day and I had the day off so I took a walk to clear my head, get some fresh air and some vitamin D. Walks aren't always as peaceful as you'd like when you live in the city, but it was still nice and I saw more pretty flowers!

I really love the two tone tulips! Daisies are and always will be my favorite flower, but tulips are a close second!
I was hoping the flowers and the sun would spark some creativity, but when it came time for dinner all I really wanted was a red lentil and potato curry. I like what I like!

Instead of all curry powder I've been using half curry and half garam masala. I really enjoy that combo. I also add mushroom seasoning which really bumps up the flavor! I love this meal so much and I don't see that changing anytime soon!

I picked these up a few days ago. It's getting warmer and that means fruity popsicles for me! You guys know I love the fruit frenzy bars from Trader Joe's, which are raspberry, lemonade and strawberry. These taste like the strawberry and lemonade layers. These will be a constant in my freezer this summer! I highly recommend these!

You can barely see Kiki's little head in the corner! You would think she would feel a little smothered, but she is living her best napping life!!

Sprouts Haul Plus Snacks and Cats!

Yesterday was grocery day so I made a quick trip to Sprouts. I definitely didn't have it in me to stop at Trader Joe's. I'll have to try and make it there sometime during the week. Friday's can be as bad as the weekend here so I have to be feeling really strong to go.I got some random things, I've been feeling uninspired in the kitchen so when I shop nothing really pops out at me.

watermelon zinger tea, bulk red beans, bulk rice, red hot peppers, kumato tomatoes,lemons, beanfields chips, vegan Rob's chips, sweet mini peppers, carrots, blackberries,bulk spices,tofu,vegan protein powder

Did you guys know these existed?? I love Beanfields chips but I haven't heard of this flavor! Yes, they are vegan! I couldn't resist trying these. They were on sale, plus I know Beanfield's makes excellent chips so it seemed like a pretty safe choice!

I had to try these too. They were also on sale, and I loved the cheddar puffs so much! I think these are supposed to be like a vegan hot cheeto? To be honest I've never had a hot cheeto, as a matter of fact I never really cared for cheetos in my pregan days. Or the devil's chip, Doritos!! I tried some of these as soon as I got home! I wouldn't call them super spicy, definitely not fire breathing as the bag states, but they do have a mild, smoky kick. So far Vegan Rob's has really blown my mind with their products!!

This totally disgusted me. A loaf of gluten free bread for fifteen dollars ON SALE!! Normally it's seventeen!! I mean that makes me physically ill. I know it's made with coconut flour, but come on. I thought the six to ten dollar price range was ridiculous. I don't know why I get so triggered by ridiculously high food prices. I've been poor my whole life and can handle not being able to afford a lot of things, but for some reason stuff like this infuriates me.

This cuddle pile was happening yesterday! Everyone but Joan was in the mix!! I love catching them like this!!

This is what Joan was doing. Being a pouty loaf because she wanted to play and everyone was napping!

Some Laughs, a Meal and Some Cats!

    
                                                                                                                          
If you have a few minutes and have ever been to a Trader Joe's, you should watch this video! What he says about the people who shop at Trader Joe's is hilarious and true! I know people can be rude and inconsiderate everywhere, but it's a special kind of rude at Trader Joe's. Like they make an aggressive choice to forget that other people do in fact exist.

Last night I was craving that Asian sesame salad that come in a bag with the dressing. I found a different mix, it was like BBQ ranch or something, but it had all the same veggies on sale for $1.99 so I bought that, tossed out the dressing and made my own sesame dressing! I saved two dollars and my meal was also healthier because of it! With some baked tofu it was just what I wanted!!

The cuddle is real!!

Today is grocery day, so lets hope I can make it in and out of Trader Joe's without having a meltdown!!!

Peanut Butter All Day!

I was craving this peanut stew I used to make years ago. I don't remember where I got the recipe, but I made it so often I had it memorized! It had black beans, sweet potatoes, and lots of peanut butter. I made it at least once a week! I couldn't find that exact recipe but I found this one and used it as a guide. I changed some things of course. I used powdered ginger instead of fresh, and added turmeric, mushroom powder and tamari. An lots of crushed red pepper. I also used kale, and added red lentils because a soup or stew without beans is preposterous! I also had a little bit of tofu that needed to be used, so I baked that off and threw it in the mix. And a squeeze of lime at the end is essential in my opinion because it's very, very rich. This hit the spot on a cool rainy night. Very comforting.

I guess it was a peanut butter kind of day, because earlier when I ran to Winco for a few things, I spied something new to me!

I remember not long after Haagen Dazs introduced their vegan ice cream they released vegan ice cream bars. Until now I haven't seen the bars anywhere. I spotted them at Winco though, and at $3.99 a box I knew I'd never see them cheaper than that!

Guys, these things are amazing. The ice cream has a nice peanut butter flavor with generous fudge swirls, and the chocolate coating is thick enough that it doesn't fall apart when you bite it. I'm in love, and yes I would marry these things. If you gave one of these to a non vegan, there is no way they would ever guess it's vegan!! I can't believe how far vegan snacks, ice cream, cheese and meat alternatives have come!!!