tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79601457004618826892024-03-05T14:10:43.510-05:00Charm City VeganCharm City VeganNikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-53764610298881354212012-02-11T19:43:00.000-05:002012-02-11T19:43:23.959-05:00Black Bean Pico de Gallo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhiX6x78ulWqthVRx4MiLsjaMhUIaoJ_6FKpiDNo_aR_-CLZ-EWcXrkPvtHe78EDwGnLLm-yTFL9ZJ6imQsJ8oXTm6QRVjUbpfDsXud22ZC8-aiUnha95d91YM1Ea9HgrDTpsKvD2po6b/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhiX6x78ulWqthVRx4MiLsjaMhUIaoJ_6FKpiDNo_aR_-CLZ-EWcXrkPvtHe78EDwGnLLm-yTFL9ZJ6imQsJ8oXTm6QRVjUbpfDsXud22ZC8-aiUnha95d91YM1Ea9HgrDTpsKvD2po6b/s320/IMG_0398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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So it's been a little while. I wish I could say I've been off doing something incredibly fabulous, but that would be untrue. I've just been busy with work and school, like always. There's been some exciting cooking in the last month or so, and some not very inspired cooking. Sometimes I photographed the more exciting foods, sometimes I didn't.<br />
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But here we are. I had a girls' sleepover with some cousins a few weeks ago. This black bean pico de gallo was one of the finger foods I made. It's so easy and so yummy. And the proportions of ingredients really just depends on how much you want to make, and your tastes. I normally use two cans of beans, so we'll go with that.<br />
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You'll need:<br />
- 2 cans 15 oz black beans (or about 6 C dried black beans, soaked and cooked)<br />
- 1/2 red onion, chopped<br />
- 1/2 to 3/4 C corn<br />
- lime juice, to taste<br />
- cilantro, to taste<br />
- sea salt, to taste<br />
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Just mix everything together in a bowl.<br />
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Your mind is blown, right? So simple. Sometimes if I have leftovers, I eat these in tortilla shells. Equally yummy lunch.Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-53666010903161972462012-01-09T20:23:00.000-05:002012-01-09T20:23:19.233-05:00Black-Eyed Pea Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_GUFC7nm8X92gT2SEqR1hpsgE7GWOBPmfQizDLrCvBLfvrd74RFXiw86TUrZlpslBbupDwVhfWKPpp1Qm3Ynsukp2ntUvbNiNLLAdaDHiiyqWVLSrurhjZFJ7iI_QWLQ1dEcVToI4IrA/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_GUFC7nm8X92gT2SEqR1hpsgE7GWOBPmfQizDLrCvBLfvrd74RFXiw86TUrZlpslBbupDwVhfWKPpp1Qm3Ynsukp2ntUvbNiNLLAdaDHiiyqWVLSrurhjZFJ7iI_QWLQ1dEcVToI4IrA/s320/IMG_0260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Kind of fell off the map there, eh? I kind of went on a break from my regular life while on winter break, and that included the blog. Break was amazingly wonderful, and admittedly, I did very little in terms of fun and new and creative cooking. Instead, I got lots of sleep, read several books, put in time at the gym daily, put in even more time at the dog park, got together with friends. You know, the fun things that can't be your priority when you have work.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6Q2X1jHKJ6v32mSlhRKm970s3tVC3yUmbmLmbzFKXvZU30fDampur-u3DPtYsrnVwkfz4P7DPiPjFh4z28E_-F_J0dMCFWQbOy5WlaNCMVN1ISY1EeIvhRQU3_7lIhc8HUDa2RWy6kVm/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6Q2X1jHKJ6v32mSlhRKm970s3tVC3yUmbmLmbzFKXvZU30fDampur-u3DPtYsrnVwkfz4P7DPiPjFh4z28E_-F_J0dMCFWQbOy5WlaNCMVN1ISY1EeIvhRQU3_7lIhc8HUDa2RWy6kVm/s320/IMG_0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Even though it's the second week of January, I'm eating <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6010054">black-eyed pea salad</a> in the hopes that it will bring belated luck. I really like black-eyed peas but rarely eat them, for whatever reason. This salad has a tangy dressing, but I (think) I like it. And I really like eating it out of a mason jar. Not only is it super cute, but it makes packing my lunch for 2-3 days at a time much easier. I'm all about saving time, so making a big salad like this and serving it over several jars at once saves time, but more importantly, reduces the number of times I ask myself, "What the hell am I going to eat for lunch?" Maybe these little lucky legumes are rubbing off already...Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-81072818156363545342011-12-27T17:41:00.000-05:002011-12-27T17:41:16.535-05:00Christmas Cookie Extravaganza!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0364.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Happy Holidays! Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, and this year was wonderful. I had to cram four family celebrations into two days, across the state of Maryland, but it was well worth it. I got to spend those two days with some of my favorite people on Earth.<br />
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This year, I made cookies for several holiday functions as well as gifts for numerous family, friends, and co-workers. I made approximately: 20 dozen <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/vegan-with-a-vengeance-chocolate-chip-cookies-416357">chocolate chip cookies</a> (note: this recipe says the butter should be chilled; it actually needs to be room temperature), 6 dozen <a href="http://www.holycowvegan.net/2009/11/sugar-cookies-invade-my-cookie-jar.html">sugar cookies</a>, 2 dozen <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/vegan-oatmeal-raisin-cookies-460168">oatmeal raisin cookies</a>, and 2 dozen <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2009/09/mexican-hot-chocolate-snickerdoodles/">Mexican chocolate snickerdoodles</a>. I was a cookie-making machine.<br />
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All of the recipes I used came from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar, except for the chocolate chip cookies. That recipe is my go-to for chocolate chip cookies and is published in Vegan with a Vengeance. I gifted dozens upon dozens of chocolate chip cookies, all to non-vegans and many of whom later said how yummy they were. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0375.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Like I said before, this is my absolutely favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. In the nearly four years I've been vegan, I tried (and rejected) many recipes before trying this one. My only issue with this recipe is that not all of the flour or chips incorporate into the dough. So I reduce the amount for both. I only use about a cup of chocolate chips, and reduce the amount of flour by about 1/4 cup. This way, the dough isn't too sticky, but it also mixes nicely. Real scientific, I know...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0391.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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These sugar cookies are so yummy, but wow, they can be a pain. Be prepared with a cool kitchen and loads of patience. I had to chill my dough overnight; just a few hours in the refrigerator wasn't enough. Be sure to flour your surface and rolling pin; if the dough still tears and is too sticky, pat more flour onto the dough itself. This was a lot of trial-and-error, but with enough patience, it turned out really tasty. I brought these to a party on Friday; people scarfed them down within just a few hours.<br />
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Regrettably, I don't have a picture of the other two. They were really yummy, too! The Mexican chocolate snickerdoodles have a spicy kick thanks to the cayenne, but be sure to have a glass of almond milk on deck. You're gonna need it. And I'm not normally a fan of oatmeal cookies, but these were delicious! Even my brother liked them.<br />
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I hope your holiday was wonderful and filled with good company and good food!Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-75242435677133559392011-12-24T19:19:00.000-05:002011-12-24T19:19:02.511-05:00Chocolate-Glazed Cake Donuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbP5_c_0KwB8tpUf3Bd5aFpAzIvUtKLDzXvNQApUBFhjv7YuMtoWrFbho_57V3wJcCQ7W7xXWKBqfdMNnKe5LZXXWFeXIay4Xvrx8mK5Fxbcj4EipjtrkHZPIZxL029NpgNcrDPeWeCHE/s1600/DSCN2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbP5_c_0KwB8tpUf3Bd5aFpAzIvUtKLDzXvNQApUBFhjv7YuMtoWrFbho_57V3wJcCQ7W7xXWKBqfdMNnKe5LZXXWFeXIay4Xvrx8mK5Fxbcj4EipjtrkHZPIZxL029NpgNcrDPeWeCHE/s320/DSCN2759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Last weekend, I had a hankering for donuts. This was a pretty easy recipe to throw together. The only issue was that the recipe said it would make 6 full-sized donuts. And I'm pretty sure my donut pans are full-sized. So when I started piping the batter in the pan, I thought to myself, "Dang, this is a lot of batter for just six donuts. But Mama Pea's recipes are always legit... so I guess this is all for six donuts."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnx20xoZ5nyqdwjIOgb-VAbQKqf5_4bxjX9n60FXi0rLzYJpNamMg_NVaGumAR53Sn5dq9Fs0ka-JLMrptP3NVgecYow9R_WH4IBlvYu9Ybf-iHV5dgCIetyFdLn_ybzuaQctEgAeI_od/s1600/DSCN2756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnx20xoZ5nyqdwjIOgb-VAbQKqf5_4bxjX9n60FXi0rLzYJpNamMg_NVaGumAR53Sn5dq9Fs0ka-JLMrptP3NVgecYow9R_WH4IBlvYu9Ybf-iHV5dgCIetyFdLn_ybzuaQctEgAeI_od/s320/DSCN2756.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wrong. Very, very wrong. These donuts had the worst muffin top I've ever seen. Ever. Note to self: trust your instincts, dummy. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdU6sicpaUexGdtjb3WzmVY6PuEmx99wbnDg0nailWaFWPCJWCnlNqXDGMS5Dw9nUtm4Ob6s7Bs_fs2zO7aEINOwroCYAtePyOvyoQquC4Hc_2L8I0svGX8VOCraViJw9M5PfJ6z8kJFu/s1600/DSCN2757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdU6sicpaUexGdtjb3WzmVY6PuEmx99wbnDg0nailWaFWPCJWCnlNqXDGMS5Dw9nUtm4Ob6s7Bs_fs2zO7aEINOwroCYAtePyOvyoQquC4Hc_2L8I0svGX8VOCraViJw9M5PfJ6z8kJFu/s320/DSCN2757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though they look ridiculous and I felt like a moron, they were still delicious. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This recipea comes from the <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6000702">Peas and Thank You blog</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></div><div id="ingredients" style="margin: 10px;"><div class="single_recipe_header" id="ingr_header" style="color: #5d8618; font-size: 18px; margin: 6px 6px 6px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (Makes 6 full-size donuts)</span></div><ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 c. unbleached organic flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 T. baking powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/4 t. salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">dash of cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 t. ground nutmeg</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/4 c. vegan margarine (i.e. Earth Balance), melted</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">3/4 c. non-dairy milk</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 t. vanilla extract</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">3/4 c. organic sugar</li>
</ul><span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 7px;">Chocolate glaze:</span><br />
<ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 c. non-dairy chocolate chips</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 T. coconut oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">Optional: organic sprinkles</li>
