Quick Update

Posted on May 26, 2009 by Katharina

So I’m going to do a quick update on what I’ve been up to. One of my current roommates, aka Matilda’s auntie, is visiting me down in Florida. She got here about a week and the weather has been pretty crappy since. I feel bad because it seems like everything that there is to do around here, besides shop, involves the outdoors. My roommate has a good attitude about it. I’ve been cooking a lot, and coming up with some of my own recipes. I’m mentally taking note of which ones to alter, drop, and keep. It’s been fun coming up with combinations.

The other day it was raining so we decided to go to the Boca Town Center. I also had an Anthropologie coupon to use and a gift to pick up from Sephora. Why? Because it’s my birthday in about 10 minutes! What am I doing here typing up a post? Well I figure I’m should do this now or never. I don’t really like pushing things back. Anyway, all that shopping we did really got our appetites going so we went to the food court. Just as someone was going to offer me a sample of chicken teriyaki, I spotted a vegetarian eatery. It’s called Maoz Vegetarian. I went over there to check it out and they were ready to impress with samples of their falafels, which have cilantro in them. Oh my goodness! I knew exactly what I wanted. It’s like a cooler version of subway. Basically, you get a pita with the yummy falafels and you get to choose what you want inside. I chose to fill it up with beet salad, broccoli and cauliflower, a cilantro sauce, and a tomato and onion salad. You can also add avocado, hummus, feta, babaganoush, eggplant, among other things, They also have different sauces to accompany the pita like garlic (holy yum), yogurt, tahini, and ketchup. The whole experience was a positive one. They don’t hesitate to let you sample things you’re not sure of. Anything you want, they’ve got it! They only have 6 locations in the US. So if you’re near one, I highly suggest you check it out.

By the time I’m posting this I’ll be twenty-one. I guess this means I can now get into clubs in New York and order drinks! I don’t quite get why twenty-one was the chosen age to legally drink and buy alcohol though. Oh well. I haven’t figured out what I want to do though. I was thinking of maybe having lunch or dinner at the Boca Raton Resort. They’ve also got Serendipity there, maybe I’ll get some frozen hot chocolate! Anyway, I’m off to finally finish reading Running with Scissors! Goodnight.

Happy Birthday to me!

TasteSpotting

Posted on May 18, 2009 by Katharina

So I submitted something after La Belle Vegan said she was on TasteSpotting. I’ve seen the site before. Go check it out! The chickpea dish I made yesterday is on the first page.

I’m gonna recap a little starting all the way back from… I can’t remember anymore, but it’s worth noting!

Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Peaches

On Friday I had my best friend over for dinner. I made Cauliflower Dal with Panch Phoran.

Ze ingredients! All combined make an incredible meal.

I followed Happy Herbivore’s recipe for Fire Roasted Channa Masala. The chickpeas were kept company by some garlic broccoli and a methi paratha. I ended up putting a dollop of plain yogurt on top of the chickpeas because it was, I admit, too spicy for me!

Sweet Saffron Yogurt

Now here’s some non-food related stuff! I’ve taken it upon myself to spruce up my parent’s place a bit. I usually end up doing that, since I enjoy decorating a whole lot and I’ve got nothing better to do. Well maybe except soak up the sun. I went to the thrift store with my friend the other day and found some really cute things! Some are actually for my place up in Richmond.

A bread pan for my parent’s place! Some plates and a mug for my place in Richmond.

I also got a wicker cabinet and the colorful frame and photo. The rest of the stuff in there was just me doing what I usually do. What that is… I’m not sure!

This patio set (seat cushions not included)

I’m imagining the patio set over in this part of the backyard against the wall

with the wicker cabinet hanging over and putting a simple vase with some fresh flowers. I’m also going to paint designs on some of the fallen coconuts. It would be such a romantic set-up.

Oh my gosh how could I forget?! I went to this healthfood discount store today and… DRUM ROLL… I found the So Delicious sandwiches in all the flavors I wanted to try! They even had the ones made with coconut milk. Of course I bought a box of the Coconut ones made with coconut milk and biked home as fast as I could. My consensus? I’m pretty sure all of those “ice cream” sandwiches are incredible and edible gifts from above.

