Summer!
Waking up late, going to bed late, cooking, eating, reading! All things I like to do during the summer. Unfortunately, pursuing my Master's Degree has but a little damper on my usual summer activities. But, I will not be dismayed I will find time to sleep in late, watch my favorite television shows, cook, eat and of course read.
I cannot resist a new cookbook and Facebook ensures that I know about every cookbook that is published. I had heard about Miyoko Schinner, because of her vegan cheese line. Unfortunately, living in paradise means that I may never taste these delicacies. But, if I have the inclination I can make them at home using her recipes. Yet, I have no interest in making cheese, considering I don't really like the stuff. Thankfully, this cookbook has so much more. My Auntie Esther makes pecan rolls that will make you scream... I have tried to recreate this recipe many times with so many failures. Schinner's Basic Yeasted Sweet Pastry Dough is the closest I have ever got. It results in fluffy, sweet dough! If this is the only thing I ever make from this book, it was well worth it.
Did I ever mention that I am obsessed with midwives? Well reading about them at least. I stumbled across a book on my Kindle called The Reluctant Midwife. This is not a christian book, but it is a good read. All the trials and tribulations faced by a very reluctant midwife during the Great Depression, while dragging along a catatonic doctor. Great read!
I received a free copy of the book The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr. This book was less about a midwife and more about a town that is served by a midwife. Trinity, Pennslyvania is an interesting place with all kinds of characters that will make you love this town. Martha Cade faces an interesting dilemma, a doctor who threatens her position in the town, along with a mystery. Martha is an engaging character who has an interest in so many lives all over Trinity. If you love midwives and small towns, you will enjoy this book.
This month I traveled to San Antonio for a conference. During this time my church voted on an issue connected to women being ordained. Unfortunately, in the end the vote went the other way and women will not be ordained. Perhaps, this is why I found Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson so interesting. The story itself was not so engaging and I do not like books that leave you hanging which this book does. Yet, the story did make me think as Abrianna Cunningham, wrestled with the position of women in ministry. I thoroughly enjoyed her spirited arguments and determination to serve.
San Antonio! The highlight of this trip was my first ever visit to Whole Foods. YAY! I got to try Beyond Meat's Chik'n Strips and CHAO cheese. I love that place, and cannot wait to go back.
Another month left for my semi-vacation. Hopefully, I will be doing lots of cooking, eating and reading!
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Too Many Books, Too Little Time
I had decided to stop buying cookbooks... but then I thought, "Can a person ever have too many cookbooks?" Well, maybe they can, especially if they are overflowing and spilling off the shelf.
Nonetheless, I have an addiction to good fiction and cookbooks. Can't resist either one!
I recently got a chance to read Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas. This is her second novel and is a continuation (sort of) of her first, Miracle in Dry Season. That book told the story of Perla who always had her food multiply (in a five loaves, two fish kind of way). Until the Harvest tells the story of her son, Henry who I must say was the most annoying human in the world or in this book. The other main character is Margaret who has an awful mother, but saintly sister Mayfair. Mayfair is gifted like Perla is, though in a different way. The story explores the impact of Mayfair's gift, Henry's bad decisions and their effect on everyone and even Perla's past. I don' know if I will read another book by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I don't really like her style of writing. I wanted the story to end and didn't feel any connections with the characters. I may decide to try this author again though, because I can't really resist a book. A free copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for this very honest review.
I just picked up my copy of "Infuse." Now this was a weird choice, since I do not drink alcohol and look weirdly at people that have stuff floating in their water. But I decided to give this a try because... I love Mason Jars. I have a ton of them that I never use, and this provides me with the perfect excuse. Infuse has recipes for oils, spirits and water. This weekend I will be trying the Jalapeno-Spiked Grapefruit Water, sounds weird I know, but I cannot wait! A review of this book will be coming up shortly.
Vegan with a Vengeance was my first vegan cookbook, and despite the fact that I love Isa Chandra, I did not love that book. So why did I buy the ten year anniversary edition? Because I have a problem... could not resist. I plan to try out a few of the new recipes in it as soon as I get a chance. The pizza dough recipe in that book is the best ever!
Finally, when a person realizes that a cookbook is not a good fit, the best thing to do is to find it a new home. Last week I found new homes for Vegan Taco and Salsa and Moles. Under no circumstances should you leave a cookbook languishing on your shelf. Give it to someone who will love and cherish it!