</ul></div><div id="instructions" style="margin: 10px;"><div class="single_recipe_header" id="inst_header" style="color: #5d8618; font-size: 18px; margin: 6px 6px 6px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Instructions</div><ul class="single_recipe_text" id="inst" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">In a medium bowl, combine flours, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">In a small bowl (or just in your liquid measuring cup), combine melted margarine, milk, vanilla and sugar. Mix until sugar has dissolved.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Add milk mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">You’ll need a donut pan like this.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">I found mine at Crate + Barrel and bought it on the spot. And then I bought a one-piece bathing suit.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Pipe or spoon batter into a donut pan that has been lightly greased or sprayed with cooking spray.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Bake for 11-13 minutes or until donuts are firm to the touch. Allow donuts to cool in pan for approximately 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">For glaze, melt chocolate and oil in a shallow bowl, either using a microwave in 30-second increments or a double boiler.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Dip each donut in chocolate and top with sprinkles, if desired.</li>
</ul></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-70477945024734808332011-12-06T19:42:00.000-05:002011-12-06T19:42:10.354-05:00Simple Cabbage and Chickpea Soup with Fresh Basil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0323.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div>Right around the time my leg started feeling better, I came down with a cold. That was four weeks ago. My cold has worn out its welcome, but it is a rude visitor and doesn't care. It's also been cold. Really cold. As soon as the mercury dips below 50, I'm over winter.<br />
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</div><div>Given these two factors, little else sounds as appetizing as yummy, comforting soup. This cabbage soup comes from <a href="http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2011/04/cabbage-chickpea-soup-basil.html">Fat Free Vegan</a>. It really is quite simple and so easy to put together, but it tastes amazing. Give it a go if you want a delicious, warm, comforting meal!</div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-57169950457716578952011-12-05T20:12:00.001-05:002011-12-05T20:14:18.331-05:00Chocolate Peanut Butter Pillows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0293.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>I'm planning to bake a boat load of cookies for Christmas, but there are a few new recipes I want to try out before I give away cookies to people. This was one such recipe! An <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2009/03/peanut-butter-pillows/">Isa</a> creation, I wasn't too worried about the success of these little pieces of heaven, but still... I like testing things out first.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0294.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>These required a little time, but were relatively easy to put together. And the marriage of chocolate and peanut is always, always, always a good idea! I took these into work, so that, ya know, I wouldn't eat them all myself. My co-workers and I agree: these are fantastic!</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Peanut Butter Chocolate Pillows</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">makes 2 dozen cookies</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chocolate dough:</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup canola oil</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup sugar</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 cup pure maple syrup</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 tablespoons non-dairy milk</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/3 cup unsweetened dutch processed cocoa powder</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tablespoons black unsweetened cocoa or more dutch processed unsweetened cocoa powder</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 teaspoon salt</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Filling:</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3/4 cup natural salted peanut butter, crunchy or creamy style</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2/3 cup confectioner’s sugar</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 to 3 tablespoons soy creamer or non-dairy milk</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">In a large mixing bowl combine oil, sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, black cocoa if using, baking soda and salt. Mix to form a moist dough.</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">Make the filling. In another mixing bowl beat together peanut butter, confectioner’s sugar, 2 tablespoons of soy creamer and vanilla extract to form a moist but firm dough. If peanut butter dough is too dry (as different natural peanut butters have different moisture content), stir in remaining tablespoon of non-dairy milk. If dough is too wet knead in a little extra powdered sugar.</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">Preheat oven to 350°F. Line bakings sheet with parchment paper.</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">Shape the cookies. Create the centers of the cookies by rolling the peanut butter dough into 24 balls. Scoop a generous tablespoon of chocolate dough, flatten into a disc and place a peanut butter ball in the center. Fold the sides of the chocolate dough up and around the peanut butter center and roll the chocolate ball into an smooth ball between your palms. Place on a sheet of waxed paper and repeat with remaining doughs. If desired gently flatten cookies a little, but this is not necessary.</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;">Place dough balls on lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart and bake for 10 minutes. Remove sheet from oven and let cookies for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack to complete cooling. Store cookies in tightly covered container. If desired warm cookies in a microwave for 10 to 12 seconds before serving.</span></div></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-76309027553385394672011-12-04T20:41:00.000-05:002011-12-04T20:41:10.450-05:00Untoppable Black Bean Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBUiT3K5zSiAfl9tkK4Hu9i9xoLDwv3ZLJLU9Mfw0OpWQHQ5RAklDHlDDKkNxQay2ihH5I9fauyQl1Blvl_lLaaPeCIG0OGmne5R8WjhapqHZVNcArWluhnEK3hvcQixDfg8bGlWnUpau/s1600/DSCN2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBUiT3K5zSiAfl9tkK4Hu9i9xoLDwv3ZLJLU9Mfw0OpWQHQ5RAklDHlDDKkNxQay2ihH5I9fauyQl1Blvl_lLaaPeCIG0OGmne5R8WjhapqHZVNcArWluhnEK3hvcQixDfg8bGlWnUpau/s320/DSCN2683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The recipe for this amazing black bean soup comes from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Peas-Thank-You-Simple-Meatless/dp/0373892403">Peas and Thank You</a>. This was ridiculously easy to make, and so flavorful. I topped mine with sour cream, hot sauce, and cilantro. So perfect for chilly days!Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-48307906647231254332011-11-27T19:48:00.001-05:002011-11-27T19:49:15.912-05:00Pumpkin Sweet Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
A co-worker of mine, who shares my love of all things pumpkin, brought in a recipe for a sweet bread. The recipe she brought in wasn't vegan, but she said she thought maybe I could veganize it. Once I looked at it, I, too, thought that veganizing it would be easy. And it was! This is the kind of recipe when applesauce serves as the perfect egg substitute. The recipe can be used to make a loaf of bread or muffins; I made these on Thanksgiving, when baking time was a consideration, so I opted for muffins. These are really sweet and moist and fluffy, but the batter could be stretched to make 13 or 14 muffins, because some of the muffins in my dozen had serious muffin top.<br />
<br />
You'll need:<br />
1/2 C canola oil<br />
1 1/4 C sugar<br />
1/2 C applesauce<br />
1 C pumpkin<br />
1/2 C water<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 1/2 C all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 C whole wheat flour<br />
1/4 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp ground ginger<br />
1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
2. In a large bowl, combine wet ingredients. In another bowl, sift together dry ingredients.<br />
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients.<br />
4. If you want to bake muffins, spoon batter into tins. Bake for 18-20 minutes.<br />
5. If you want to bake a loaf of bread, pour batter into bread pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-25807435444429154052011-11-26T11:27:00.000-05:002011-11-26T11:27:41.673-05:00Holiday Mail for Heroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://onelittletrigirl.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/christmas-cards-ecard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="229" src="http://onelittletrigirl.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/christmas-cards-ecard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Last year, a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to participate in her and her boyfriend's effort to collect Christmas cards for soldiers. Given my love of Christmas, I was thrilled to help them, and sent in countless cards.<br />
<br />
This year, I want to do something similar. I'm not sure which program my friends used last year, but a Google search turned up the Red Cross's program <a href="http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.86f46a12f382290517a8f210b80f78a0/?vgnextoid=082dab0de3d64210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default">Holiday Mail for Heroes</a> among several results warning people of scams for this kind of thing. Trusting the legitimacy of the Red Cross, I'm going with their program this year. <br />
<br />
I'm sharing this across my social media forums in the hopes that others will join me and make a similar gesture. Regardless of political affiliation or opinions about our current government or military engagements, the individual soldiers are still people, spending holidays away from the warmth and safety of their homes and families.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
If you would like to participate, you can send your cards to:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Holiday Mail for Heroes</div><div style="text-align: center;">P.O. Box 5456<br />
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456</div><br />
<strong>All cards must be postmarked by Friday, December 9th</strong>. Cards postmarked after this day will be returned to sender. Please keep the following guidelines in mind:<br />
<br />
<li>Ensure that all cards are signed.</li><br />
<li>Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.</li><br />
<li>Only cards are being accepted. Do not send letters.</li><br />
<li>Do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.</li><br />
<li>Do not include inserts <strong>of any kind</strong>, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.</li><br />
<li>We encourage participants to mail as many cards as they are comfortable sending. If you are mailing a large quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes or use a flat rate box from the post office. Each card does not need its own envelope, as cards will be removed from all envelopes before distribution.</li><br />