Now I’m off to make Susan’s Ethiopian-inspired red lentil soup.

Ps Enter here to get a chance at winning some delicious Coconut Bliss!

The company we keep…

Posted on May 18, 2009 by Katharina

This morning I was definitely in the mood for something comforting. So I decided to make a warm bowl of oatmeal. I tried to mix it up a bit though.

I added a new ingredient – Watkins Butter Pecan Extract. I also added in a banana, coconut oil, and some unsweetened coconut flakes on top. To accompany my oatmeal I had a toasted wheat cake (a Philipino treat), fruit salad topped with yogurt, and Twinings Chamomile Green Tea.

Remember how I told you guys I was going to be cooking for a small gathering? Well I decided to make a yellow lentil and coconut milk soup.My dad made a five-vegetable curry. I didn’t get to take a picture of it though! Our friends also made some gnocchi and a yummy sauce! It was a tomato sauce that was slightly sweet and zesty. We brought food and of course my doggy, Matilda! She had no idea that she would be making a friend. After dinner we went to go see Tango Undressed performed by some dancers of the Miami Contemporary Dance Company. I wasn’t crazy about it, but it did make me want to take up dance again. It’s incredible how the human body can move. After the show we went back to our friends’ place to have coffee and cookies. They actually had vegan cookies as well. It was funny actually because they told me those cookies are for me. Then I saw them put more cookies out on a dish and I asked, “what’s wrong with those?” They thought I was vegan! It was so funny. Anyway, here are some pictures.

“What’s going on?”

This guy had a totally retro ride and what I call a Cuban grandpa hat. Notice the shrunken head hanging from the rear view mirror.

Matilda’s new friend, Simba!

Today I really went all out in the kitchen. I made huevos rancheros with some modifications. I followed this recipe to make polenta crackers, instead of using tortillas. This is the first time I’ve had eggs in a really long time. I’m not the biggest fan of eggs, nor is my stomach. But my mom saw the recipe and kept bringing it up, so I took it as a hint.

Polenta crackers

The huevos rancheros and a sliced pear on the side. Look at the little heart I cut out! I decided to sprinkle the pear with cinnamon.

For dinner I made up a recipe. Soba noodles with a squeeze of lime juice was the foundation. I roasted summer squashes, onions, and pineapple in a teriyaki sauce, and cooked some chickpeas in the same sauce.

This was incredible! Do you guys like the new placemats?

My mother and I went on a little shopping adventure today. We also did a lot of home decorating and picture hanging.

We also got Walkers Shortbread Raspberry Thins and Caramel Cream coffee by Flavor Xotics. The coffee smelled so delicious!

These followed after dinner along with coffee. What a nice way to end a Sunday.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I can’t believe it’s already the middle of May.

Dinner is served

Posted on May 14, 2009 by Katharina

Yesterday I told you guys that I would be posting yesterday’s dinner today. Did that sentence make sense? Just double checking!

I think mealtimes are very important parts of our day. Of course there are times when we are rushed, and scarfing down food is something I try to avoid. Some times I’ll make meals the night before if I know that I will be pressed on time. Anyway, back to dinner. My family is the kind of family that sits down together for meals. I definitely don’t ask to be excused, because why would I? I’m lucky to feel connected to my family and enjoy their company. Yesterday was so nice. My parents helped set the table outside, since I prepared the food. We ended up sitting out in the backyard for a couple of hours just talking. Matilda also joined us. It was so cute watching her. She would scurry around the patio like she was hunting for the pack. Then she’d come sit upright at my feet like she was reporting for duty.

For dinner I made

Avocado Mac and “Cheese” over super high protein pasta (23g!!!)

Sweet Balsamic Portobello Mushrooms with Parmigiano Reggiano over a bed of spinach

I served it with some fruity berry tea. We usually have teas with our meals. I also had some of the Almond and Black Sesame Seed spread with some dipping foods. I finished dinner off with a So Delicious Vanilla frozen sandwich. The meal was a hit with my parents, but the avocado mac and “cheese” was the real star of the show.

