w00t! Scored a copy of You Won't Believe it's Vegan from a giveaway held by the good folks at Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe. Looking forward to perusing this cookbook during the holiday. Thanks, Cosmo!
09 December 2009
25 November 2009
kitchen nightmare
I've got bad kitchen mojo. It started with the chocolate peanut butter pie. The pie was ready to go into the refrigerator to set. Instead it slipped from my hands and onto the ground and the bottom of the fridge.
After a few minutes with a cloth and a toothbrush I sat down, watched some 30 Rock and regrouped. I had nearly all of the ingredients for a vegan cheesecake but I don't have a springform pan. I decide to go for it. In the process I manage to knick my knuckle on a grater, spill sugar all over myself and the counter and have phantom food processor issues. But. I managed to get this one into the oven and am patiently waiting to see the results. If the batter is any indication it's going to be off the chain.
Crossing fingers...
After a few minutes with a cloth and a toothbrush I sat down, watched some 30 Rock and regrouped. I had nearly all of the ingredients for a vegan cheesecake but I don't have a springform pan. I decide to go for it. In the process I manage to knick my knuckle on a grater, spill sugar all over myself and the counter and have phantom food processor issues. But. I managed to get this one into the oven and am patiently waiting to see the results. If the batter is any indication it's going to be off the chain.
Crossing fingers...
21 November 2009
sick work and meal planning
I love fall. I love how the leaves change colors and I can start wearing layers.
However. I can do without the colds, flus, H1N1s, etc.
I've been sickly-feeling for most of the month. Nothing major like the flu, just cold symptoms. Not being "really sick" is a pain 'cause I can't really justify taking off from work.
I went to IOLUG's Fall program. Despite sounding and feeling like crap I managed to interact and engage and all that productive stuff. I coughed and sneezed on the drive home (side rant: I hate driving on the highway. That is all.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick and I are some of the least festive people around but I can't deny that I've been thinking at length about our thanksgiving meal, in part due to the awesomeness of 1000 Vegan Recipes (more on that later.) It's just going to be the two of us but we'll be visiting with our parents. For now the plan is to make a small meal for ourselves and make a dessert to take to the parents. On the menu:
However. I can do without the colds, flus, H1N1s, etc.
I've been sickly-feeling for most of the month. Nothing major like the flu, just cold symptoms. Not being "really sick" is a pain 'cause I can't really justify taking off from work.
I went to IOLUG's Fall program. Despite sounding and feeling like crap I managed to interact and engage and all that productive stuff. I coughed and sneezed on the drive home (side rant: I hate driving on the highway. That is all.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick and I are some of the least festive people around but I can't deny that I've been thinking at length about our thanksgiving meal, in part due to the awesomeness of 1000 Vegan Recipes (more on that later.) It's just going to be the two of us but we'll be visiting with our parents. For now the plan is to make a small meal for ourselves and make a dessert to take to the parents. On the menu:
- Celebration loaf (store-bought, yeah, yeah) with homemade mushroom gravy
- If this gets eaten by Thursday I'll make some sort of baked seitan.
- Sweet potatoes
- Pasta with "Hurry Up Alfredo" sauce
- Sesame green beans
- Silk nog
- I just bought some so it'll probably be gone by Thursday. I do have a recipe, just in case.
- Pumpkin cheezecake with cranberry drizzle (from 1000 Vegan Recipes)
16 October 2009
My favorite things: Animal Voices
There are lots of animal issues-oriented podcasts out there but one of my favorites is a radio show based out of Toronto called Animal Voices. It's an actual radio program, part of CIUT 89.5 FMs ((awesome)) program lineup.
Where do I begin in expressing my extreme like of this show?
+The host(s) are knowledgeable of their subject matter.
+I always come away from the programs feeling more informed.
+They have an extensive - and free! - archive of past episodes.
+The shows range from serious (repeat coverage of the Canadian seal hunt), to academic (in-depth interviews with academic types like Gary Francione and Barbara Smuts), to silly (any interview with Isa Chandra Moskowitz.)