<li>Please refrain from sending holiday cards with glitter. Many of these cards will be delivered to military and veterans medical facilities and the glitter could interfere with a patient's recovery</li>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-64088721159561379992011-11-26T11:21:00.000-05:002011-11-26T11:21:46.798-05:00Pumpkin Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0309.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, amirite? I tried my first vegan pumpkin pie last year. I can't remember what recipe I used, but I DO remember that it was a big flop. The pie wouldn't set. When <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/2011/11/13/this-thanksgiving-old-fashioned-pumpkin-pie/">Mama Pea</a>, who has never once led me astray, posted a recipe for pumpkin pie, I thought I'd give it a go. And this pie turned out wonderfully! I punked out and used a Wholly Wholesome crust, but I don't care because it was delicious. My only advice is to watch the condensed milk super closely! The line between condensed milk and gelatinous blob is very fine... and you don't want to cross it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="ingredients" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 10px;"><div class="single_recipe_header" id="ingr_header" style="color: #5d8618; font-size: 18px; margin: 6px 6px 6px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (1 9-in. pie)</span></div><ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></ul><span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 7px;">For the Crust:</span><br />
<ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 t. baking powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 t. salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/4 c. vegan margarine (i.e. Earth Balance) or coconut oil</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/4 c. maple syrup</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 t. vanilla</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">2-4 T. cold water</li>
</ul><span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 7px;">For the Filling:</span><br />
<ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 c. non-dairy or organic milk, divided</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 c. brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">3 T. cornstarch</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">2 c. canned pumpkin</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 T. ground flax</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 t. molasses</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 t. vanilla</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">2 t. cinnamon</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 t. salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 t. ginger</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 t. nutmeg</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">Garnish: non-dairy or organic whipped topping and pumpkin pie spice (optional)</li>
</ul></div><div id="instructions" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 10px;"><div class="single_recipe_header" id="inst_header" style="color: #5d8618; font-size: 18px; margin: 6px 6px 6px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Instructions</div><ul class="single_recipe_text" id="inst" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">For crust, in a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Cut in margarine or coconut oil until flour mixture is the texture of wet sand. You can also shortcut this process by using a food processor to blend your flour and fat together. Grandma didn’t. I do.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">In a liquid measuring cup, combine maple syrup, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of water. Pour mixture into flour.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Stir until a dough starts to form. If the dough seems to dry, you can add another tablespoon or two of water.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Transfer dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap and wrap up dough, pressing into a disc.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Put dough into the fridge to chill for at least an hour.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Meanwhile, make the filling by bringing 3/4 c. milk and brown sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Once it has come to a boil, lower heat. Put cornstarch in a small bowl or in your liquid measuring cup. Add remaining milk and stir until completely smooth.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Add cornstarch mixture to the pot, stirring rapidly.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Bring the mixture back to a low boil until it is quite thick.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Remove from heat.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, ground flax, molasses, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, ginger and nutmeg.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Add sweetened, condensed milk and stir until completely incorporated.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Set aside.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">When dough has chilled, preheat oven to 350 degrees.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Dust a bread board with flour and turn dough out onto board.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Roll dough out gently with a floured pin until it is about a quarter inch thick and about 12 inches in diameter.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Transfer your dough to the pie plate by rolling up the edge on your rolling pin and then unrolling your pin on top of your pie plate. Or you can invert your bread board completely on top of your pie plate.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Then press your dough into your plate and crimp the edge of your pie.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Using the tines of a fork, poke holes in the bottom of your pie crust.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Pour your prepared pumpkin filling into your pie shell and spread evenly to distribute.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Bake for 45-50 minutes, until pie is set. If you have a pie shield, you’ll want to place it over the crust after about 20 minutes. If you don’t have a pie shield, you can make one out of tin foil, but essentially this will keep your crust from getting too dark.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">When the pie is cool, cover and refrigerate, preferably overnight.</li>
</ul></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-83396732438712337032011-11-25T12:58:00.000-05:002011-11-25T12:58:25.805-05:00Thanksgiving 2011Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Growing up, I typically spent the day with my dad, and we'd go to either my grandmom's house or one of my aunt's houses. As much as I like eating lots of yummy food, seeing my family has always been my favorite part. Thanksgiving was one of the few days of the year when <b>everyone</b> got together - all six of my dad's siblings, all five of mine, and the dozens and dozens of our cousins.<br />
<br />
This year, however, I opted to stay in Baltimore with Mom. My (big) little brother came up (with the kittens), and it was really nice. While Thanksgivings are usually loud and crazy, the quiet change of pace was enjoyable. I liked spending the day with just my mom and my brother (and the crazy kittens).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I created a feast. I thought I'd be able to eat everything on my plate, but I was seriously mistaken. That's okay, though, because I've got lots of yummy leftovers for the weekend! I made sweet and mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, pumpkin sweet bread, and a variety of veggies. A pretty deprived vegan Thanksgiving, right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The cornbread stuffing is a <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/2011/10/26/this-thanksgiving-cornbread-dressing-with-tempeh-bacon-cherries-and-portabella-mushrooms/">Mama Pea</a> recipe. I used her Cowgirl Cornbread (from the book!) recipe as the basis for the stuffing and omitted the mushrooms. This dish was really savory and flavorful, and the dried cranberries added a nice tart, sweetness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="ingredients" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><div class="single_recipe_header" id="ingr_header" style="color: #5d8618; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Ingredients<span class="single_recipe_text" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"> (6-8 servings)</span></div><ul class="single_recipe_text" id="ingr" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1/2 of a large onion, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 c. portabella or crimini mushrooms, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 t. minced garlic</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">6 oz. package of Lightlife Smoky Tempeh Strips, prepared according to package directions or 1 batch homemade Tempeh Bacon, chopped into bite-size pieces</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">5 sage leaves, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 1/2 t. poultry seasoning</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">6 c. cornbread (i.e. Cowgirl Cornbread), cut into 2-inch cubes</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">1 c. dried cherries or cranberries (unsweetened, if possible)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">2-3 c. low sodium vegetable stock</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 4px;">salt and pepper to taste</li>
</ul></div><div id="instructions" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><div class="single_recipe_header" id="inst_header" style="color: #5d8618; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Instructions</div><ul class="single_recipe_text" id="inst" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; margin-left: 20px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Place a large skillet spritzed with oil or cooking spray over medium high heat. Add onion and mushroom and sauté 4 or 5 minutes or until softened and starting to brown.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Add chopped bacon to pan and continue to cook until heated through.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Add garlic, sage and poultry seasoning and continue to cook for an additional minute or until aromatic.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Cube your cornbread and place it in a large bowl.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Add cherries or cranberries to the cornbread.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Continue to add tempeh bacon mixture to the bowl.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Pour in vegetable stock a little at a time and stir until fully moistened. Add salt and pepper to taste.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Pour dressing into a 1-quart baking dish that has been lightly greased.</li>