Now, there are not many opportunities to visit a fully vegan restaurant in Nassau, but I must give a shout out to Eat Right Delights. This is a new vegan take-out located at the intersection of Wulff Road and Market Street. The food is affordable and good. Please give it a try!
Nonetheless, I have an addiction to good fiction and cookbooks. Can't resist either one!
I recently got a chance to read Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas. This is her second novel and is a continuation (sort of) of her first, Miracle in Dry Season. That book told the story of Perla who always had her food multiply (in a five loaves, two fish kind of way). Until the Harvest tells the story of her son, Henry who I must say was the most annoying human in the world or in this book. The other main character is Margaret who has an awful mother, but saintly sister Mayfair. Mayfair is gifted like Perla is, though in a different way. The story explores the impact of Mayfair's gift, Henry's bad decisions and their effect on everyone and even Perla's past. I don' know if I will read another book by Sarah Loudin Thomas, I don't really like her style of writing. I wanted the story to end and didn't feel any connections with the characters. I may decide to try this author again though, because I can't really resist a book. A free copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for this very honest review.
I just picked up my copy of "Infuse." Now this was a weird choice, since I do not drink alcohol and look weirdly at people that have stuff floating in their water. But I decided to give this a try because... I love Mason Jars. I have a ton of them that I never use, and this provides me with the perfect excuse. Infuse has recipes for oils, spirits and water. This weekend I will be trying the Jalapeno-Spiked Grapefruit Water, sounds weird I know, but I cannot wait! A review of this book will be coming up shortly.
Vegan with a Vengeance was my first vegan cookbook, and despite the fact that I love Isa Chandra, I did not love that book. So why did I buy the ten year anniversary edition? Because I have a problem... could not resist. I plan to try out a few of the new recipes in it as soon as I get a chance. The pizza dough recipe in that book is the best ever!
Finally, when a person realizes that a cookbook is not a good fit, the best thing to do is to find it a new home. Last week I found new homes for Vegan Taco and Salsa and Moles. Under no circumstances should you leave a cookbook languishing on your shelf. Give it to someone who will love and cherish it!
Now, there are not many opportunities to visit a fully vegan restaurant in Nassau, but I must give a shout out to Eat Right Delights. This is a new vegan take-out located at the intersection of Wulff Road and Market Street. The food is affordable and good. Please give it a try!
Monday, May 11, 2015
A Much Needed Break!
Finally!!! I finally have a much needed break from school---one month. A whole month to relax, read and try complicated vegan dishes.
It all began with Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman. I have read a few of Cushman's books and enjoy her style of writing and the way she deals with difficult issues. Finding Me is about a young woman, Kelli, who is mourning the death of her father. His death leads to Kelli uncovering secrets kept by her father for a very long time. Secrets that reveal who she is, hence the name, finding me. The premise was a good one, but after a while I was like, "Just tell everyone who you are, Hurry up!" It moved kind of slowly, but was worth it in the end. I also recommend Cushman's book-Chasing Hope. That was a perfect book! (Bethany House provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.)
Last week, I saw one of my students reading a thick book and had to examine it closely. After reading the first few pages of the book I was hooked. I went home and loaded it onto my Kindle and spent the entire night reading. The Mysterious Benedict Society! Its a book written for kids, but I could not put it down, Adventure, puzzles, suspense and character development, all in a book for 10 year old kids. If you have kids or love to read get this book. I have even read book 2 in the series, blew my mind!
Now on to the next best part of my break, trying new recipes. I recently received a copy of the book Salsas and Moles. When I think of Salsa one thing comes to mind-tomatoes. This book goes way beyond that! There are classic salsas, chunky salsas and hot salsas. I immediately turned to Salsas for Tacos. I love tacos, and will grasp any opportunity to make them better. There is the basic guacamole and Pico De Gallo which were most familiar to me. Then there were recipes for Spicy Slaw and Taco Stand Onions. The book makes suggestions for use of salsas and I would recommend topping some Gardein Fishless Fillets with the Spicy Slaw. Avocados and mangoes will be here in a few short weeks and I can't wait to use them to try other recipes in Salsas and Moles. (A free copy of this book was provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for my review),
An entire month to savor good books and good food!