+It's a nice mixture of news, interviews, and on the street reporting. I'm never bored.
+It's commercial free, volunteer-run and as a result relies on listener support.
Animal Voices is in the midst of one of their bi-annual pledge drives. A minimum of $25CAD gets you a quarterly CIUT newsletter and the satisfaction that an intelligent program on animal rights and veganism stays on the airwaves . Honestly, I'd pay $25/year simply because of their podcast archive. Did I mention it's free?
/end salesman-like pitch. But seriously, give them a listen. Good stuff.
new vegan-ish spot: Earth House/Jenxie's
Long time, no blog. Let's see...with the abrupt closing of The Abbey Coffeehouse I'm happy to report a new-ish vegan/vegetarian spot in the Earth House called Jenxie's (map). It's a low-key spot located in the basement of Earth House (which is part of Lockerbie Methodist church.)* The lunch hours aren't the most convenient for me, but I did manage to make a quick trip on a recent Friday afternoon. After being escorted down a narrow flight of steps (yeah, it's not wheelchair accessible) I stood in front of the menu board and silently wept for joy knowing that everything on the menu is (or can be made) vegan. With an emphasis on local, organic food the menu is constantly evolving. My eyes immediately locked in on the falafel with a side of wheatberry salad ($9). I placed my order, took a seat and caught up on note making and in under ten minutes my food arrived.
First thing: portions. Oh my, it was a lot of food. Inside a large whole wheat pita half was a hardy amount of salad greens, tomato, cucumber and falafel rounds. The falafel definitely was homemade and nicely seasoned. It tasted baked. I've had better falafel but by no means was it gross - I'm just a falafel snob. The wheatberry salad was a sweet, tangy compliment to the falafel. I'm usually not a fan of raisins in savory dishes but it was nice change of pace.
Jenxie's currently seems to be a one woman affair, but I got great service. On my initial visit none of the vegan items were indicated on the menu board. I've also read a review that mentioned honey, but just clarify what's vegan when you place your order. I've also noticed that they've begun to indicate what's vegan on their facebook fan page -- kudos! :)
Jenxie's is a wonderful addition to the underwhelming vegan food options in Indianapolis. And Earth House is a cool community spot. Win-win!
*for all you non-believers, don't worry about the church location. I've never encountered any proselytizing in my many visits.
First thing: portions. Oh my, it was a lot of food. Inside a large whole wheat pita half was a hardy amount of salad greens, tomato, cucumber and falafel rounds. The falafel definitely was homemade and nicely seasoned. It tasted baked. I've had better falafel but by no means was it gross - I'm just a falafel snob. The wheatberry salad was a sweet, tangy compliment to the falafel. I'm usually not a fan of raisins in savory dishes but it was nice change of pace.
Jenxie's currently seems to be a one woman affair, but I got great service. On my initial visit none of the vegan items were indicated on the menu board. I've also read a review that mentioned honey, but just clarify what's vegan when you place your order. I've also noticed that they've begun to indicate what's vegan on their facebook fan page -- kudos! :)
Jenxie's is a wonderful addition to the underwhelming vegan food options in Indianapolis. And Earth House is a cool community spot. Win-win!
*for all you non-believers, don't worry about the church location. I've never encountered any proselytizing in my many visits.
22 July 2009
Say it ain't so
The Abbey is closed. I knew they weren't getting a lot of foot traffic at their Pennsylvania Street location but I was surprised when I drove by last week and saw a "For lease" sign in the window. I've heard and read lots of complaints about slow service and less-than-flavorful coffee, which is unfortunate, but I guess my nostalgia for the old Mass Ave location runs deep. But the staff was friendly and the food - one of the few (only?) places to get vegan comfort food - was delicious. I'll miss them.
04 July 2009
02 May 2009
29 April 2009
Recipe: Vegan Club Sandwich
Thanks to Soul Veg Folk for running their "From Start to Finish" photo contest. I won a copy of Bryant Terry's Vegan Soul Kitchen which I'm eager to read. I've been coming up with a few things in the kitchen - simple, tasty and inexpensive. This is one I'd like to share.