<li class="instruction" style="margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 4px;">Bake for 30-35 minutes, until dressing is firm and browned.</li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/100MEDIA95IMAG0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/100MEDIA95IMAG0001.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An excellent neck warmer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirt!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2L8pjlHpTziSREUY1vS3rXWpQU5XFrIHnXw94Dl-Ie_GrbD_rMAdVTDVH_MTAsiZW49ZLaX_6D_otP9VxIITYjQahmwn40Xjiv0Ra3ky7pl6KRiye1KsNAvjTsQRibX5gA8mENDjWAOv/s1600/DSCN2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2L8pjlHpTziSREUY1vS3rXWpQU5XFrIHnXw94Dl-Ie_GrbD_rMAdVTDVH_MTAsiZW49ZLaX_6D_otP9VxIITYjQahmwn40Xjiv0Ra3ky7pl6KRiye1KsNAvjTsQRibX5gA8mENDjWAOv/s320/DSCN2691.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ozzy in the recycling bin.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UTWQh6WCS7czV9a-VGqgVz3zK2_3cmdbinxIO1tBfPzg5iHtvAmvjpdFcexcNaHAALBHOt9YVI5wjI2sawQwu7n8Tw5D0seBn2J-yRvawtdz4y8psY2OmzjIz43QTojto93jup2B7M7J/s1600/DSCN2698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UTWQh6WCS7czV9a-VGqgVz3zK2_3cmdbinxIO1tBfPzg5iHtvAmvjpdFcexcNaHAALBHOt9YVI5wjI2sawQwu7n8Tw5D0seBn2J-yRvawtdz4y8psY2OmzjIz43QTojto93jup2B7M7J/s320/DSCN2698.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFVRUipW8sMEv0MmUvKOj5-hvmF80ISOl-KfgfjJe59zbcCvhU59RQzoNWDUXRwrF4b154BmpA4mNGvXDRpbN_qNvQ_lRvl-QtgqGNDlvCkJ0RWS3sp9IUrhG3ttvnW10lLhhX1iTFVH_/s1600/DSCN2747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFVRUipW8sMEv0MmUvKOj5-hvmF80ISOl-KfgfjJe59zbcCvhU59RQzoNWDUXRwrF4b154BmpA4mNGvXDRpbN_qNvQ_lRvl-QtgqGNDlvCkJ0RWS3sp9IUrhG3ttvnW10lLhhX1iTFVH_/s320/DSCN2747.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">How did you spend your Thanksgiving? What's your favorite part? And are you crazy enough to brave Black Friday shopping? I, obviously, am not. :)</span></div></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-54956496298589229832011-11-22T20:18:00.000-05:002011-11-22T20:18:41.939-05:00Butternut Mac & Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0283.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The more I eat butternut squash, the more I love it. In fact... I fear in may be edging out sweet potatoes as one of my favorite foods. When I saw this ah-mazing recipe on <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/10/03/butternut-squash-mac-n-cheeze/">Oh She Glows</a>, I knew I had to try it. It was so delicious and yummy; it was tough convincing myself to not eat it alone for dinner. So I paired it with some sloppy joes from Veganomicon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Butternut Squash Mac ‘n Cheeze (Vegan with Gluten-free & Nut-Free options)</span></span></h3><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Yield</strong>: 4 servings or 1.5 cups of cheeze sauce</em></div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ingredients:</em></div><ul style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 fresh butternut squash* (peeled and chopped) OR 1 cup canned butternut squash OR canned pumpkin</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Extra virgin olive oil, S & P</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tbsp Earth Balance (or other non-dairy butter replacer)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3/4 cup <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">unsweetened & unflavoured</span> almond milk (revised from 1 cup)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tbsp <a href="http://www.foodsubs.com/ThickenStarch.html" style="color: #34c24e; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">arrowroot</a> powder (or cornstarch)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">6 tbsp nutritional yeast, or more to taste</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 tsp Dijon mustard</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 tsp garlic powder</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2-3/4 tsp kosher salt (or to taste) & ground black pepper, to taste</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">4 servings brown rice macaroni (8oz or half a 16oz package) makes 3 1/4 cup cooked</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mix-ins of choice (e.g., kale, spinach, broccoli, peas, pumpkin seeds, etc)</li>
</ul><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1. Preheat oven to 425F. Line a casserole dish with tin foil. Mix chopped squash with EVOO, S & P. Roast for about 40 minutes, uncovered, or until tender.</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2. Meanwhile, prepare the cheeze sauce in a pot on the stove top. Add Earth balance over low-medium heat. In a bowl, whisk together milk and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch or flour) until clumps are gone. Add into pot and whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients (nutritional yeast, Dijon, garlic, S & P) and whisk over low heat until thickened (about 5-7 minutes or so).</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3. Cook your pasta according to package directions. The sauce makes enough to cover 4 servings of pasta.</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">4. In a blender, blend the sauce with <strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">1 cup</span></strong> of roasted squash (or if using canned, simply stir 1 cup into the pot).</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">5. Add cooked, drained, and rinsed macaroni into pot, along with cheeze sauce & mix-ins. Heat and serve.</div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-85638427261935837432011-11-09T09:01:00.002-05:002011-11-09T09:03:58.774-05:00American Visionary Art Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvW56reeHP6buL91IGJp2X1SchoWkGCkqbGZAu1seeteo5z0_ScIdWbSZUJFDxFzArVJVZCxLUkImnSFB0eqHmy_oFeAt6awWRT2fQ_IemmIWo2LbmFOXW6w0HyzGDPQujLZzzSOEeafQ/s1600/DSCN2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvW56reeHP6buL91IGJp2X1SchoWkGCkqbGZAu1seeteo5z0_ScIdWbSZUJFDxFzArVJVZCxLUkImnSFB0eqHmy_oFeAt6awWRT2fQ_IemmIWo2LbmFOXW6w0HyzGDPQujLZzzSOEeafQ/s320/DSCN2678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div><br />
</div>This past weekend was full of visitors! Mandi came to visit because she had to attend an art museum for her art class. When she initially asked, I begrudgingly obliged: art museums really aren't my thing, but of course I'd go with her. And then, by chance, I drove past the American Visionary Art Museum down between Locust Point and Federal Hill. After checking out the <a href="http://www.avam.org/">website</a>, we both decided that place looked perfect!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>We got lunch at Sticky Rice beforehand, yum! That place has great food, but I wish they had better service. There was basically one girl, who appeared to be in training, waiting on six or seven tables, while two other employees just sat on their asses...</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWgbF_Vwt6HMl-vHmLmpIMjIKtAq06Vc5RN7BX2o5lMlhSKef2cCktEpDtI-ZCimbuyV9abLWmc78mr2lmh_l7roCHgp3L9x8mIaAfIushZXRsQBtm7f5uGSawSfQ9YavATVtZvgYjchD/s1600/DSCN2676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWgbF_Vwt6HMl-vHmLmpIMjIKtAq06Vc5RN7BX2o5lMlhSKef2cCktEpDtI-ZCimbuyV9abLWmc78mr2lmh_l7roCHgp3L9x8mIaAfIushZXRsQBtm7f5uGSawSfQ9YavATVtZvgYjchD/s320/DSCN2676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggie Tempura Plate.<br />
The customers on either side of us were all about<br />
the veggie tempura, watching me and asking me multiple questions<br />
<i>while</i> eating. So weird. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Nk64dJHO6YOmQFc0qscVpkGaeHfvozcw3cE4KiDkIAmOekPK_YCLCOVSLEa8b-ZfhzAAd8HnAS8c5cL0yTbFgK5dZWAjIn9pEk_L1fSudEDvQLXGCeW5SyKpjyAL-TeriexA0cqvi5r6/s1600/DSCN2677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Nk64dJHO6YOmQFc0qscVpkGaeHfvozcw3cE4KiDkIAmOekPK_YCLCOVSLEa8b-ZfhzAAd8HnAS8c5cL0yTbFgK5dZWAjIn9pEk_L1fSudEDvQLXGCeW5SyKpjyAL-TeriexA0cqvi5r6/s320/DSCN2677.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tofu Lettuce Wraps.<br />
Good, but mine are better. ;]</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>Anyway. You can't take pictures inside the museum. I debated breaking the rules, but I think a security person there could read minds, because he followed me through several rooms. The exhibit was All Things Round and the art work was so neat! A lot of the art on display was created by people with either disabilities or mental illnesses. Two of my favorites were the Bra Ball (some 18,000 bras put together to form a massive ball of bras) and this really colorful, intricate piece made out of only paper plates. It was amazing. We took a few outside of the museum.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen_ytD5bfSZEt2jugHOSyk_s32AqmjNHO3SUHCSH5M7eTKjdkSp8ZwjvTWr-pDoQeHmH4HMmWPZlEATrpmUftKcVYsFN5VRGdL7PqHPaHW6MpQRymQs4RorWeoDBxMPCAbDJjCEJ_1kMZ/s1600/DSCN2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjen_ytD5bfSZEt2jugHOSyk_s32AqmjNHO3SUHCSH5M7eTKjdkSp8ZwjvTWr-pDoQeHmH4HMmWPZlEATrpmUftKcVYsFN5VRGdL7PqHPaHW6MpQRymQs4RorWeoDBxMPCAbDJjCEJ_1kMZ/s320/DSCN2679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Actually, we took two inside.<br />
So shoot us.<br />
We're just so beautiful.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0245.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0246.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I <b>love</b> mosaics!<br />
Can you spot us?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>When we got back to the house, my brother was there! With his two kittens.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0249.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0254.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ozzy snacking on my fingers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Mandi and I ended up "cat-sitting" that night.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0256.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirt, again. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>And wow, was it crazy. They were all over the place, biting things (and people!) and jumping on everything they weren't supposed to. They also really enjoy chewing on my glasses, laptop, and hair. So cute, but so, so bad! I actually thought about giving them some Benadryl... I draw the line at <b>fighting on my back</b> at 3AM while I'm trying to sleep!</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0261.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't be mad when they're being all<br />
sorts of adorable, though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>And, if you're thinking to yourself, "She's posting in the middle of the day. Is she home?" The answer is yes. As of last night, I decided I needed at least another day to recuperate. My wonderful and amazing friend Jen stopped by to drop off some goodies for me, and I ventured down to the living room for her visit. I know, I'm doing big things. Really, I just didn't want to expose her to the disaster I call my bedroom. Before bed last night, I took off my ace bandage because I wasn't sure how much it was helping.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Big mistake. I'm really paying for it now, and I'm grateful I had already decided to stay home today. So it is now wrapped, elevated, and on ice. Praying it is well enough for work tomorrow. </div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0267.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet little babies from school made this.<br />
I can almost envision them,"Sometimes we don't cooperate with you,<br />
sometimes we make you crazy, <br />
and sometimes we even hit or spit on you,<br />
but we miss you."</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/IMAG0268.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen got a card (with dogs on the front! The very cause of this<br />
predicament!) and made some of my favorite chickpea salad,<br />
This is amazing because I can't even stand<br />
long enough to make toast.<br />