It all began with Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman. I have read a few of Cushman's books and enjoy her style of writing and the way she deals with difficult issues. Finding Me is about a young woman, Kelli, who is mourning the death of her father. His death leads to Kelli uncovering secrets kept by her father for a very long time. Secrets that reveal who she is, hence the name, finding me. The premise was a good one, but after a while I was like, "Just tell everyone who you are, Hurry up!" It moved kind of slowly, but was worth it in the end. I also recommend Cushman's book-Chasing Hope. That was a perfect book! (Bethany House provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.)
Last week, I saw one of my students reading a thick book and had to examine it closely. After reading the first few pages of the book I was hooked. I went home and loaded it onto my Kindle and spent the entire night reading. The Mysterious Benedict Society! Its a book written for kids, but I could not put it down, Adventure, puzzles, suspense and character development, all in a book for 10 year old kids. If you have kids or love to read get this book. I have even read book 2 in the series, blew my mind!
Now on to the next best part of my break, trying new recipes. I recently received a copy of the book Salsas and Moles. When I think of Salsa one thing comes to mind-tomatoes. This book goes way beyond that! There are classic salsas, chunky salsas and hot salsas. I immediately turned to Salsas for Tacos. I love tacos, and will grasp any opportunity to make them better. There is the basic guacamole and Pico De Gallo which were most familiar to me. Then there were recipes for Spicy Slaw and Taco Stand Onions. The book makes suggestions for use of salsas and I would recommend topping some Gardein Fishless Fillets with the Spicy Slaw. Avocados and mangoes will be here in a few short weeks and I can't wait to use them to try other recipes in Salsas and Moles. (A free copy of this book was provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for my review),
An entire month to savor good books and good food!
Friday, April 17, 2015
Vegan, Vegan, What do you see?
Vegan, Vegan, What do you see?
I see vegan sausages.
I see vegan pizza.
I see vegan ice cream.
I see vegan food everywhere.
For too long being vegan in paradise meant that food had to be made from scratch all the time! Vegan convenience foods were no where to be found. This is changing, over the past few weeks I have been so pleased to find the variety improving along with accessibility.
Field Roast Sausages
I first saw this item in Grand Bahama and was overjoyed to see it in my local Solomon's Fresh Market. This was awesome served in gravy over grits for breakfast and then simply fried with Patatas Bravas (a recipe I found on The Minimalist Baker's blog). It is very expensive, but good for an occasional treat.
Daiya Pizza
I had taken to ordering a cheese-less pizza from my local pizza place, but never found this particularly satisfying. I then, started making my own pizza (Best Recipe Ever-Deep Dish Pizza in But I Could Never Go Vegan). I love making my own pizza, but there are times when I feel like eating but not cooking. Enter my new favorite, Daiya Pizza from SUPER VALUE Winton. When I saw this in the freezer I did a happy dance and even squealed. I had heard about it, but never had the pleasure. So worth it!! I had the Roasted Vegetable, but will be going back to try the others.
Now to the best part-- Ice Cream! I love Ice Cream! I have missed Ice Cream! Yes, I bought an ice cream maker and a ice cream cook book. Unfortunately, I have never been successful with this. I had the great fortune to try So Delicious Ice Cream while visiting Florida, so I was happy to celebrate my birthday with the almond chocolate bars. Dinner was made complete with the Mocha Almond Fudge flavor. The items are pricey, think over ten dollars for a pint of ice cream. This will be a rare treat for me. You can find this at Solomon's Fresh Market at Harbour Bay.
I have seen some other items that I plan to try as soon as I can. I love cooking at home, but am glad to see the variety of vegan foods expanding.
I see vegan sausages.
I see vegan pizza.
I see vegan ice cream.
I see vegan food everywhere.
For too long being vegan in paradise meant that food had to be made from scratch all the time! Vegan convenience foods were no where to be found. This is changing, over the past few weeks I have been so pleased to find the variety improving along with accessibility.
Field Roast Sausages
I first saw this item in Grand Bahama and was overjoyed to see it in my local Solomon's Fresh Market. This was awesome served in gravy over grits for breakfast and then simply fried with Patatas Bravas (a recipe I found on The Minimalist Baker's blog). It is very expensive, but good for an occasional treat.