Minus the tempeh strips I didn't use a recipe but this sandwich is truly customizable. Don't like soy mayo? Skip it and use a Catalina dressing or mustard. Wanna fry? Pan fry the tempeh and/or tofu. Or omit the tofu altogether. I prepared the tofu and tempeh the night before but you can make it the day of, or buy marinated baked tofu and tempeh slices to save even more time. If you're in the mood for a picnic these sandwiches transport well. Enjoy!
If preparing tempeh, follow the directions.Slice tofu and blot off excess moisture. Mix agave nectar, soy sauce and oil into a bowl. Dredge tofu slices through mixture and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
[You can bake the tempeh and tofu at the same time. Preheat the oven to 300°F. When you flip the tempeh, flip the tofu and switch the pans onto different racks to evenly cook the items. The tempeh will bake faster, so once it's done adjust the temperature to 350° and bake the tofu 10 to 15 additional minutes, or until golden brown.]
In a small dish, whisk one part soy mayo and one part red pepper vinaigrette. Place in refrigerator until ready to use.
Rinse and slice lettuce and tomato.
If you want, toast your bread.
To assemble, spread a little mayo mixture on the bread. Add two slices of tofu, some salad greens, tempeh slices, tomato and drizzle some more mayo. Top with bread, cut in half and dig in.
Minus the tempeh strips I didn't use a recipe but this sandwich is truly customizable. Don't like soy mayo? Skip it and use a Catalina dressing or mustard. Wanna fry? Pan fry the tempeh and/or tofu. Or omit the tofu altogether. I prepared the tofu and tempeh the night before but you can make it the day of, or buy marinated baked tofu and tempeh slices to save even more time. If you're in the mood for a picnic these sandwiches transport well. Enjoy!
- Tempeh (I used a tempeh bacon recipe from Vegetarian Times)
- Tofu, firm or extra firm, sliced lengthwise into 8 1/2 inch slices
- Tofu marinade: agave (or maple syrup), soy sauce (or tamari or Bragg's), oil (vegetable, corn, canola...)
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Soy mayo
- Red pepper vinaigrette
- Whole wheat bread (use a hardy bread that'll hold everything in place without getting soggy)
If preparing tempeh, follow the directions.Slice tofu and blot off excess moisture. Mix agave nectar, soy sauce and oil into a bowl. Dredge tofu slices through mixture and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
[You can bake the tempeh and tofu at the same time. Preheat the oven to 300°F. When you flip the tempeh, flip the tofu and switch the pans onto different racks to evenly cook the items. The tempeh will bake faster, so once it's done adjust the temperature to 350° and bake the tofu 10 to 15 additional minutes, or until golden brown.]
In a small dish, whisk one part soy mayo and one part red pepper vinaigrette. Place in refrigerator until ready to use.
Rinse and slice lettuce and tomato.
If you want, toast your bread.
To assemble, spread a little mayo mixture on the bread. Add two slices of tofu, some salad greens, tempeh slices, tomato and drizzle some more mayo. Top with bread, cut in half and dig in.
IndyGo gets GPS
I haven't rode the bus since winter, but I came across this item from a recent IndyGo newsletter.
Global Positioning system underway
IndyGo recently announced it was in the beginning stages of implementing the new Computer Aided Dispatch/Automated Vehicle Location system (CAD/AVL) to its entire fleet. The new system will assist with tracking motor coaches and ultimately improve efficiencies. IndyGo will begin to phase in these systems onto buses where passengers will begin to hear automated stop call outs. Installation will completed by the end of 2009. IndyGo would like to thank passengers for their patience as the company implements this new, improved efficiency.
I'll be interested in seeing how this turns out. This will be helpful for new and out-of-town riders since some bus drivers don't call out time points or streets. It would be even better if there was a way for riders to get live route updates.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