Thank you SO much, Jen!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-50023189422792546012011-11-08T10:22:00.000-05:002011-11-08T10:22:46.770-05:00Who sustains serious injuries while at the dog park?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0266.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Gud mornin hooman, why iz yew in bed?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, I'm laid up in bed today. Yesterday was unusually beautiful (sunny and 65 degrees in November? Yes, please) so I took advantage of the weather and went to the dog park with Dakota. Everything was going well - she made two friends who loved to rough house as much as she does. Then this ugly, annoying, pervert of a dog (and no, I'm not biased. It looked like a giant rat.) showed up and would not leave Dakota alone. Dakota loves just about everyone canine or human, but she WILL become aggressive if a dog is too much up in her lady parts or tries to hump her. It just doesn't fly with her, and I don't blame her. She kept barking at this dog, like, "Hey, back off perv, I don't like that." The dog was oblivious and so was his moronic owner, and Dakota was becoming increasingly agitated. So, I turned to shoo Dakota away from that dog, and as I turned back around, this beautiful, massive Rottweiler took off after a tennis ball and collided head-on in my shin. I'm talking 150 pounds of all muscle, hauling ass, connecting with my shin. I yelled a couple of expletives, and as soon as I was sure I could walk, we dipped out.<br />
<br />
Omni Mom is wonderful, and took me to the ER. Nothing is fractured or broken, but I have a huge, bruised lump, and the bruising runs up and my down my leg. I'm on crutches and laid up to try to prevent worsening bruising. Awesome...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0264.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wrapped this thing to death overnight...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been distracted by a poorly behaved dog. So, fellow dog owners, <b>please understand that the dog park is not a babysitting service</b>. You need to be cognizant of where your dog is and what s/he's doing at all times... or else next time, I might let Dakota tear into your dog.Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-51595757832895093762011-11-01T20:51:00.001-04:002011-11-01T20:59:45.910-04:00A few things!Hey guys! I few things I wanted to share with you all:<br />
<br />
>> A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the manager at Great Sage, an amaaazing all-vegan restaurant in Clarksville. She asked me to guest blog, which was super flattering and awesome, and I happily obliged! Check out my post "<a href="http://greatsageblog.com/2011/11/youre-a-what/">You're a What?</a>" and let me know what you think!<br />
<br />
>> My amazingly smart, innovative, dedicated friend Krista moved to <a href="http://charmcityvegan.blogspot.com/2011/05/charm-city-vegans-goes-to-new-orleans.html">New Orleans</a> three years ago after she was invited to join Teach for America. After her time as a TFA teacher was up, she stayed in the area, teaching at the school she'd been at for the last two years. When I visited her in the spring, I had the chance to meet her students, and they were great! Unfortunately, the school is underfunded and doesn't have a ton of resources. Being the self-starter she is, Krista applied to participate in the Pepsi Refresh Project. Her project has been chosen, and she now has the opportunity to win $5K for her project. There are only five days to vote, so please <a href="http://www.refresheverything.com/woodmere">check it out</a> and cast your vote!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwh00P-sHBFmg86l_QXsLGLlIVO7iV9lL68dNqOi5Jrn8qjlg8tVkgtCrW_kKMtN4gyP349IJcUsbO0xL_xeI_QapGGAAOwVVIw9SRNVxGszWj4RJSz2CJHw639BgTogXGZNeVHSQq7MS/s1600/227663_900002071655_18408452_43860854_3713803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwh00P-sHBFmg86l_QXsLGLlIVO7iV9lL68dNqOi5Jrn8qjlg8tVkgtCrW_kKMtN4gyP349IJcUsbO0xL_xeI_QapGGAAOwVVIw9SRNVxGszWj4RJSz2CJHw639BgTogXGZNeVHSQq7MS/s320/227663_900002071655_18408452_43860854_3713803_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Krista in NOLA.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
>> Lastly, my brother, who works in construction, had a near-death experience today at work. He sent me a rattling text tonight, which prompted me to call him and grill/lecture him in the crazy-but-only-because-I-love-you-and-care way that only big sisters can. He is okay, but I'm still shaken. Thinking about how quickly everything happened, how far he is from me, how lucky we are that someone was able to save him, makes me think about how fleeting life is. So hug your loved ones whenever you can. Tell them you love them every day. You never know when they might be taken from you.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd-qA4o8gPjiKG6pv6WNGkEkgr9NZ8JHPrKZDj2XMzao-VHpg8Lg97qzpujenl3xErg0vcYKfqq-g6Lh1sloKOj2qeiM67IrRDwYOQHq5ACSFLmaJS2HOaBbhSTIlmOVuu1vuVZwIWErH/s1600/n18408452_32020720_9984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd-qA4o8gPjiKG6pv6WNGkEkgr9NZ8JHPrKZDj2XMzao-VHpg8Lg97qzpujenl3xErg0vcYKfqq-g6Lh1sloKOj2qeiM67IrRDwYOQHq5ACSFLmaJS2HOaBbhSTIlmOVuu1vuVZwIWErH/s320/n18408452_32020720_9984.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Niki & Baby-Baby Matthew :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-78722003563134278072011-10-31T20:52:00.000-04:002011-10-31T20:52:24.801-04:00Witch's Brew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkDW8ay8o5swtLMyfqXFi22XutAFrDQRU4caNha3F7lbYmRgi75JPW9-hn7tPG2mAoWgbYBIqV0-BwUjoPruP4MTWdq4_FqVOuqd7JyJSEsxuqv9Y66RBnZQZrNNMy3tpMxlJv-0rarZ4/s1600/DSCN2665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkDW8ay8o5swtLMyfqXFi22XutAFrDQRU4caNha3F7lbYmRgi75JPW9-hn7tPG2mAoWgbYBIqV0-BwUjoPruP4MTWdq4_FqVOuqd7JyJSEsxuqv9Y66RBnZQZrNNMy3tpMxlJv-0rarZ4/s320/DSCN2665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Happy Halloween! I can't believe it's the end of October. This month was a whirlwind. I bring you witch's brew with a witch's finger to celebrate today and wrap up Vegan MoFo!<br />
<br />
The soup is a <a href="http://weeklyveganmenu.blogspot.com/2010/10/monday-lunch-witch-fingers-and-brew.html">cheesy broccoli soup</a>. While I love all of the ingredients in this soup, the flavor left me wanting more. I'm not sure what it was, but it was definitely missing something. I googled a simple bread stick recipe and used this one. The flavor was great! I just added a sliced almond on the end for the fingernail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAOP-fsS0fTfsajzQKEle-cx6C3hk2PGmsymHvhxFth6BjyZDlKUEMJXzbAW-PgVjT6JZOprDLJ7oN_D-_Ykh8jdVya9QFML8Y2XFNqWVlDJur16ZwtPrWNehl-JxQPleSP6mRT9TfPe3/s1600/DSCN2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAOP-fsS0fTfsajzQKEle-cx6C3hk2PGmsymHvhxFth6BjyZDlKUEMJXzbAW-PgVjT6JZOprDLJ7oN_D-_Ykh8jdVya9QFML8Y2XFNqWVlDJur16ZwtPrWNehl-JxQPleSP6mRT9TfPe3/s320/DSCN2669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJly5qPrGqd5klNzn-NvTiZEWsjBxb7d8KAR_M7teq5OKEd7hRwGKYR8DP_hVitwOtsC7c3Rwbbxrop8P6FfrRCnAGYZEsvmTOBnVqUHeFryDZgb375jk0TRx5ic5n0mE7uNEKDONXGOvx/s1600/DSCN2673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJly5qPrGqd5klNzn-NvTiZEWsjBxb7d8KAR_M7teq5OKEd7hRwGKYR8DP_hVitwOtsC7c3Rwbbxrop8P6FfrRCnAGYZEsvmTOBnVqUHeFryDZgb375jk0TRx5ic5n0mE7uNEKDONXGOvx/s320/DSCN2673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you all so much for the great feedback during Vegan Mofo, whether it was here, Facebook, or Twitter! I loved reading your thoughts and your experiences; it made Vegan MoFo that much more fun! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s1600/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s320/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-46914942053850949142011-10-30T18:09:00.000-04:002011-10-30T18:09:26.396-04:00Halloween 2011 Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0232.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So if you didn't notice, I missed the past two days. Part of me is annoyed with myself because I typically don't like not meeting goals. The other part of me knows how crazy the past week has been, more so than usual, and this same part of me knows how much time I spent in the kitchen over the weekend, too. So forgive me, but I have Halloween treats to make it up to you.<br />
<br />
My cousin Johnathan and two of his friends threw a Halloween party last night, and it was crazy! They did an amazing job of transforming the garage into a legitimately cool party space, complete with black lights and fog machines, and Mike played the best dance music all night. I made some treats, but between being busy preparing everything and my camera's recent bitchassness, I didn't get a ton of photos. In fact, some things didn't get photographed at all. Womp, womp. In addition to the <a href="http://www.newveganing.com/2010/10/pumpkin-smores-cupcakes.html">s'more-pumpkin cupcakes</a>, I made <a href="http://charmcityvegan.blogspot.com/2011/01/taco-dip.html">taco dip</a>, <a href="http://charmcityvegan.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.html">pumpkin chocolate chip cookies</a> (with better results than the first go-round), black bean dip, and vanilla cupcakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0236.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFrv2K3YUGeI2bQxW72uFT5j6foQfam68RLaOEWrFNTXX0G0KtBGee79SzV-5QOaGF0FJwojQw6RPChK2WZDq4mCuJ1VdU12OO9MIyHFWKSRODvOjfofrilTm4CNV_UsTgX4euzpy3Nuy/s1600/317283_284752201546918_100000364215427_967272_230967912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFrv2K3YUGeI2bQxW72uFT5j6foQfam68RLaOEWrFNTXX0G0KtBGee79SzV-5QOaGF0FJwojQw6RPChK2WZDq4mCuJ1VdU12OO9MIyHFWKSRODvOjfofrilTm4CNV_UsTgX4euzpy3Nuy/s320/317283_284752201546918_100000364215427_967272_230967912_n.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Alice! And a Mad Hatter!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxStmUnvRnKLSUrIcgxQknz2BVuSSCJiSv92WNOXovMBO79LMZZWP8F-3aDXz3Cr6f3IMC5__NNpzo3BwHH_TNU20zGB_gHZiURNE07FVt0b2a3HAZNL91qRplKy0DqMT35AeTk8MtV_lr/s1600/393220_284752718213533_100000364215427_967279_284719154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxStmUnvRnKLSUrIcgxQknz2BVuSSCJiSv92WNOXovMBO79LMZZWP8F-3aDXz3Cr6f3IMC5__NNpzo3BwHH_TNU20zGB_gHZiURNE07FVt0b2a3HAZNL91qRplKy0DqMT35AeTk8MtV_lr/s320/393220_284752718213533_100000364215427_967279_284719154_n.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
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Halloween and Vegan MoFo posts wrap up tomorrow with a bewitched soup and pumpkin carving. How did you spend Halloween weekend?Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-42307117955225120412011-10-27T21:37:00.001-04:002011-10-27T21:39:38.446-04:00What Does a Vegan Eat? Baltimore Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiNZyN2SSXhiemwED6Z5tgBBQS8jeMaYvN1EcDXRwrlwRwrW7GsLYecM9kXye83dVh8ZRSBDQaAGcTlznQk0j2_tqKChnBo5NKocrWSZbLaB5vfzezk77buk02-utklU1ymSnEC-VVXgW/s1600/baltimore_eve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiNZyN2SSXhiemwED6Z5tgBBQS8jeMaYvN1EcDXRwrlwRwrW7GsLYecM9kXye83dVh8ZRSBDQaAGcTlznQk0j2_tqKChnBo5NKocrWSZbLaB5vfzezk77buk02-utklU1ymSnEC-VVXgW/s400/baltimore_eve.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Disclaimer: I know I promised Halloween-inspired posts this week. I also know this is not Halloween-inspired in the least. I wanted to share this, though, in case you find yourself in Baltimore and in need of a delicious meal!<br />