Not sure if you noticed the little set up going on behind the table. Last summer break was when I put together what I call the “shrine”. I was so proud of myself when I completed it. It had a lot of greenery going on and fresh herbs. However, my parents didn’t exactly take care of it while I’ve been away at school. I guess I’ll have to start over again?

I’m not sure if you can see, but on the “frame” (I just made it into a chalkboard) I had written “Please take care of me!”

After dinner I had to go on a 12 hour fast to get blood work done this morning. Even though I would be asleep through most of it, I was starting to get impatient. Luckily, I was in and out of the doctor’s office in no time! It was nice because my family was able to sit down and have breakfast together on a weekday. That usually doesn’t happen because I normally eat breakfast around 9. I made my parents some overnight oats. This time I decided to put in some golden raisins, pistachios, and orange blossom water. For myself I made a bowl of warm oats with chocolate protein powder and banana. I also mixed in some coconut oil and peanut butter. I also spread some more coconut oil on a slice of arequipe filled banana bread. I almost forgot! I made a papaya and mora smoothie as well. My dad also made a juice that consisted of kale, apples, beets, ginger, and carrots. Here’s to rosy cheeks!

I decided to catch some rays this morning and start reading a book I brought with me. It’s called Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. So far I’m enjoying it.

Well I have to go! I’m about to meet up/catch up with a friend and try Jamaican food for the first time! My friend said they had vegetarian options for the patties. I’m so excited!

This weekend I’m going to be watching a show called Tango Desnudo with some family friends. Beforehand we’re going to meet up at their place to have dinner and it’s going to be a small potluck. I’m thinking I might make an Indian recipe.

Does anyone have a vegetarian/vegan recipe that has amazed non-vegetarians?

Adventure time!

Posted on May 14, 2009 by Katharina

My taste-buds went on so many adventures today!

For breakfast I made some overnight oats once again. I just love the fresh taste and it’s just a great way to start the day. I had my oats with a spoonful of peanut butter.

The oats had a friend this morning. A slice of the arequipe filled banana bread and coconut oil smothered on top.

So I froze a banana for the overnight oats and let it thaw out in the fridge and this is what happened!

Okay okay so I’m going to rewind a bit. Let’s go back to yesterday afternoon shall we? Yesterday I was browsing through recipes looking for “the one.” We had gotten a crapload of bananas that were on sale for 79 cents. I found a banana bread recipe on VeggieGirl. I changed it up a bit though. Instead of using canola oil I used a combination of avocado oil and almond oil. I think next time I’ll just use almond oil though. I also added something special to the recipe! I added a thin layer of arequipe (the Colombian version of dulce de leche) inside of the bread. This was definitely a good call! I’m going to called this recipe Arequipe filled Banana Bread. The family and I decided to give it a try when it was time for The Real Housewives of New York Reunion. Those women are really entertaining, really!

Some Arequipe filled Banana Bread lovin’! I cut up a pear to go along with the bread. My parents just got sample sizes since that’s all they wanted. My mom asked me to pack her 2 for work the next day. Then she made puppy eyes at me to give her a bite of mine. Ha!

Arequipe filled Banana Bread

3 overripe bananas

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/8 cup almond oil

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons molasses

2 cups flour (I used WW)

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Arequipe

Nondairy “milk” of choice, added to the batter as needed (I used soymilk)

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly coat a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mash the three bananas. Then, mix in the applesauce, almond oil, sugar, and molasses. Mix well.
In the same bowl, add in the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. As the mixture starts to thicken up/combine, add as much nondairy “milk” as you need (but not too much) so you can still stir the batter.
Pour 1/2 of the mixture into the loaf pan. Then spread the arequipe over that layer. You can decide how thick or thin you want the layer to be. Once you do that, then pour in the rest of the mixture.
Bake for about 45 minutes

Let’s fast forward now. Where were we? Aha!

I made another recipe from a fellow blogger. I made Gena’s Almond and Black Sesame Seed Spread. Since I didn’t have enough almonds on hand I used pecans instead. I was a little hesitant, but it turned it yummy.

I spread it on some crackers and carrots. Very very delicious!

I also made red cabbage in mango chutney and unsweetened shredded coconut on top served over noodles.