Daiya Pizza
I had taken to ordering a cheese-less pizza from my local pizza place, but never found this particularly satisfying. I then, started making my own pizza (Best Recipe Ever-Deep Dish Pizza in But I Could Never Go Vegan). I love making my own pizza, but there are times when I feel like eating but not cooking. Enter my new favorite, Daiya Pizza from SUPER VALUE Winton. When I saw this in the freezer I did a happy dance and even squealed. I had heard about it, but never had the pleasure. So worth it!! I had the Roasted Vegetable, but will be going back to try the others.
Now to the best part-- Ice Cream! I love Ice Cream! I have missed Ice Cream! Yes, I bought an ice cream maker and a ice cream cook book. Unfortunately, I have never been successful with this. I had the great fortune to try So Delicious Ice Cream while visiting Florida, so I was happy to celebrate my birthday with the almond chocolate bars. Dinner was made complete with the Mocha Almond Fudge flavor. The items are pricey, think over ten dollars for a pint of ice cream. This will be a rare treat for me. You can find this at Solomon's Fresh Market at Harbour Bay.
I have seen some other items that I plan to try as soon as I can. I love cooking at home, but am glad to see the variety of vegan foods expanding.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
A Good Food Day
What makes a good food day for you?
On a day when I have been particularly virtuous I feel like I have had a good food day. You know what I mean oats for breakfast, and lots of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. The cookbook, A Good Food Day by Marco Canora seems to have pretty much the same ideas that I have about what good food is.
Good food simply makes you feel good.
Lately, I have been eating only foods that promise to make me feel good, this means that I have slowed down considerably in my consumption of sweets. A Good Food Day is by no means a vegan cookbook, but subconsciously, I think it acknowledges that a plant based diet is the best way to feel good. A good many of the recipes are vegan by chance or design and are pretty good. I veganized the Whole Wheat Rigatoni with Porcini Mushrooms and Baby Spinach (p. 155) by eliminating the cheese and using Earth Balance Butter. The flavors were like nothing I had ever eaten, rich and earthy. I plan to try a few more recipes, veganizing those that need that extra special attention.
The ideas of the author are ones that all of us could pay more attention to. Cook real, quality food and enjoy what you eat. I plan to do this more and have a few more good food days.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Words and Chocolate
My classes are off to a bumpy start, my students can smell summer around the corner, and my stress level is through the roof. Yet, two things that can always calm my frazzled nerves are a good book and some chocolate.
The chocolate lover's box from Vegan Cuts was phenomenal. My favorite products were Jen's Zen Chocolate Raspberry Spread and a Bixby Bar. This box did help me reach the conclusion that I do not like dark chocolate or anything matcha flavored.
The words flowed with books from Bethany House. Like a Flower in Bloom. This book by Siri Mitchell told the story of Charlotte Withersby who assisted her botanist father. Charlotte is more than just an assistant, she has become her father's lifeline, since the death of her mother. An assistant, by the name of Edward Trimble arrives just as Charlotte's father and uncle decided it is time she met a husband. Through a series of improbable events, Edward and Charlotte end up in love. Unfortunately, I enjoyed the Note from the Author about women, botany and the Opium War more than the actual book.The theological discussion about a woman's role a a help was fascinating and enlightening. The events of the story were unlikely and just seemed contrived, I will try other books by this author as I found the main idea engaging.
After enjoying Book 1 in the Canadian West Series by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan I anxiously awaited book 2, "Where Trust Lies."I was sorely disappointed. The story follows Beth Thatcher and her family on a tour of Canada and the U.S. This story basically annoyed me as I never liked Julie, Beth's sister who was featured in this book. I preferred reading about Beth's trials and triumphs in the Canadian West. I am not giving up on this series though and see lots of room for development.
A free copy of both books was provided by Bethany House Publishers. The Vegan Cuts Chocolate Lover's Box was not free, but was worth every PENNY!
The chocolate lover's box from Vegan Cuts was phenomenal. My favorite products were Jen's Zen Chocolate Raspberry Spread and a Bixby Bar. This box did help me reach the conclusion that I do not like dark chocolate or anything matcha flavored.
The words flowed with books from Bethany House. Like a Flower in Bloom. This book by Siri Mitchell told the story of Charlotte Withersby who assisted her botanist father. Charlotte is more than just an assistant, she has become her father's lifeline, since the death of her mother. An assistant, by the name of Edward Trimble arrives just as Charlotte's father and uncle decided it is time she met a husband. Through a series of improbable events, Edward and Charlotte end up in love. Unfortunately, I enjoyed the Note from the Author about women, botany and the Opium War more than the actual book.The theological discussion about a woman's role a a help was fascinating and enlightening. The events of the story were unlikely and just seemed contrived, I will try other books by this author as I found the main idea engaging.