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Say what you will about Baltimore, but vegans and vegetarians have it pretty decent out here. There are several veg-friendly restaurants, and it seems that the number of such restaurants is on the rise. While this is not at all comprehensive or representative of all that Baltimore has to offer (for that, check out <a href="http://www.vegbaltimore.com/">VegBaltimore</a>!), here's a look at some of my favorite places to eat!<br />
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<a href="http://www.bmoresticky.com/">Sticky Rice</a>, Fells Point - A tiny Pan-Asian restaurant and bar. Sometimes the service is a little slow, and weekend nights are always packed, but the food is yummy! They have plenty of veg and non-veg options, including rice and noodle dishes and sushi.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzeEPfRa0jjBc5FbRnetzflfAViZ4u_3kOhcqTk9qFm1Oh7A7Kh_mGu5rTnIaR-qs1BkFMNe9yV7iIfS2f451H7Kr2VOvmQn9PrzgCxGsRKR3Tkdl-vII0eoJa1iwT-Uf0wOMhJFN44pe/s1600/SR+Tofu+Bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzeEPfRa0jjBc5FbRnetzflfAViZ4u_3kOhcqTk9qFm1Oh7A7Kh_mGu5rTnIaR-qs1BkFMNe9yV7iIfS2f451H7Kr2VOvmQn9PrzgCxGsRKR3Tkdl-vII0eoJa1iwT-Uf0wOMhJFN44pe/s320/SR+Tofu+Bites.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tofu Triangles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEWoXJrICkJLe-4RxDV8fuMuIfD2I5VyJa3guKYHyPnNRruugh5sXuS8OmpeTL4oraDCwxmxm54_XwyGWw0KQT_VH_rsB1zcSsYyLrImFXc1EzMr5coVlRSN2DLXV14X8wqzEkhQmRJYv/s1600/SR+Mock+Chicken+Schezshuan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEWoXJrICkJLe-4RxDV8fuMuIfD2I5VyJa3guKYHyPnNRruugh5sXuS8OmpeTL4oraDCwxmxm54_XwyGWw0KQT_VH_rsB1zcSsYyLrImFXc1EzMr5coVlRSN2DLXV14X8wqzEkhQmRJYv/s320/SR+Mock+Chicken+Schezshuan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mock Chicken Szechuan</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.johnnyrads.com/JohnnyRads/JohnnyRads.html">Johnny Rad's</a>, Fells Point - A pizza joint with amazing black bean hummus and great pizza!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0723.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Gato, veganized</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Mr. Chan, Pikesville - My favorite Chinese place, hands down. It's a bit of a drive from my house, but the food and service are always great! They pretty much know my order when they see me come in...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXuTLnUzvRKsMBk0KykISRikMcMZHwbsBSqSBTmnejf7nZ6uqVq6RejlOt7rtxJOIpbIk-B9lmtbrPTMvx5iKKlASKBSorcAdFltkokRA_J8DJP8zt2z6nGwwLhp7fdHsg0rJ99lsHQYa/s1600/Picture+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXuTLnUzvRKsMBk0KykISRikMcMZHwbsBSqSBTmnejf7nZ6uqVq6RejlOt7rtxJOIpbIk-B9lmtbrPTMvx5iKKlASKBSorcAdFltkokRA_J8DJP8zt2z6nGwwLhp7fdHsg0rJ99lsHQYa/s320/Picture+033.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm Protein Salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<a href="http://greatsage.com/">Great Sage</a>, Clarksville - I am sad to report that I don't have any pictures to share with you, but don't let this deter you! This all-vegan restaurant/bar is about 30 minutes outside of the city, near Columbia, but the drive is so worth it! The food is amazing, and the staff is always wonderfully friendly and helpful. Where else would the guy working the bar let two seven-year-olds sample three different smoothies before making up their minds?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.papermoondiner24.com/">Paper Moon Diner</a>, Remington - A funky diner that has amazing food! They are open late at night, too, which I appreciate when I'm three sheets to the wind and need food.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrexvE7pBo12nwgy-3KossC3PnGch3JDtV6ayc4-UQ5Rq7C0QgGWk7xquRqxEtG8_ZtnDkNZXB44eFiXaJzKqoM-kdctxeJKwySVRk4NJ-isH-jcmtwaUsPtuBWezh1rnGoIo2xJAxoDY/s1600/DSCN1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrexvE7pBo12nwgy-3KossC3PnGch3JDtV6ayc4-UQ5Rq7C0QgGWk7xquRqxEtG8_ZtnDkNZXB44eFiXaJzKqoM-kdctxeJKwySVRk4NJ-isH-jcmtwaUsPtuBWezh1rnGoIo2xJAxoDY/s320/DSCN1980.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life on the Pita</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6xoQhBOP0L7-Nfy_QkEkV8LCuBAB1J1s4FJDzrFvlP_X0adAaTm1vPiTzqi9Tc6OLz988_pza5pjChTlHLt2kjYOPqrr-We905EdAgMdap_Ujv2Z_rm0Z6PEhd41apsk9sG5U9IFm1_B/s1600/Picture+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6xoQhBOP0L7-Nfy_QkEkV8LCuBAB1J1s4FJDzrFvlP_X0adAaTm1vPiTzqi9Tc6OLz988_pza5pjChTlHLt2kjYOPqrr-We905EdAgMdap_Ujv2Z_rm0Z6PEhd41apsk9sG5U9IFm1_B/s320/Picture+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda's Vegan Wrap</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://one-world-cafe.com/">One World Cafe</a>, Charles Village - A great all veg cafe! Since this place is totally meat free, they have tons of vegan options, too, including brunch! They have several great dinner meals, too.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybaOI0CkMAB9GknTQABfc4wSXF4xxd60Fzc1cr6Er2iGsoYNi7dSvvgJNXiu1euo4lQ2YiTcmQaouBFNxdcVXJJ2e73f0jCpAfRpOy2pAsa-EoMKn6hbm3rVf1nTLD2AI1p3bhGADmNO4/s1600/DSCN1796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybaOI0CkMAB9GknTQABfc4wSXF4xxd60Fzc1cr6Er2iGsoYNi7dSvvgJNXiu1euo4lQ2YiTcmQaouBFNxdcVXJJ2e73f0jCpAfRpOy2pAsa-EoMKn6hbm3rVf1nTLD2AI1p3bhGADmNO4/s320/DSCN1796.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan Pancakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Where's your favorite place to dine in Charm City? Any recommendations I should add to my list of places to check out?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s1600/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s320/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-23486233594728463412011-10-26T22:04:00.000-04:002011-10-26T22:04:26.665-04:00Pumpkin Smoothie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg5RWMbMzB3EbpboOb1QVSHfhxMXmHsm44KbT1SN0U08xiWmvtSQDKhlvYSDug_riwtcB9N3bC2XD-Z3KUaCZTTnD7WUboK8jKzuO0jj0tNnDPD-oxT0vBjfjVgQXJ6OQfHs7NJzTR_P0/s1600/DSCN2657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcg5RWMbMzB3EbpboOb1QVSHfhxMXmHsm44KbT1SN0U08xiWmvtSQDKhlvYSDug_riwtcB9N3bC2XD-Z3KUaCZTTnD7WUboK8jKzuO0jj0tNnDPD-oxT0vBjfjVgQXJ6OQfHs7NJzTR_P0/s320/DSCN2657.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div>The flash on my camera has gone haywire, so please excuse this terrible picture. I've got leftover pumpkin sitting in the fridge, so I decided to make a smoothie this evening. I've seen a bunch of different recipes floating around, so I settled for this combination of recipes.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: skolar, serif; font-size: 16px;"><h3 style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ingredients:</h3><ul class="ingredients" style="font-family: skolar, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 10px;"><li class="ingredient" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="value" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1</strong> whole</span> <span class="name" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">bananas (frozen)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="value" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">¼</strong> cup</span> <span class="name" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">canned pure pumpkin</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="value" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1</strong> tsp</span> <span class="name" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">pumpkin pie spice</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="value" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">¼</strong> cup</span> <span class="name" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">non-dairy milk</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">a dash of <span class="name" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">ground ginger</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="value" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1</strong> tsp</span> <span class="name" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">pure maple syrup</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">graham cracker, crumbled</span></li>
</ul><h3 style="font-family: skolar, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Instructions:</h3><div class="instructions" style="font-family: skolar, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.8125em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-family: skolar, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.8125em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Combine all ingredients in a blender and whiz until smooth, adding more non-dairy milk as necessary to achieve proper consistency. Add more pumpkin or spice to taste. Garnish with crumbled graham cracker.</div><div style="font-family: skolar, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.8125em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: skolar, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.8125em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ridiculously easy, right?</div><div style="font-family: skolar, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.8125em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s1600/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s320/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: skolar, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0.8125em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-6060049558825729452011-10-25T20:53:00.002-04:002011-10-25T20:56:13.252-04:00Pumpkin Brownies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2RC3RbPhzv6UVJQ-ZMFRwHUnEgoR1-ntLEAnKTdVQx1eLFn53joU3BIBoCx_hD3Zsw6GdrTKE5kbhuhrMkObfMXaDncKr3fl7lJGAd_DhK7ZQdn9iVM9t3jQHSoJklPixYhlcurC7KRW/s1600/DSCN2644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2RC3RbPhzv6UVJQ-ZMFRwHUnEgoR1-ntLEAnKTdVQx1eLFn53joU3BIBoCx_hD3Zsw6GdrTKE5kbhuhrMkObfMXaDncKr3fl7lJGAd_DhK7ZQdn9iVM9t3jQHSoJklPixYhlcurC7KRW/s320/DSCN2644.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I bring you yet another pumpkin baked good. At this point, it's a miracle I haven't turned into a pumpkin. I saw these on <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/10/01/pumpkin-pie-brownie-cupcakes/">Oh She Glows</a> and wanted to give them a try. I refused to let these sit around my kitchen, tempting me with their dark deliciousness, so I brought some into work. Omni Mom did not like the texture, but just about everyone else said they loved them! And for what it's worth, I think they're pretty good, too. ;]</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><u style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients:</span></u></div><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pumpkin Brownie Layer:</span></strong></div><ul style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup canned pumpkin</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup + 3 tbsp sugar</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup coconut oil, softened</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3/4 cup white kamut flour (or white)</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot/tapioca)</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup dutch processed cocoa powder</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tsp sea salt</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tsp baking soda</span></li>
</ul><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Pumpkin Pie Layer</strong>:</span></div><ul style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup canned pumpkin</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot/tapioca)</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp pure vanilla extract</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/3 cup sugar</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 tbsp almond milk</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg)</span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shaved chocolate, for garnish</span></li>