The noodles started to turn blue and so did my tongue!

And look at what I finally got ahold of! I’ve been looking for these babies every time I go to the grocery store.

I have obviously been searching for way too long! Girl, get ahold of yourself. I had these as a dessert with my dinner. They were so good! Better than the cardboard box I ate through to get to one of these minis. It definitely tasted like your classic ice cream sandwich. Usually I find that mock products are off on taste, such as Tofutti cream cheese. These, however, were indeed “so delicious“. I just looked at the website and they have a coconut and banana split sandwiches but made with coconut milk! Oh my gosh and a neapolitan one too! Turtle Mountain rules! I have a feeling I will never find these though. Maybe I can ask the discount health-food store around here that they should really look into expanding their err… Turtle Mountain products horizon!

I went all out for dinner tonight. We had it outside and it was so nice. I’m going to post about it tomorrow though. I can’t give it all up in one post ya know! It’s like a soap opera – cutting off right when it’s getting super juicy.

I’ll leave you guys with these things though.

GoodBelly wishes you a good night!

What’s your favorite ice cream?

What to do when it’s raining

Posted on May 13, 2009 by Katharina

Okay so I was looking through this website called Perpetual Kid. They have some hilarious things on there, oh my gosh! So here are some must-haves that I found on there.

This will ensure that my roommates will not eat my food. Well maybe one of them still would. She is pretty nasty and has brought moldy chocolate milk to the sink before.

This is too cute! Since breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, it makes sense that I have to have this.

Just check the website out. They have so many other things on there like crazy USB drives and “things that shoot”.

I was also looking at this other website my mom sent me for vacation homes. She really wants to go to Colombia with me this summer. Umm, after taking a look at some of the places I am definitely in!

Imagine eating breakfast with the sun shining in.

Prime real estate for breezy afternoon naps!

Or this?

Outdoor kitchen and a hammock!

Okay so that’s enough. I think I just built my dream house!

Mom’s Specialty

Posted on May 12, 2009 by Katharina

My mom actually has a few specialties under her belt. Actually she doesn’t really wear belts, but you know what I mean! I realize that I mention my mom a lot in my blog. The other day I was showing her my blog and she kept “aww-ing” at all the mentions of her, and how cute I am. Oh brother. Anyway, like I mentioned in a previous post, I was going to show you guys what my mom prepared for my arrival. Aren’t I special?

Voila!

Umm excuse me food, I’m just getting a little up close and personal!

She made curried vegetables (real curry leaves) with coconut milk and paneer. If you guys haven’t tried any paneer dishes then do yourself a favor and run to the nearest Indian restaurant and eat some! It’s so yummy! I added some mushrooms because I love them. My mom served it alongside some corn noodles she found at the Oriental market, and a bread that is similar to paratha but it’s filled with an herb I can’t think of right now. As usual, we had a bowl of fruit complete with papaya and mango! I decided to put some yogurt on top, and the rest of my family asked for some on their fruit too. I love my parents’ curiosity with food. I think I got it from them. My dad loves to experiment combinations of spices, fruits, vegetables, and oils when he makes his sauces. My mom explores what nature has to offer when she makes salads and stir-fries. She also likes to incorporate cheeses and nuts. As for me, I like to do everything! Maybe on an afternoon when no one feels pressed with time I can get my parents to help me bake something. I can just imagine a bag of flour ripping open and my mom just laughing at whoever did it. It would probably be her… that would make her laugh louder!

Also upon my arrival my mom handed me an envelope I received in the mail. I have to share the adorableness with you guys!

IMG_3849_2

IMG_3851_2

IMG_3854_2 I swear Anthropologie has mastered the art of charming!

I hope you all enjoyed your Monday! I can’t even tell the difference between the days now. Oh the wonders of summer break.

ps I added a bit more to my ‘About’ page. Enjoy!

Where’s your favorite place to shop?

Mother’s Day

Posted on May 11, 2009 by Katharina

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today I treated my mom to a special breakfast. I finally got around to making overnight oats. It reminded me of muesli – very fresh tasting! My mom really enjoyed it and I made some for her to enjoy tomorrow. We both agreed it was a nice way to start the day. I also made a smoothie. Let me think of a name for it. Hmm… how about Vanilla Strawberry Cantaloupe Smoothie. I’d like some flaxseed in mine please!