After enjoying Book 1 in the Canadian West Series by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan I anxiously awaited book 2, "Where Trust Lies."I was sorely disappointed. The story follows Beth Thatcher and her family on a tour of Canada and the U.S. This story basically annoyed me as I never liked Julie, Beth's sister who was featured in this book. I preferred reading about Beth's trials and triumphs in the Canadian West. I am not giving up on this series though and see lots of room for development.
A free copy of both books was provided by Bethany House Publishers. The Vegan Cuts Chocolate Lover's Box was not free, but was worth every PENNY!
Sunday, February 8, 2015
February..A Time for Seitan and Chocolate!
It's February already!
The year is in full swing and I am swinging right along with it. My classes have begun again and squeezing in time to cook is hard. Yet, it has never been more important to me. The government implemented a new Value Added Tax (VAT) on January 1, 2015 and this spurred me to re-evaluate my spending. This evaluation led me to the conclusion that I am not eating out...ever. I have mostly been able to stick to this new rule, with very few slip-ups. So now I have less time to cook, but need to do it more than ever...sigh.
I have developed a new love for seitan. I had eaten seitan many years ago, when a friend prepared it for me. This convinced me that I did not like it, now I love it. What made the difference? Steaming! Boiling in my opinion, does not do seitan justice, just makes it all mushy. But steaming!!!! Wow!
Isa Does It! has a great recipe for sausage, Salad Samurai has a pretty good one that absorbs lots of flavor but my absolute favorite is found in my new favorite cookbook, But I Could Never Go Vegan!
Full of flavor! I love seitan (did I mention this?), but have found gluten flour to be expensive here. I ordered some from Amazon (Bob's Red Mill) and was pleased with the product and price.
Did I mention my new favorite cook book? But I Could Never Go Vegan! I had actually never heard of the author, but read about the cookbook somewhere and am so happy I took a chance on it. All of the recipes I have tried have been winners- Sunflower Sausage, Cornmeal Waffles, Seitan, Lentil Mushroom Meatloaf, Sausage Biscuits and Gravy. I am sure I said that I really like this book. I have even ordered it for a friend who is trying out the Vegan lifestyle. YAY!
February celebrates love and all things chocolate, which I happen to love. I ordered the Vegan Cuts Chocolate Lovers Box, despite my budget and some tummy issues. Who can resist chocolate, especially in February? I will fill you in on all the yummy details.
Happy February!
The year is in full swing and I am swinging right along with it. My classes have begun again and squeezing in time to cook is hard. Yet, it has never been more important to me. The government implemented a new Value Added Tax (VAT) on January 1, 2015 and this spurred me to re-evaluate my spending. This evaluation led me to the conclusion that I am not eating out...ever. I have mostly been able to stick to this new rule, with very few slip-ups. So now I have less time to cook, but need to do it more than ever...sigh.
I have developed a new love for seitan. I had eaten seitan many years ago, when a friend prepared it for me. This convinced me that I did not like it, now I love it. What made the difference? Steaming! Boiling in my opinion, does not do seitan justice, just makes it all mushy. But steaming!!!! Wow!
Isa Does It! has a great recipe for sausage, Salad Samurai has a pretty good one that absorbs lots of flavor but my absolute favorite is found in my new favorite cookbook, But I Could Never Go Vegan!
Full of flavor! I love seitan (did I mention this?), but have found gluten flour to be expensive here. I ordered some from Amazon (Bob's Red Mill) and was pleased with the product and price.
Did I mention my new favorite cook book? But I Could Never Go Vegan! I had actually never heard of the author, but read about the cookbook somewhere and am so happy I took a chance on it. All of the recipes I have tried have been winners- Sunflower Sausage, Cornmeal Waffles, Seitan, Lentil Mushroom Meatloaf, Sausage Biscuits and Gravy. I am sure I said that I really like this book. I have even ordered it for a friend who is trying out the Vegan lifestyle. YAY!
February celebrates love and all things chocolate, which I happen to love. I ordered the Vegan Cuts Chocolate Lovers Box, despite my budget and some tummy issues. Who can resist chocolate, especially in February? I will fill you in on all the yummy details.
Happy February!
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