</ul><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><u style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directions:</span></u></div><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a muffin tin.</span></div><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. For brownie layer: In a stand mixer or by hand, mix together the coconut oil, pumpkin, vanilla, and sugar until blended well. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking, soda, sea salt and mix until incorporated. Take about 2 tbsp of the mixture and place in muffin tin. Wet fingers and spread around evenly so it is smooth. I made 8 large cupcakes and 2 small ones.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0225.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Brownie batter.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. For pumpkin layer: In a large bowl mix together the pumpkin, vanilla, and milk. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well until all clumps are gone. Now add approx 1.5-2 tbsp of the pumpkin pie mixture on top of each brownie in the pan. Garnish with grated chocolate (I used a lemon zester to grate the chocolate).</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0226.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Layering the pumpkin.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Bake for 30 minutes at 350F. Remove from oven and cool for 20-30 minutes and then move to the fridge to chill for 1.5 hours.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0227.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Ready for the oven!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Serves approx 8-10. I made 8 large cupcakes and 2 small ones (for kids). Enjoy with vegan vanilla ice cream.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5YbLjPPc-iHfa1-j1up_Ok2Xil3jQY3XlbaWT3O_Ot8OdVGWVXG6_kmyZ9mM6BJx4d8ceJ9xztGyFa-WpfqVX2wxaqWgRyJ2rusZtWjeLGQzKcq-yMu1KhCKyXnRCpBaQwcI122inIhO/s1600/DSCN2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5YbLjPPc-iHfa1-j1up_Ok2Xil3jQY3XlbaWT3O_Ot8OdVGWVXG6_kmyZ9mM6BJx4d8ceJ9xztGyFa-WpfqVX2wxaqWgRyJ2rusZtWjeLGQzKcq-yMu1KhCKyXnRCpBaQwcI122inIhO/s320/DSCN2643.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is what I did at work the other day. I love working with pre-k, but especially around holidays. For some of my students, the activities we do, like carving pumpkins, are the first time they experience something like this. And for most of them, regardless of their previous experiences, this is when they start forming memories of this sort of thing. It's really fun to be a part of it, and seeing how excited they get over things like this makes holiday activities even more enjoyable for me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0224.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s1600/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s320/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-59356063605132356972011-10-24T21:22:00.002-04:002011-10-24T21:26:16.232-04:00Stuffed BiscuitsHalloween, hands down, is one of my favorite holidays. I love absolutely everything about it, and it also happens to be Dakota's birthday. I've got loads of Halloween-inspired recipes coming up this week and I'm super excited to share them with you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG2I2n7phed4Hl6gt6aUD-yVgdT1x3CpMuA_Enlp6-EItjT53UUrJrrczy67vWHTutLvIob3TLHxitqKlRuoVwirZgOwJxpZshtoxTMD7FbfCSxNUWpoeRlr-eQ9pL6CLN64mVNH_lMAG/s1600/DSCN2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG2I2n7phed4Hl6gt6aUD-yVgdT1x3CpMuA_Enlp6-EItjT53UUrJrrczy67vWHTutLvIob3TLHxitqKlRuoVwirZgOwJxpZshtoxTMD7FbfCSxNUWpoeRlr-eQ9pL6CLN64mVNH_lMAG/s320/DSCN2637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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First up are stuffed biscuits. I can't remember how I stumbled across <a href="http://weeklyveganmenu.blogspot.com/2010/10/friday-lunch-halloween-stuffed-biscuits.html">this recipe</a>, but I immediately fell in love with it and wanted to try it. I didn't have any kids to share this cute and fun food with... but my excitement over this more than makes up for it. I followed this recipe pretty much to the tee, but added some baby carrots and a stalk of celery to the onions while sauteing. Yum!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07597bo6E65r_1aUPratpGYvrjjbCm-DJ2dnm9_JmFQonUQFGK1lgCHmJGNY35a57QW4TKIiGXBkl1rztpBEB7AedjVko4AxEKJ253G0DgMz8cnMAovjylqFUGa86_M62BkC6pKRck47d/s1600/DSCN2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07597bo6E65r_1aUPratpGYvrjjbCm-DJ2dnm9_JmFQonUQFGK1lgCHmJGNY35a57QW4TKIiGXBkl1rztpBEB7AedjVko4AxEKJ253G0DgMz8cnMAovjylqFUGa86_M62BkC6pKRck47d/s320/DSCN2636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxD_pUsuxaqBhL-iUOX9Enl_e12WL_dRw6DcehnGAyFZ4G4GxL5gmFupW6liDfnx8S1k0aL_WS5bmT-H7AD_2rHn76RTyyP1DLWrngjKsQjf6Ps0iE9w9-vfZK-PF0vjcwfiXr2-1bqLt/s1600/DSCN2638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxD_pUsuxaqBhL-iUOX9Enl_e12WL_dRw6DcehnGAyFZ4G4GxL5gmFupW6liDfnx8S1k0aL_WS5bmT-H7AD_2rHn76RTyyP1DLWrngjKsQjf6Ps0iE9w9-vfZK-PF0vjcwfiXr2-1bqLt/s320/DSCN2638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7IFHvUuKpqsEQq2W29VH9TsqK-YotrfAips5tlvyZPeymX43RDeMyyVgdxVjj4jQYK3Co-tEqsLL4j17C0TpOthueEKJWV9V6vSNpISpDVkJ2h-lnSVcoQ8EZpbkWMihgpk7Guong3-v/s1600/DSCN2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7IFHvUuKpqsEQq2W29VH9TsqK-YotrfAips5tlvyZPeymX43RDeMyyVgdxVjj4jQYK3Co-tEqsLL4j17C0TpOthueEKJWV9V6vSNpISpDVkJ2h-lnSVcoQ8EZpbkWMihgpk7Guong3-v/s320/DSCN2639.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting faces was tough; I was lazy with some of them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now it's Monday Night and the Ravens are on MNF. Are you ready for some football?!?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDooolihGsmdOaRBpo2NNh6yKjINsjPDBf5xDRJhOya1FfoVQiHGT85YYBbXfEmvRJHa072WlezM96GuWPF2CwXgYLGSTwO8b4k2Fdww3CN4HvsSdCBhnG8B1tGMZA24k9_Q4oY_LGUrF/s1600/DSCN2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDooolihGsmdOaRBpo2NNh6yKjINsjPDBf5xDRJhOya1FfoVQiHGT85YYBbXfEmvRJHa072WlezM96GuWPF2CwXgYLGSTwO8b4k2Fdww3CN4HvsSdCBhnG8B1tGMZA24k9_Q4oY_LGUrF/s320/DSCN2642.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dakota's ready.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s1600/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s320/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-86308721278901054822011-10-23T12:15:00.002-04:002011-10-23T12:18:52.015-04:00Pumpkin Spiced Donuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKr-Wwd1iU6tfeBRuYPnMxgcAHRi2LClxJa1uu0nCA3Gjc26Ffykmt8Eakkv-623GhhuwVTRBQt1RyjjfJhiZl26r4cgEzPAlN0tfLJNbu7mCTr3LPpL-b8due1Kx_aXGH3xxoUVLvK2a/s1600/DSCN2599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKr-Wwd1iU6tfeBRuYPnMxgcAHRi2LClxJa1uu0nCA3Gjc26Ffykmt8Eakkv-623GhhuwVTRBQt1RyjjfJhiZl26r4cgEzPAlN0tfLJNbu7mCTr3LPpL-b8due1Kx_aXGH3xxoUVLvK2a/s320/DSCN2599.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Today has been a nice, lazy Sunday so far. I wanted a yummy breakfast with minimal work. These donuts fit the bill perfectly. The recipe comes from <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/08/16/mini-cinnamon-sugar-pumpkin-spiced-doughnuts-rosemary-olive-oil-chips/">Oh She Glows</a>, and yields 12 regular sized donuts. Mom, Matthew, and Mandi tried them, and everyone said they were yummy, too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfu8akTWSGB7YzZxS7T772993T2X0Z3JJGbCg-Wwg43UpYzJZvyYf8W-Iafh9fm8cQkS6mYV4gVza0dkgNvxB_UYRTEJLheUEksXA_hiyf0bLPPCwU60fv3pFw8PucujCUxUmnmQ9vlYb/s1600/DSCN2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfu8akTWSGB7YzZxS7T772993T2X0Z3JJGbCg-Wwg43UpYzJZvyYf8W-Iafh9fm8cQkS6mYV4gVza0dkgNvxB_UYRTEJLheUEksXA_hiyf0bLPPCwU60fv3pFw8PucujCUxUmnmQ9vlYb/s320/DSCN2497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXUS1ftMiNdVHRR0Ypm1GuFlj9s7-UeqrzojpmIEcHfsvhoTnzfpOquD00P0aSSqWZOPi_1u_0-gMGcGZp8DyBsN5WCbEYENlIKdl2GleIZ5AXtPP2Nvxe77qMSwkKMA9xbuRp2UiHhqJ/s1600/DSCN2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXUS1ftMiNdVHRR0Ypm1GuFlj9s7-UeqrzojpmIEcHfsvhoTnzfpOquD00P0aSSqWZOPi_1u_0-gMGcGZp8DyBsN5WCbEYENlIKdl2GleIZ5AXtPP2Nvxe77qMSwkKMA9xbuRp2UiHhqJ/s320/DSCN2498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxfiH2yHFatJVS-MKa7-1Oi-ygSc_KNAhBAGJMKi1pQHwdSO8G33UQ09KzG-0MIX5cTno6iaXbV5y2rw1W5B7yZkDbt2uMqOM-EtjsVCopk0ErbjBVlDrMe6W55c2W0wLEaVPoI2c5rJW/s1600/DSCN2499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxfiH2yHFatJVS-MKa7-1Oi-ygSc_KNAhBAGJMKi1pQHwdSO8G33UQ09KzG-0MIX5cTno6iaXbV5y2rw1W5B7yZkDbt2uMqOM-EtjsVCopk0ErbjBVlDrMe6W55c2W0wLEaVPoI2c5rJW/s320/DSCN2499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU4gdSlRqzZhh2-SVN4Rx1ZDMJnZZtL42xmv4BnKynLQ8nk_X_smHI17VEaWCOdTGkgPph9FHiLTOls52rX2kufJdOFGHsdOay-wkE43UR6RhkwKfgs-3IDKWcz0XD7RChPSW_hbgfIUj/s1600/DSCN2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU4gdSlRqzZhh2-SVN4Rx1ZDMJnZZtL42xmv4BnKynLQ8nk_X_smHI17VEaWCOdTGkgPph9FHiLTOls52rX2kufJdOFGHsdOay-wkE43UR6RhkwKfgs-3IDKWcz0XD7RChPSW_hbgfIUj/s320/DSCN2598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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You'll need:<br />
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<ul style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar (white vinegar may work)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">6 tbsp non-dairy milk</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup fresh or canned pureed pumpkin</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup organic cane sugar (or white)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 tbsp lightly packed brown sugar</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 tbsp Earth Balance (or other non-dairy butter substitute), melted</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 tsp baking soda</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tsp cinnamon + 1/2 tsp ginger, + 1/4 tsp nutmeg (or 1.75 tsp pumpkin pie spice)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 tsp kosher salt</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour</li>
</ul><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><u style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Cinnamon Sugar:</u></div><ul style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup Earth Balance (or other butter sub), melted (approx estimate only)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup sugar</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://ohsheglows.com/images/bullet.png); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1.8em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 tsp cinnamon</li>
</ul><div style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><ul style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease two mini doughnut pans or two regular sized doughnut pans with Earth Balance (or other butter substitute).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, milk, pumpkin, sugar, applesauce, brown sugar (sift if clumpy), and melted Earth Balance (or other butter sub). </div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3. Sift in in the dry ingredients (baking powder, baking soda, spices, salt, and flours). Mix until just combined. I didn’t sift as I was lazy.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">4. Using a ‘zip-lock’ baggie or pastry bag, spoon the batter into the bag and then secure it with the zip lock or rubber band. Twist the bag slightly and then cut off a hole at the corner to ‘pipe’ out the batter. Pipe the dough around the circle and gently flatten down with slightly wet fingers to smooth. Repeat.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">5. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350F or until they gently spring back when touched. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully using a butter knife to remove. Place on cooling rack for another 10-15 minutes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.667em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">6. <u style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Cinnamon Sugar:</u> Melt Earth Balance in a small bowl and dip the cooled doughnuts into butter one at a time. Transfer the dipped doughnut into a bag with the cinnamon sugar and shake until coated thoroughly. Doughnuts keep for 2-3 days.</div></ul><br />