My mom’s bowl.

My bowl, in which I added dry cereal, caramelized banana, coconut oil, peanut butter, and arequipe.

Arequipe is the Colombian version of Dulce de Leche.

We ended up going to this wonderful Indian restaurant. The decorations were all so vibrantly colorful and happy. They had a huge bowl of rose petals with candles amongst the set up. They had Kashmiri Naan but they added sweetened carrot inside… let me tell you. You’ve never had a naan like this before! I only got a few pictures in. The only ones of the food were of the desserts.

IMG_3886_2

All of it left me saying yummmmm. Well, except for the Chocolate Madras cake. I’m not so crazy about super chocolaty cake.

IMG_3877_2 Isn’t she cute? Afterwards the waitress gave her a beautiful rose.

IMG_3891_2 Mom and la rose!

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So far I give this day a thumbs up!

Afterwards my mom was feeling tired so me and my dad let her rest. I made her some mint tea to soothe her tummy after our big dunch (that’s lunch and dinner combined). My dad and I decided to go on a bike ride. It was so nice! I have forgotten how beautiful it is around where I live. I’m use to all the stuff that has been built up, so it’s easy to miss the nature that still remains. Then when we got back from our bike ride, my mom was ready for part 2! We gave ourselves facials complete with scrubbing, steaming, extracting, and masking! While we were masking we looked through our Anthropologie catalogs and watched the Lifetime Network. Right now my mom is currently next to me and passed out though. I guess it was a long day for her, huh?

It’s good to be home

Posted on May 9, 2009 by Katharina

So I’m finally back home. Only for 2 weeks, but I’m going to soak it up. Along with the sun!

I came home to my mom making lunch and it was so good. It was even better because I didn’t have to cook it. Don’t get me wrong I really enjoy cooking, but every once in awhile it’s nice to have someone cook for you. I’ll post what she made later.

My parents are really big into juicing. I remember when I was younger and I thought it was disgusting but they convinced me to drink it because it would make my cheeks turn rosy. I just had a cup of it now and I think it’s so yummy! I guess my taste buds have changed quite a bit over the years. I’d like to think they’re more refined. I like to try new things but if something tastes bad then I get kind of peeved.

Anyway, since being home I’ve done my laundry while having the freedom to do something else besides watch my laundry and hope no one steals my underwear when I’m not looking. I also did a pilates routine from memory. This past semester I took a class for school and learned so much about pilates and the man behind it. Did you guys know that Joseph Pilates was influenced by the way cats would stretch? In the concentration camps back in WWII he observed their stretching and basically how they did that all day. He also noticed that they ate very little like the prisoners. He developed exercises that could be done in a small space because they had to do them in their bunks. Incredible! On top of that, my mom took Matilda out for me. I do enjoy walks, but sometimes I just want to be lazy. Meet Matilda!

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This was when she was really hairy! I’ll post a more recent picture of her later.

How is everyone’s weekend going so far? Any neat ideas for Mother’s day? Or are some of you sitting back and getting all the love and roses tomorrow?

Stir-fry and Goat Cheese

Posted on May 8, 2009 by Katharina

This was my lunch awhile back but I just wanted to share the goods. I made a stir-fry with red cabbage, chickpeas, summer squash, and I forgot what sauce. I love red cabbage in my stir-fries. Actually, a really yummy addition to stir-fries are pomegranate seeds! My mom likes to do that, and it adds this delicious splash of flavor. Now! The toast was my favorite part of the meal. I had some goat cheese leftover from the pizza I made, so I thought, “hmm… why don’t I put this on top of some bread?” So I toasted some bread, spread on some goat cheese, and put on some of Trader Joe’s Rosemary Marcona almonds. I also sprinkled on some extra rosemary because I can! Have you guys ever had rosemary bread? If you haven’t, I highly highly recommend it! You can try baking it yourself and dipping it in a mix of olive oil and fresh ground black pepper. It’s seriously to die for.

Katharina's Food Adventures

Monthly Archives: May 2009