In other, non-food news: meet Squirt!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkidcrWijGKnWBp4-zbkw0X9EnvQfhr06bM-8w-LtHsImgFKR9aVpsHeu5xnjKZRlpxz6muXDhvAilI4heh2UkHWT-vBngsZ3XcG_BBopFv7fArwAoZMuwMY8E-tC6GeDwD0ZtHoXcLJjx/s1600/Photo+on+2011-10-23+at+10.44+%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkidcrWijGKnWBp4-zbkw0X9EnvQfhr06bM-8w-LtHsImgFKR9aVpsHeu5xnjKZRlpxz6muXDhvAilI4heh2UkHWT-vBngsZ3XcG_BBopFv7fArwAoZMuwMY8E-tC6GeDwD0ZtHoXcLJjx/s320/Photo+on+2011-10-23+at+10.44+%25234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Two friends of mine found three stray kittens under their shed yesterday. Most shelters were already closed for the day, and not sure what to do with them, they called me. Despite how insanely cute they were, I was unable to keep any. Luckily, though, Matthew took one. He's been looking for a kitten for several weeks now, so this was perfect! Squirt is super cute and sweet; I'll be sad to see him leave today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s1600/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s320/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-48087857471794679102011-10-22T17:32:00.000-04:002011-10-22T17:32:37.537-04:00BARCStoberfest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My little brother and Mandi are visiting this weekend, and we took Dakota to BARCStoberfest earlier today. There weren't a ton of things for dogs to do, but there were plenty of vendors selling dog toys, treats, clothing, etc. At <a href="http://charmcityvegan.blogspot.com/2011/10/dogfest-2011.html">DogFest</a> last weekend, we found <a href="http://rubyandbailey.com/">Ruby & Bailey</a>, a dog treat company. We bought the fall mix bag (apple and pumpkin flavored treats). Dakota loved them, so we picked up another bag of treats from them today. My favorite part of the festival, though, was that BARCS had adoptable pets out and socializing with festival goers. I wish I could have adopted all of them; we met several sweet, friendly puppies! Dakota and I dressed up, too. Can you tell who we are?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGeeljZ_Wje3EtC-l24tplILZLauVxZyvY519LYQXdVjcCSgZVrrxXh5keqCGTeied05NE1_wMp4IK0s5e1leONhrNUlpijz0tfhD0pJ0MaMT5pS3NnGsHumk8BaLu2dd8H1Slu0yi-MR/s1600/DSCN2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGeeljZ_Wje3EtC-l24tplILZLauVxZyvY519LYQXdVjcCSgZVrrxXh5keqCGTeied05NE1_wMp4IK0s5e1leONhrNUlpijz0tfhD0pJ0MaMT5pS3NnGsHumk8BaLu2dd8H1Slu0yi-MR/s320/DSCN2551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-57fL-vohd4O79JLpSjDdr51COw5bye1Nm6JdtTn7Zc5u21hvDwQJnXd6Nb1gwwmpbrvdw6QhHf73HSk9v8OO1pEnFKgNPag3kJprwVtl2OTEjYmzBumX5OfAFoByI5u5-uqZlx-uhaUW/s1600/DSCN2550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-57fL-vohd4O79JLpSjDdr51COw5bye1Nm6JdtTn7Zc5u21hvDwQJnXd6Nb1gwwmpbrvdw6QhHf73HSk9v8OO1pEnFKgNPag3kJprwVtl2OTEjYmzBumX5OfAFoByI5u5-uqZlx-uhaUW/s320/DSCN2550.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Compassion Over Killing table had vegan food samples!<br />
NOMNOMNOM.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk6EhQ-vUWV-W2hyBTevlyt2_AjNyKhdptAWkzokcK5_OMwsh71lbA9sYCENJitNAJPX_XBB45E-aNo9hik6rn4afSEkcz0nkvXPLb0ZE8WpCfEwBxj5YgJhyphenhyphenNhOzHIafaDFhM74S3FJK/s1600/DSCN2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk6EhQ-vUWV-W2hyBTevlyt2_AjNyKhdptAWkzokcK5_OMwsh71lbA9sYCENJitNAJPX_XBB45E-aNo9hik6rn4afSEkcz0nkvXPLb0ZE8WpCfEwBxj5YgJhyphenhyphenNhOzHIafaDFhM74S3FJK/s320/DSCN2552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan hot dogs, too?!?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nUBSXIBk1KkiFCDyIBH0BoMZ_0reaqO5TyzTslZwIUDAxAwpo7QGdiOJlFFSvEN2VdUy7g7tsVOj_KVyI7_sjubheCy3infD3F9lx0JP5XUF5q5BrasZsPvfZyLCQbsweUGnbTWbzC3e/s1600/DSCN2575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nUBSXIBk1KkiFCDyIBH0BoMZ_0reaqO5TyzTslZwIUDAxAwpo7QGdiOJlFFSvEN2VdUy7g7tsVOj_KVyI7_sjubheCy3infD3F9lx0JP5XUF5q5BrasZsPvfZyLCQbsweUGnbTWbzC3e/s320/DSCN2575.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best friends.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-7000783316319169782011-10-21T19:34:00.000-04:002011-10-21T19:34:22.180-04:00Friday Morning Surprise!I'm closing in on my four-year vegeversary, and in that time, I've experienced mixed responses. Some people ask me if I want a cheeseburger (or bacon, or a hotdog), which I think is completely unfunny and also unoriginal. You're not the first asshole to make that remark, but good try. And I don't go around asking you if you're ready for the heart attack that's probably coming your way. Most people accept it, and that's it. This is preferable. I'm not asking anyone to change what they do, and more importantly, I'm not asking anyone to defend themselves and their choices. Mutual respect, even if we disagree, is ideal in just about any situation. Once in a while, though, people surprise me and take a leap into veganism, and do so for no other reason than for me.<br />
<br />
I don't mean that in a self-centered, "everyone cater to me" way, because I honestly have very low expectations in any situation involving food and people beyond a select few. Omni Mom has been the most brave and daring, dabbling in vegan baking <a href="http://charmcityvegan.blogspot.com/2011/06/carrot-cake-cupcakes.html">more</a> <a href="http://charmcityvegan.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-love-birthdays.html">than once</a>. My Aunt Corry also always makes sure she has something I can eat when we visit her, which is reason #8264 I love her. Mandi has started experimenting with things here and there, too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7BTTYpAjEIDMLMiuns3hAuA7Mjy9QXPg7WjyNU5w9WqVJB9NRpnMMQ9zZiYEJWG6n5GGgFUsgcLJuwjrLX_VAdWzCqYTQooBsHs-lrh8GOgC7lg1uSHPv1T5Rfiuy_2uxryID_4_ZSas/s1600/DSCN1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7BTTYpAjEIDMLMiuns3hAuA7Mjy9QXPg7WjyNU5w9WqVJB9NRpnMMQ9zZiYEJWG6n5GGgFUsgcLJuwjrLX_VAdWzCqYTQooBsHs-lrh8GOgC7lg1uSHPv1T5Rfiuy_2uxryID_4_ZSas/s320/DSCN1994.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandi, yours truly, Aunt Corry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
All of the time and effort and thought put into making food for me is so deeply and sincerely appreciated. Because food is not just food. Food has the potential to speak volumes about who we are, how we think, and what we do.<br />
<br />
This point of this post isn't to wax philosophical, though. The point of this is just to say: I appreciate the thought, energy, and effort people put into making food for me, probably more than anyone realizes.<br />
<br />
That's why when I came into work today and saw a dozen vegan cupcakes on my desk, I was totally surprised! Best Friday morning ever!!! My co-worker/friend Sabrina is pretty fabulous, which isn't shocking because so is her mama. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Her mom wanted to "try something different" and decided to try vegan cupcakes for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwthtAPURyTvAYhTjhcrObPfWsOUXhX7OehBFxD68igIKrxdpNV5XswwY2tWNuH_JFGytMwH0FF4dY726slvxeh753Z0Go6_ywK0fIr68XHljJUYGMhXrY-kzFGwVSrd3GIGndGPagnt5/s1600/296317_10100139938449205_18408452_45551128_337957763_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwthtAPURyTvAYhTjhcrObPfWsOUXhX7OehBFxD68igIKrxdpNV5XswwY2tWNuH_JFGytMwH0FF4dY726slvxeh753Z0Go6_ywK0fIr68XHljJUYGMhXrY-kzFGwVSrd3GIGndGPagnt5/s1600/296317_10100139938449205_18408452_45551128_337957763_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
How awesome and sweet and nice and YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
I can't tell you what recipe was used or speak to their preparation. I can, however, tell you that they were delicious and made a great breakfast alternative today!<br />
<br />
If you're reading: thanks, Mel!!!!!! :D<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s1600/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy4ZGqjUqeMKs0PAixFNxUBT7SDBCE8lGNkfDZe8f1VOXEt3WhH2iMbqKR5oI8khvUzRkXayz4t4SWRSqpaNFbeUSRs0PGrRNcdX1i1EEyiAvDRipjVwwm2T5kSffsCoZJI281-hTTKhc/s320/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7960145700461882689.post-81084657173355239762011-10-20T21:28:00.002-04:002011-10-25T06:23:00.116-04:00Moroccan Stuffed Acorn Squash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l557/nikijones07/Charm%20City%20Vegan/IMAG0209.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is essentially how I judged this recipe and deemed it worthy of sharing with you:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>easy? Yes.</li>
<li>yummy? Most definitely.</li>
<li>ingredients easily found at supermarket? You got it. (I had most everything in my pantry, actually. Win!)</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here we are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You'll need:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div><ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tablespoons brown sugar</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoon butter, melted</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 large acorn squash, halved and seeded</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tablespoons olive oil</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cloves garlic, chopped</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 stalks celery, chopped</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 carrots, chopped</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup garbanzo beans, drained</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup raisins</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 (14 ounce) can veg broth</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup uncooked couscous</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
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<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).</span></span></li><br />
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<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Arrange squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes, or until tender. Dissolve the sugar in the melted butter. Brush squash with the butter mixture, and keep squash warm while preparing the stuffing.</span></span></li><br />
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<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, celery, and carrots, and cook 5 minutes. Mix in the garbanzo beans and raisins. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook and stir until vegetables are tender.</span></span></li><br />
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<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, and mix in the couscous. Cover skillet, and turn off heat. Allow </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">couscous to absorb liquid for 5 minutes. Stuff squash halves with the skillet mixture to serve.</span></li><br />
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</span></div>Nikihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16738674979063521760noreply@blogger.com2